Clemson’s pass-catchers are ranked among the nation’s best entering the 2026 college football season.
The Tigers’ wide receiver room is a talented group led by returning stars Bryant Wesco Jr. and T.J. Moore, while Clemson has two tight ends with plenty of experience in Olsen Patt-Henry and Christian Bentancur.
CBS Sports ranks Clemson as the 10th-best pass catching unit in college football.
“Clemson battled injuries throughout its receiving corps last season but returns two outstanding young stars in Bryant Wesco Jr. and T.J. Moore,” wrote CBS Sports’ Blake Brockermeyer, a former All-American offensive tackle at Texas and first-round NFL Draft pick of the Carolina Panthers in 1995. “Moore is my favorite of the duo. He’s a long, rangy receiver with an enormous catch radius, natural hands and the ability to beat press coverage. His versatility allows him to excel both outside and in the slot, and he has one of the highest ceilings among receivers in college football.
“Wesco appeared in only seven games but flashed elite talent. He does most of his damage in the short and intermediate passing game, but his top-end speed allows him to stretch defenses vertically. He’s also dangerous after the catch. Tristan Smith received another year of eligibility and should be Clemson’s third-leading receiver. Tyler Brown and Cole Turner return valuable veteran production, but the Tigers are expected to give several freshmen meaningful opportunities. Naeem Burroughs appears to be the most likely breakout candidate.
“Clemson also returns a solid tight end group led by Olsen Patt-Henry and Christian Bentancur, both of whom bring valuable experience and production to the offense.”
Oregon boasts the top pass-catching unit in the country, according to CBS Sports, with Miami, last year’s national runner-up, at No. 2. The Hurricanes will travel to play Clemson at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 3.
Texas, Tennessee and Ohio State round out the top five pass-catching units, per CBS Sports.
Meanwhile, Athlon Sports recently ranked the top 25 receiving corps in college football ahead of the 2026 season, and Clemson checked in at No. 5.
“The Tigers return one of the nation’s top receiving duos with T.J. Moore and Bryant Wesco Jr. back this fall,” Athlon’s Steven Lassan wrote. “Wesco Jr. was limited to just seven games due to injury but still grabbed 31 receptions for 537 yards and six scores. Moore paced the Clemson attack with 52 catches for 837 yards last fall. Tyler Brown and Cole Turner are back to provide veteran depth, and true freshman Naeem Burroughs is a potential breakout candidate. Christian Bentancur and Olsen Patt-Henry form a solid duo at tight end.”
Athlon ranks Ohio State’s receiving corps as the best in the country, followed by Texas, Miami and Oregon.
Florida State, which will host Clemson on Oct. 31, is ranked No. 10. Clemson will open the 2026 season at LSU on Sept. 5, and LSU’s receiving corps is ranked No. 13 by Athlon, while Clemson’s in-state rival, South Carolina, is ranked No. 20.
