The Clemson Tigers linebacker room got a massive boost for 2024 with the return of linebacker Barrett Carter for his senior season. While Dabo Swinney and his staff got a boost, NFL teams now have to wait an extra year to go after his talents in the draft.

Carter was an All-American in 2022 and an All-ACC player again in 2023. Over the last three seasons, he’s totaled 151 tackles, 21 for loss and nine sacks. His mix of agility and strength at the point of attack make him one of the most talented linebackers in the country.

ESPN’s Matt Miller ranked the top prospects at each position in the 2025 class, and Carter was at the top of the linebacker group.

“Carter was widely considered a Round 2 player for 2024 when this past season began, but he’ll return to Clemson and enter the 2025 draft process as my top-ranked linebacker. A true weakside player, Carter has nine sacks, three interceptions and 12 pass breakups over the past two seasons. At 6-1 and 230 pounds, he’s a superstar with three-down ability at the next level.”

2023 wasn’t a perfect year for Carter, yet he’s still proved to be one of the best linebackers in the country. With an extra step up next season, that Round 2 consideration could turn into Day 1 possibilities for Clemson’s soon-to-be captain.