Clemson DT Named ‘Sleeper’ Breakout Candidate
By: Gavin Oliver August 28, 2026

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg compiled a list of 51 “sleeper” breakout candidates for the 2026 college football season.

The process involved surveying coaches from every Power 4 conference, and others from the Group of 6, to highlight potential impact players who did not make ESPN’s top 100 players list.

“Every season produces a set of surprise stars, players who emerge from under the radar and enter the spotlight,” Rittenberg wrote.

One Clemson player is identified as a “sleeper” breakout candidate – Andy Burburija.

Even before Burburija took the practice fields for fall camp, there was plenty of buzz surrounding the 6-foot-2, 305-pound defensive tackle this summer. The JUCO signee arrived at Clemson in June, took part in some summer workouts and quickly made an impression.

Now a junior, Burburija spent his first two seasons playing at the JUCO level at Iowa Western Community College. In fact, he is Clemson’s first JUCO addition of the Dabo Swinney era.

Last season, the Crystal Lake, Ill., native earned first-team NJCAA All-America honors after totaling 45 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in helping lead his team to a JUCO national championship.

“Clemson has made some interesting transfer choices as it dips its toe in the portal pond, and Burburija is certainly one to watch as the Tigers reload along the defensive line,” Rittenberg wrote. “He had a very productive season in 2025 at Iowa Western, earning first-team NJCAA All-America honors for a national championship squad. Burburija, who grew up northwest of Chicago, joins a Clemson defensive front that replaces three NFL draft picks, including first-rounder Peter Woods.”

With Clemson facing some unknowns along the interior of the defensive line, the hope is Burburija can have a significant impact for the Tigers, and he figures to be a big part of the rotation at defensive tackle.

“He’s not very tall, but he is powerful and he can run,” Clemson defensive coordinator Tom Allen said, via Rittenberg. “… Really, we need him to play at a high level, and he’s got a chance to. He is so strong.”