The 2025 season didn’t exactly go the way Clemson fans had envisioned back in August, but the Tigers didn’t go quietly into the offseason. Instead, they closed the year with a statement, stacking back-to-back wins over quality ACC opponents and finishing strong with a 28-14 rivalry win over South Carolina. And while the offense did its part, it was the defense that stole the show-and two of its brightest stars got the recognition to match.
Defensive lineman T.J. Parker and defensive back Ricardo Jones were both named ACC Players of the Week at their respective positions, a fitting capstone to their standout performances in the season finale.
Let’s start with Parker. The junior edge rusher came into the year with first-round NFL Draft buzz after a dominant 2024 campaign, where he led all Power Four pass rushers with 12 sacks. This season didn’t quite hit those same heights-five sacks over 12 games is a step back on paper-but Saturday’s performance reminded everyone just how disruptive he can be when he’s locked in.
Parker racked up three sacks against the Gamecocks, tying the all-time record for a single game in the storied South Carolina-Clemson rivalry. He also recovered a fumble, flying to the ball with the kind of hustle that’s become his calling card.
It was a full-throttle effort from a player who, despite a quieter statistical season, still managed to post 37 tackles, five sacks, and three fumble recoveries across 12 games. His NFL decision looms-whether he returns for one more year or declares for the draft-but performances like Saturday’s are why scouts have stayed intrigued.
Head coach Dabo Swinney didn’t hold back in his praise for Parker after the win. “Story of the game was defense in the second half,” Swinney said.
“My favorite part of that was TJ Parker was hustling to the ball and came up with it downfield.” That kind of effort, especially in a rivalry game, speaks volumes.
Then there’s Ricardo Jones, who had himself a day in the secondary. The sophomore defensive back picked off two passes, one of which he returned for a touchdown. That pick-six was the exclamation point on a breakout year, and it pushed him to the top of the ACC leaderboard with six interceptions on the season.
Jones has been a steady presence all year, but Saturday’s performance was a showcase of his instincts, ball-tracking ability, and playmaking flair. According to Swinney, it’s no surprise.
“That’s the one thing about him: he loves to play,” Swinney said. “He loves to practice, he loves his teammates.
He’s as tough as they come, and he knows his limitations, but he’s just a very smart, instinctive player.”
Took the ball, took the trophy, and now, taking home ACC honors.
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) December 1, 2025
Ricardo Jones: ACC Defensive Back of the Week
T.J. Parker: ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week
📰: https://t.co/Ftvuh3Dnqq pic.twitter.com/EvB6wJpe5f
Parker echoed that sentiment, giving his teammate a well-deserved shoutout after the game. “I’m so proud of Ricardo,” he said.
“He’s been making a lot of plays for us this year, man, just his ability to track the ball, man, it’s been great. I’m glad he finally got in the end zone, you know, so happy about that.”
It’s the kind of chemistry and mutual respect you love to see from a defense that’s been through the grind together. And while Clemson’s season won’t end with a conference title or playoff berth, the final stretch showed that the Tigers still have plenty of bite-especially on the defensive side of the ball.
With young stars like Jones ascending and veterans like Parker still making noise, Clemson’s defense has a foundation to build on. Whether that includes another year of Parker in orange remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: when the Tigers needed their defense to step up, these two delivered.