Think you know where the Bengals find their talent? This Saturday’s LSU vs. Clemson showdown isn’t just a top-ten clash – it’s a future Bengals talent pool! From potential offensive line anchors to game-changing defenders, we’re breaking down the college stars Cincinnati might target. Who will make the biggest impression on scout’s radars?
As the NFL season approaches, the Cincinnati Bengals organization consistently demonstrates a keen eye for collegiate talent, particularly from powerhouse programs like LSU and Clemson. These two football titans have proven to be fertile grounds for cultivating elite professional players, a trend evidenced by the Bengals’ current roster featuring stars such as Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase from LSU, alongside prominent Clemson alumni Tee Higgins, Myles Murphy, and Barrett Carter.
This Saturday night, a highly anticipated top-ten matchup between the LSU Tigers and the Clemson Tigers promises to be more than just an early-season spectacle; it represents a critical scouting opportunity for NFL teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, to identify the next generation of impact players. Both rosters are brimming with athletes destined for the professional ranks, making the 7:30 p.m. ABC broadcast a must-watch for scouts and fans alike.
Shifting focus to the potential LSU Tigers NFL Draft prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, the offensive line presents an intriguing option in right guard Josh Thompson. A transfer talent from Northwestern, Thompson’s 2024 campaign saw him allow a mere eight total pressures and zero sacks, showcasing his reliability and effectiveness as a mid-round prospect for Cincinnati Bengals draft considerations. His ability to block proficiently on the move further enhances his appeal to professional offenses.
On the defensive side for LSU, linebackers Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins stand out with their exceptional range, athleticism, and proven blitzing capabilities. While both players faced significant injuries in the 2024 season—Perkins with a torn ACL and Weeks with a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula—their expected return to the field this Saturday will be closely monitored. Their performance will be crucial in assessing their full recovery and continued potential as top NFL prospects.
Beyond these immediate highlights, the LSU squad features additional draft-eligible talent, including quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, wide receivers Nic Anderson and Barion Brown, offensive center Braelin Moore, defensive end Patrick Payton, cornerback Ashton Stamps, and safety AJ Haulcy. Each offers a different skillset that could appeal to NFL franchises looking to bolster various positions.
Turning attention to the Clemson Tigers, their program is renowned for producing some of the most NFL-ready talent in college football. Defensive tackle Peter Woods is undeniably one of the most dominant players in the nation. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 315 pounds, Woods is a formidable force with a prolific first-step off the snap and surprising athleticism for his size, even seeing snaps on the edge in 2024. Projected as a likely top-ten draft selection, his immense talent makes him an unlikely target for the Cincinnati Bengals in their expected late first-round pick following a Super Bowl victory.
Nevertheless, a wealth of other Clemson NFL prospects will be under the scouting microscope. This impressive list includes quarterback Cade Klubnik, wide receiver Antonio Williams, offensive tackles Blake Miller and Tristan Leigh, offensive guard Walker Parks, offensive center Ryan Linthicum, defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart, defensive end Will Heldt, linebacker Wade Woodaz, and safety Khalil Barnes. Each of these athletes brings unique skills and potential to the professional level, providing ample reasons for the Bengals’ scouting department to watch this pivotal game intently.
The deep connections between the Cincinnati Bengals roster and these two collegiate programs add an extra layer of intrigue to Saturday’s contest. With several current Bengals players surely rooting for their alma maters, the outcome of this top-ten battle could have long-term implications for future NFL draft strategies and the continued pipeline of talent to Cincinnati. This game is not just about rivalry; it’s about the future of professional football.
