Former Clemson standout wide receiver gets another shot in the NFL
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Former Clemson standout wide receiver gets another shot in the NFL
Alexander Turri, Clemson Wire
·
2 min read
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Cornell Powell's strong run in the UFL has helped open another NFL door.
The formerClemsonreceiver is returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers after the team added him to its training camp roster on Monday. Powell is already familiar with the organization after spending time on Pittsburgh's practice squad last season.
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His return comes after putting together two productive years with the DC Defenders.
Powell helped DC capture theUFLchampionship in 2025 while leading the league with seven touchdown receptions. He followed that up by becoming the Defenders' top target during the 2026 regular season, finishing with a team-high 34 catches and 491 receiving yards.
That yardage total was good for sixth in the UFL. Powell also produced one of his biggest highlights of the season on May 2, pulling down a one-handed touchdown from 12 yards out. He later added 68 yards on five receptions during DC's two postseason games.
His performance went beyond what he did on the field. Powell was also selected as the UFL Sportsman of the Year for 2026.
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Pittsburgh represents the latest chapter in a professional career that began five years ago.
The Kansas City Chiefs used the No. 181 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft to take Powell in the fifth round. Although most of his time in Kansas City was spent on the practice squad, he appeared in three games in 2022 and was part of a franchise that won consecutive Super Bowls.
Powell has since had opportunities with the Seattle Seahawks and Houston Texans before previously landing with the Steelers.
Long before his professional journey took him through multiple leagues and organizations, Powell was part ofClemson's championship run under Dabo Swinney.
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He played for the Tigers from 2016 through 2020, a five-year stretch that included five ACC championships, five College Football Playoff appearances and two national titles.
Powell had to wait until the end of his Clemson career for his biggest role. He entered his final season with only 40 catches and 329 receiving yards to his name before breaking through in 2020.
By the time his college career was finished, Powell had increased those totals to 93 receptions, 1,211 yards and 10 touchdowns across 54 appearances. His final season also earned him third-team All-ACC recognition.
After working his way back onto the NFL radar through the UFL, Powell will now try to turn his latest opportunity in Pittsburgh into a spot with the Steelers.
Clemson wide receiver Adam Randall (8) warms up before the game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, October 1, 2022.
Ncaa Football Clemson Football Vs Nc State Wolfpack
(Ken Ruinard, Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Dec 3, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Adam Randall (8) is tackled by North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Don Chapman (2) during the fourth quarter of the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
(Bob Donnan, Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)
Oct 21, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Adam Randall (8) catches a pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
(Rich Storry, Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports)
Nov 18, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Adam Randall (8) catches a ball against North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Kaimon Rucker (25) during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
(Ken Ruinard, Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports)
Clemson Tigers wide receiver Adam Randall (8) rushes for yards as he escapes Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Zion Childress (11) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA football matchup in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Friday, Dec. 29, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Clemson Tigers edged the Kentucky Wildcats 38-35. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
(Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio, Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Clemson running back Adam Randall (8) slips against Troy during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 6, 2025.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina, Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Oct 11, 2025; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Adam Randall (8) runs the ball against the Boston College Eagles during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, Eric Canha-Imagn Images)
Duke Blue Devils safety Ma'Khi Jones (26) goes to tackle Clemson Tigers running back Adam Randall (8) Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, during the NCAA football game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News, Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Nov 1, 2025; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Adam Randall (8) rushes the ball during the game against the Duke Blue Devils at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alex Martin-Imagn Images
(Alex Martin, Alex Martin-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images)
Nov 14, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Adam Randall (8) runs the ball against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Clemson defeated Louisville 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
(Jamie Rhodes, Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images)
Clemson running back Adam Randall (8) scores near South Carolina defensive back Vicari Swain (4) during the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Saturday, November 29, 2025.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co Inc SC, Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co Inc SC / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Clemson running back Adam Randall (8) scores a two-point conversion against South Carolina during the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Saturday, November 29, 2025.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co Inc SC, Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co Inc SC / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Dec 27, 2025; Bronx, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Adam Randall (8) gains yards after catch during the first half of the 2025 Pinstripe Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)
Dec 27, 2025; Bronx, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Adam Randall (8) looks to gain yards after a catch as Penn State Nittany Lions safety Dejuan Lane (10) pursues during the first half of the 2025 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)
Dec 27, 2025; Bronx, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Adam Randall (8) celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown during the second half of the 2025 Pinstripe Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)
1/15
NFL Draft 2026: Adam Randall photos from Clemson football career
Clemson wide receiver Adam Randall (8) warms up before the game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, October 1, 2022.
Ncaa Football Clemson Football Vs Nc State Wolfpack
(Ken Ruinard, Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY NETWORK)
1/15
NFL Draft 2026: Adam Randall photos from Clemson football career
Clemson wide receiver Adam Randall (8) warms up before the game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, October 1, 2022.
Ncaa Football Clemson Football Vs Nc State Wolfpack
(Ken Ruinard, Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY NETWORK)
2/15
NFL Draft 2026: Adam Randall photos from Clemson football career
Dec 3, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Adam Randall (8) is tackled by North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Don Chapman (2) during the fourth quarter of the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
(Bob Donnan, Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)
3/15
NFL Draft 2026: Adam Randall photos from Clemson football career
Oct 21, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Adam Randall (8) catches a pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
(Rich Storry, Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports)
4/15
NFL Draft 2026: Adam Randall photos from Clemson football career
Nov 18, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Adam Randall (8) catches a ball against North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Kaimon Rucker (25) during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
(Ken Ruinard, Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports)
5/15
NFL Draft 2026: Adam Randall photos from Clemson football career
Clemson Tigers wide receiver Adam Randall (8) rushes for yards as he escapes Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Zion Childress (11) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA football matchup in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Friday, Dec. 29, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Clemson Tigers edged the Kentucky Wildcats 38-35. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
(Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio, Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio / USA TODAY NETWORK)
6/15
Former Clemson running back sings rookie deal with Baltimore Ravens
Clemson running back Adam Randall (8) slips against Troy during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 6, 2025.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina, Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
7/15
NFL Draft 2026: Adam Randall photos from Clemson football career
Oct 11, 2025; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Adam Randall (8) runs the ball against the Boston College Eagles during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, Eric Canha-Imagn Images)
8/15
NFL Draft 2026: Adam Randall photos from Clemson football career
Duke Blue Devils safety Ma'Khi Jones (26) goes to tackle Clemson Tigers running back Adam Randall (8) Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, during the NCAA football game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News, Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
9/15
NFL Draft 2026: Adam Randall photos from Clemson football career
Nov 1, 2025; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Adam Randall (8) rushes the ball during the game against the Duke Blue Devils at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alex Martin-Imagn Images
(Alex Martin, Alex Martin-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images)
10/15
NFL Draft 2026: Adam Randall photos from Clemson football career
Nov 14, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Adam Randall (8) runs the ball against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Clemson defeated Louisville 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
(Jamie Rhodes, Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images)
11/15
NFL Draft 2026: Adam Randall photos from Clemson football career
Clemson running back Adam Randall (8) scores near South Carolina defensive back Vicari Swain (4) during the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Saturday, November 29, 2025.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co Inc SC, Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co Inc SC / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
12/15
Former Clemson running back becomes NFL owners first ever draft pick
Clemson running back Adam Randall (8) scores a two-point conversion against South Carolina during the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Saturday, November 29, 2025.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co Inc SC, Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co Inc SC / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
13/15
NFL Draft 2026: Adam Randall photos from Clemson football career
Dec 27, 2025; Bronx, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Adam Randall (8) gains yards after catch during the first half of the 2025 Pinstripe Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)
14/15
NFL Draft 2026: Adam Randall photos from Clemson football career
Dec 27, 2025; Bronx, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Adam Randall (8) looks to gain yards after a catch as Penn State Nittany Lions safety Dejuan Lane (10) pursues during the first half of the 2025 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)
15/15
NFL Draft 2026: Adam Randall photos from Clemson football career
Dec 27, 2025; Bronx, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Adam Randall (8) celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown during the second half of the 2025 Pinstripe Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)
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