Jeremiah McClendon
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Career Summary
Jeremiah McClendon is a cornerback who built an accomplished Southern Illinois career before NFL opportunities with New Orleans and Cleveland in 2026.
McClendon spent his final two college seasons at Southern Illinois after earlier stops at Marshall, Charleston Southern, and Florida International. The Saints signed him as an undrafted free agent, and Cleveland signed him in August 2026.
Southern Illinois credited McClendon with an All-American 2025 season after he tied the program record with 14 pass breakups.
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Early Life
McClendon is from Delray Beach, Florida.
Southern Illinois lists McClendon's hometown as Delray Beach, Florida, and his high school as Atlantic.
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High School
At Atlantic High School, McClendon was a highly productive defensive back.
Southern Illinois says McClendon recorded seven interceptions, 15 pass breakups, 42 tackles, and a forced fumble as a senior. The school also lists all-county honors and a three-star recruiting rating.
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College Career
McClendon’s college path included four programs, culminating in two seasons at Southern Illinois.
McClendon played at Marshall in 2021, Charleston Southern in 2022, and Florida International in 2023 before transferring to Southern Illinois. His SIU biography credits him with 25 tackles, an interception, a sack, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble in 2024.
In 2025, he had 59 tackles, two interceptions, a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and 14 pass breakups in 12 games, according to Southern Illinois.
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Path to the NFL
McClendon entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with New Orleans before joining Cleveland.
Southern Illinois announced that New Orleans signed McClendon as an undrafted free agent in April 2026. The Browns announced his signing on August 13 after identifying him as a rookie from Southern Illinois.
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NFL Career
McClendon’s documented NFL experience includes 2026 offseason stints with the Saints and Browns.
New Orleans signed McClendon in April 2026, and Cleveland announced his signing on August 13. The Browns’ announcement did not establish regular-season NFL statistics.
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Career Accomplishments
McClendon earned conference and All-America recognition after his 2025 Southern Illinois season.
McClendon was Southern Illinois' All-Missouri Valley Football Conference First Team selection in 2025. The Salukis also reported that he received multiple All-American honors from FCS Football Central, Associated Press, and Stats Perform.
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32539, 00-0041332, 2003-03-30, Jeremiah McClendon, Jeremiah, McClendon
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