Clemson Football 2026 Recruiting: Commitment List, Recruit Breakdowns, Remaining Targets, and National Ranking

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Clemson Football 2026 Recruiting: Commitment List, Recruit Breakdowns, Remaining Targets, and National Ranking

As of May 18, 2025, Clemson football, under head coach Dabo Swinney, is rebounding from a challenging 2025 recruiting cycle with a strong start to its 2026 class. The Tigers have secured 15 verbal commitments, positioning them among the top programs in national recruiting rankings. This article provides an updated commitment list, detailed breakdowns of each recruit, insights into remaining targets, Clemson’s standing with those prospects, and the program’s national recruiting ranking for the 2026 cycle.

Commitment List and Recruit Breakdowns

Clemson’s 2026 recruiting class currently includes 15 commits, with a heavy emphasis on offensive talent, particularly along the offensive line and at wide receiver. Below is the commitment list with breakdowns of each recruit, based on available data from sources like 247Sports, ESPN, and posts on X.

1. Chancellor Barclay (4-star, Offensive Lineman, Orlando, FL)
   • Ranking: No. 116 overall, No. 9 OL (247Sports)
   • Breakdown: Barclay, a 6-foot-4, 290-pound tackle, committed during Clemson’s Elite Retreat in March 2025. His size, agility, and technique make him a cornerstone of the 2026 offensive line. He chose Clemson over offers from Alabama and Oregon, showcasing the Tigers’ ability to compete for top-tier talent. Barclay’s versatility allows him to play tackle or guard, and he’s expected to protect the quarterback for years to come.
2. Naeem Burroughs (4-star, Wide Receiver, Jacksonville, FL)
   • Ranking: No. 2 WR (On3), top-50 overall (ESPN)
   • Breakdown: Burroughs, a 6-foot-0, 180-pound speedster, committed on March 8, 2025, and shut down his recruitment, signaling strong loyalty to Clemson. His 100-meter dash speed (sub-11 seconds) and high football IQ make him a deep threat who can stretch defenses. Burroughs chose Clemson over USC, Texas, and Florida, and ESPN ranks him as the top player in Clemson’s 2026 class.
3. Connor Salmin (4-star, Wide Receiver, Potomac, MD)
   • Ranking: Top-150 overall (247Sports)
   • Breakdown: Salmin, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound receiver, committed during the Elite Retreat. His size and ability to make contested catches complement Burroughs’ speed, creating a dynamic duo. Salmin’s big-play potential was evident in high school, and he turned down offers from Notre Dame and Penn State to join Clemson. He’s a polished route-runner with the potential to contribute early.
4. Adam Guthrie (4-star, Offensive Tackle, Chardon, OH)
   • Ranking: Top-200 overall (247Sports)
   • Breakdown: Guthrie, a 6-foot-6, 295-pound tackle, committed in March 2025, choosing Clemson over Ohio State and Penn State. His length and strength make him a prototypical left tackle, capable of anchoring the line against elite pass rushers. Guthrie’s commitment highlights Clemson’s success in recruiting offensive linemen, a critical need for 2026.
5. Grant Wise (4-star, Offensive Lineman, Pace, FL)
   • Ranking: Top-200 overall (247Sports)
   • Breakdown: Wise, a 6-foot-5, 300-pound lineman, committed during the Elite Retreat, spurning offers from Oregon and Alabama. His versatility to play tackle or guard and his physicality in the run game make him a valuable addition. Wise’s commitment bolsters Clemson’s offensive line depth, which will be crucial with multiple starters departing after 2025.
6. Kaden Gebhardt (4-star, Safety, Lewis Center, OH)
   • Ranking: Top-150 overall (247Sports)
   • Breakdown: Gebhardt, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound safety, committed in March 2025 after receiving an offer during a campus visit. His range, instincts, and tackling ability make him a fit for Clemson’s secondary, which faces potential losses in 2026. Gebhardt’s commitment over other Power 4 programs underscores Clemson’s appeal to defensive backs.
7. Tait Reynolds (4-star, Quarterback, Queen Creek, AZ)
   • Ranking: No. 34 QB, No. 6 in Arizona (247Sports)
   • Breakdown: Reynolds, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound dual-threat quarterback, committed in July 2024. His elite arm strength and athleticism draw comparisons to a raw but high-ceiling prospect. While his accuracy and decision-making need refinement, offensive coordinator Garrett Riley’s track record with quarterbacks bodes well for Reynolds’ development. He’s a long-term solution to replace Cade Klubnik.
8. Brock Bradley (3-star, Quarterback, Birmingham, AL)
   • Ranking: Unranked in top 300 (247Sports)
   • Breakdown: Bradley, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound quarterback, is a lesser-known commit but brings dual-threat ability. His commitment provides depth at the position, though Reynolds is the headliner. Bradley’s high school production suggests he could develop into a reliable backup or situational player.
9. Shavar Young Jr. (4-star, Cornerback, Knoxville, TN)
   • Ranking: Top-200 overall (247Sports)
   • Breakdown: Young, a 6-foot-0, 175-pound cornerback, committed in early 2025. His speed and coverage skills make him a candidate to replace departing defensive backs like Avieon Terrell. Young’s ability to play man or zone coverage aligns with Clemson’s defensive scheme.
10. Tayveon Wilson (3-star, Wide Receiver/Tight End, Huntington, WV)
    • Ranking: Unranked in top 300 (247Sports)
    • Breakdown: Wilson, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound athlete, offers versatility as a hybrid receiver or tight end. His size and hands make him a red-zone threat, though he’s likely a developmental prospect. Wilson’s commitment adds depth to the pass-catching group.
11. Braden Wilmes (3-star, Offensive Lineman, Shawnee, KS)
    • Ranking: Unranked in top 300 (247Sports)
    • Breakdown: Wilmes, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound lineman, committed to provide depth on the offensive line. While not as highly rated as Barclay, Guthrie, or Wise, his frame and work ethic suggest he could develop into a contributor.
12. Marcell Gipson (3-star, Cornerback, Niceville, FL)
    • Ranking: Unranked in top 300 (247Sports)
    • Breakdown: Gipson, a 5-foot-11, 170-pound cornerback, committed during the Elite Retreat. His quickness and ball skills make him a solid addition to the secondary, though he’s likely a depth piece initially.
13. Kentavion Anderson (4-star, Defensive Back, Hemingway, SC)
    • Ranking: Top-200 overall (247Sports)
    • Breakdown: Anderson, a 6-foot-0, 180-pound defensive back, committed on May 16, 2025, becoming Clemson’s first in-state commit for 2026. His versatility to play corner or safety and his physicality make him a valuable addition. Anderson’s commitment boosted Clemson’s class to No. 5 nationally.
14. Joey O’Brien (4-star, Athlete, Wyndmoor, PA)
    • Ranking: Top-250 overall (247Sports)
    • Breakdown: O’Brien, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound athlete, received an offer from Clemson in January 2025 and committed shortly after. His ability to play multiple positions (linebacker, safety, or even tight end) makes him a Swiss Army knife for the Tigers. His athleticism and instincts are his strongest traits.
15. Fletcher Turk (3-star, Offensive Lineman, Unknown)
    • Ranking: Unranked in top 300 (247Sports)
    • Breakdown: Turk, a recent offer recipient, committed in May 2025. Limited data is available, but his inclusion suggests Clemson’s focus on building offensive line depth. His size and potential likely align with the Tigers’ developmental approach.

Class Composition

• Total Commits: 15
• Star Breakdown: 9 four-stars, 6 three-stars
• Positional Breakdown:
  • Offense: 2 QBs, 2 WRs, 1 WR/TE, 4 OL
  • Defense: 2 CBs, 1 S, 1 DB, 1 ATH (likely defensive)
• Geographic Breakdown: Florida (4), Ohio (2), South Carolina (1), Tennessee (1), West Virginia (1), Kansas (1), Alabama (1), Arizona (1), Maryland (1), Pennsylvania (1)

The class is offense-heavy, with eight of the 15 commits on that side of the ball. The offensive line (four commits) and wide receiver (three commits) groups are particularly strong, addressing key needs with the impending departures of quarterback Cade Klubnik, four starting offensive linemen, and wide receiver Antonio Williams after the 2025 season. Defensively, Clemson is building a versatile secondary but lacks commitments at linebacker and defensive line, areas of focus moving forward.

Remaining Recruiting Targets and Clemson’s Standing

Clemson is actively pursuing several high-profile targets to round out its 2026 class, particularly at defensive end, linebacker, and defensive tackle, where roster attrition is expected. Below are key remaining targets, their rankings, and Clemson’s standing based on available information.

1. Khamari Brooks (4-star, Edge Rusher, Bogart, GA)
   • Ranking: Top-100 overall (247Sports)
   • Clemson’s Standing: Clemson is one of three finalists, alongside two undisclosed programs. Brooks’ speed and pass-rushing ability make him a top priority, especially with potential losses of T.J. Parker, Will Heldt, and Cade Denhoff after 2025. The Tigers are in a strong position, but competition is fierce.
2. Maxwell Riley (4-star, Offensive Lineman, Avon Lake, OH)
   • Ranking: Top-150 overall (247Sports)
   • Clemson’s Standing: Riley narrowed his list to two schools, with Clemson as a finalist. His commitment would further strengthen the offensive line, but the second finalist (likely Ohio State or another Big Ten program) poses a challenge. Clemson’s recent success with Ohio recruits (Guthrie, Gebhardt) could help.
3. Caleb Gordon (4-star, Inside Linebacker, Gastonia, NC)
   • Ranking: Top-200 overall (247Sports)
   • Clemson’s Standing: Gordon received an offer from Clemson in January 2025 and is a priority to address the linebacker position, where Wade Woodaz’s eligibility ends after 2025. Clemson is in the mix, but other ACC and SEC programs are also pursuing him.
4. Canon Pickett (4-star, Offensive Lineman, Tampa, FL)
   • Ranking: Top-150 overall (247Sports)
   • Clemson’s Standing: Pickett included Clemson in his top-10 list in January 2025. The Tigers’ success with Florida recruits (Burroughs, Wise, Gipson) gives them an edge, but with nine other contenders, including SEC heavyweights, Clemson faces stiff competition.
5. J.R. Hardrick (3-star, Edge Rusher, Unknown)
   • Ranking: Unranked in top 300 (247Sports)
   • Clemson’s Standing: Hardrick received an offer in May 2025, indicating Clemson’s interest in bolstering its defensive end depth. Limited information is available, but Clemson’s recent offer suggests they see potential. The Tigers are likely in a good position early in his recruitment.

Recruiting Needs and Strategy

Clemson’s primary needs for the 2026 class include:

• Defensive End: With up to five defensive ends potentially departing (Parker, Heldt, Lawson, Denhoff, Patterson), Clemson must land at least two high-quality edge rushers. Brooks and Hardrick are key targets.
• Linebacker: The loss of Wade Woodaz necessitates at least one impact linebacker. Gordon and O’Brien (if he plays linebacker) are critical.
• Defensive Tackle: DeMonte Capehart’s departure leaves a gap in the interior. Clemson has no defensive tackle commits yet, making this a priority.
• Running Back: With Phil Mafah gone and no clear replacement, Clemson may pursue a running back to complement its 2025 signees (Gideon Davidson, Marquise Henderson).

Clemson’s strategy remains focused on high school recruiting, as Swinney avoids the transfer portal. The Tigers are leveraging their Elite Retreat and official visits to secure early commitments, as evidenced by the seven pledges in March 2025. However, retaining these commits through December’s signing day is crucial, given the seven decommitments in the 2025 cycle.

National Recruiting Ranking and Clemson’s Standing

As of May 18, 2025, Clemson’s 2026 recruiting class is ranked highly across major recruiting services:

• 247Sports: No. 5 nationally, No. 1 in the ACC (behind USC, Ohio State, and others)
• ESPN: No. 3 nationally (behind Ohio State and USC)
• Rivals: No. 2 nationally (behind USC)
• On3: No. 7 nationally (behind USC, LSU, Oregon, Alabama, Texas A&M, and others)

The Tigers’ 15 commitments include nine four-star recruits, giving them a strong average rating per commit, though programs like USC and Ohio State have higher-rated classes due to more five-star pledges. Clemson’s No. 5 ranking per 247Sports reflects a significant improvement from their No. 26 finish in the 2025 cycle, which was hampered by only 15 signees and seven decommitments.

Clemson’s class is the highest-ranked in the ACC, ahead of Miami, Florida State, and Georgia Tech, reinforcing their regional dominance. However, competition from SEC and Big Ten programs remains intense, and Clemson must continue to land top targets like Brooks and Riley to maintain or improve their ranking. The Tigers’ ability to develop and retain talent, as emphasized by Swinney, will be key to translating this recruiting success into on-field results.

Outlook and Challenges

Clemson’s 2026 recruiting class is off to an impressive start, with a balanced mix of elite offensive talent and promising defensive backs. The Elite Retreat in March 2025 was a turning point, yielding seven commitments and vaulting Clemson into the top five nationally. However, challenges remain:

• Defensive Line Recruiting: The lack of defensive line commits is a concern, given the expected attrition. Landing Brooks or Hardrick is critical.
• Retaining Commits: The 2025 cycle’s seven decommitments highlight the risk of losing pledges before signing day.
• NIL and Transfer Portal: Clemson’s reliance on high school recruiting and limited engagement with NIL and the transfer portal could hinder their ability to compete with programs like Texas, Georgia, and Ohio State, which leverage both.

On the field, a strong 2025 season could bolster Clemson’s recruiting momentum, especially with a favorable schedule and a talented roster led by Klubnik. The Tigers open the 2025 season against LSU on August 30, a high-profile opportunity to showcase their program to recruits.

Clemson’s 2026 recruiting class, with 15 commits and a No. 5 national ranking, signals a return to form for Dabo Swinney’s program after a disappointing 2025 cycle. The Tigers have secured blue-chip talent like Chancellor Barclay, Naeem Burroughs, and Tait Reynolds, while addressing key needs on the offensive line and at wide receiver. Remaining targets like Khamari Brooks and Maxwell Riley will determine whether Clemson can climb into the top three nationally. With a focus on development and retention, Clemson is well-positioned to build a class that can sustain its status as an ACC powerhouse and compete for national titles in the coming years.