Clemson Football’s 2026 Recruiting Class: A Mid-March Update
As of March 21, 2025, Clemson football’s 2026 recruiting class is surging with momentum, propelled by a highly successful Elite Retreat earlier this month. Under head coach Dabo Swinney, the Tigers have transformed a solid foundation into one of the nation’s top recruiting hauls, currently ranked No. 2 nationally by the 247Sports Composite behind only Southern California. With a flurry of commitments since the Elite Retreat and several high-profile targets still in play, Clemson’s recruiting outlook for 2026 is as promising as ever. Here’s a breakdown of the current class, recent additions, pending recruits, and crystal ball predictions.
Commitments Since the Elite Retreat
The Elite Retreat, held March 7-8, 2025, proved to be a turning point for Clemson’s 2026 recruiting efforts. The event, one of the program’s marquee recruiting weekends, showcased the Tigers’ culture, facilities, and vision to a host of top prospects. Since then, seven blue-chip talents have pledged to Clemson, vaulting the class into elite territory. Here’s who’s come aboard:
- Adam Guthrie (4-star OT) – A 6’7”, 300-pound offensive tackle from Milford, Ohio, Guthrie committed on March 7, choosing Clemson over Ohio State and Penn State. His size and agility bolster an already strong offensive line haul.
- Naeem Burroughs (4-star WR) – Ranked No. 20 nationally and the No. 2 wide receiver in the 2026 On300 by On3, Burroughs committed on March 8. The Bolles School (Florida) standout picked Clemson over Florida, Texas, and USC, adding explosive playmaking to the offense.
- Connor Salmin (4-star WR) – Also committing on March 8, Salmin, a 6’1”, 195-pound speedster from Virginia’s Woodberry Forest School, opted for Clemson over Notre Dame and Penn State. His commitment pairs him with Burroughs to form a dynamic receiver duo.
- Grant Wise (4-star OL) – A 6’5”, 285-pound lineman from Pace, Florida, Wise pledged on March 9, spurning offers from Oregon and Alabama. His versatility enhances Clemson’s front.
- Chancellor Barclay (4-star OL) – Hailing from Orlando’s First Academy, Barclay committed on March 10. At 6’5”, 300 pounds, he’s another cornerstone for offensive line coach Matt Luke’s unit, which has thrived since Luke’s arrival in December 2023.
- Kaden Gebhardt (4-star S) – A safety from Olentangy High School in Lewis Center, Ohio, Gebhardt joined the fold on March 10. His January offer from Clemson quickly escalated into a commitment, beating out other suitors.
- Marcell Gipson (3-star CB) – Rounding out the post-Retreat surge, Gipson, a cornerback from Cedar Hill, Texas, committed on March 10. His pledge adds depth to a secondary that’s taking shape.
These seven commitments have pushed Clemson’s 2026 class to 13 total pledges, including eight four-stars, four three-stars, and one unrated player. Prior to the Retreat, the Tigers had secured five commits: 4-star QB Tait Reynolds, 3-star QB Brock Bradley, 4-star CB Shavar Young Jr., 3-star TE Tayveon Wilson, and 3-star OL Braden Wilmes. The recent additions highlight Clemson’s ability to compete with Power 4 giants like Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Alabama, reinforcing Swinney’s recruiting prowess despite a quieter 2025 cycle that saw seven decommitments.
Pending Recruits and Impending Commitments
While the Elite Retreat yielded immediate results, Clemson’s recruiting trail remains active with several high-profile targets nearing decisions. The Tigers are in strong contention for the following prospects, with commitments potentially imminent:
- Zaden Krempin (4-star OT) – A 6’6”, 285-pound tackle from Prosper, Texas, Krempin visited Clemson during the Elite Retreat weekend (March 7-8). Though he hasn’t received an offer yet, he’s indicated to TigerNet that he expects one soon. A commitment could follow if the offer materializes, given his positive campus experience.
- Khamari Brooks (4-star EDGE) – From North Oconee High School in Bogart, Georgia, Brooks has narrowed his list to Clemson, Georgia Tech, and South Carolina. The 6’4”, 225-pound edge rusher, ranked among the top edge prospects in 2026, has Clemson in a favorable position after multiple visits, including the Retreat. No firm commitment date is set, but his recruitment could wrap up this spring.
- Maxwell Riley (4-star OL) – An Avon Lake, Ohio, standout, Riley has trimmed his list to Clemson and Ohio State. The 6’5”, 285-pound lineman visited Clemson earlier this year and has the Tigers high on his radar. He announced his top two on March 18, signaling a decision could come soon, possibly before summer camps begin.
These pending recruits address key needs—edge rusher depth with T.J. Parker potentially departing after 2025, and continued reinforcement of the offensive line, a priority under Luke. Clemson’s staff is also hosting prospects like 2027 safety Marquis Bryant this spring, laying groundwork for future classes, though no offers are extended to sophomores yet.
Crystal Ball Predictions for Clemson
Recruiting analysts are buzzing about Clemson’s momentum, and several crystal ball predictions from 247Sports favor the Tigers for additional 2026 targets. While predictions are fluid this early in the cycle, here’s where Clemson stands:
- Kaden Gebhardt (S) – Already committed, Gebhardt had a crystal ball logged in Clemson’s favor by 247Sports’ Anna Adams on February 15, 2025, before his March 10 pledge. It’s a testament to the staff’s early confidence.
- Canon Pickett (4-star OL) – A Tampa Bay Tech (Florida) prospect, Pickett included Clemson in his top 10 on February 17. One crystal ball from 247Sports’ Tom Loy (March 12) leans Clemson, citing the Tigers’ offensive line pedigree and Luke’s influence.
- Carter Scruggs (4-star OL) – From Loudoun County, Virginia, Scruggs has Clemson in his top five. A March 19 crystal ball from 247Sports’ Brian Dohn predicts a Clemson commitment, buoyed by his Retreat visit and over two dozen offers nationwide.
No crystal balls currently favor Clemson for Brooks or Riley, but sentiment on X and recruiting boards suggests the Tigers are trending upward. Posts like
@Hayesfawcett3’s March 11 update—“Clemson recruiting is on FIRE right now”—reflect the buzz, though X sentiment isn’t definitive evidence.
Outlook and Analysis
Clemson’s 2026 class, with 13 commits and a No. 2 national ranking, is a stark rebound from the 2025 cycle’s struggles. The Elite Retreat showcased Swinney’s ability to sell faith, development, and tradition over the NIL-driven frenzy gripping college football—a point echoed by Guthrie’s X post: “We aren’t buying players… We are getting guys who want to be here.” The Tigers’ haul spans Texas, Ohio, Florida, and beyond, proving their national reach remains intact.
Pending commitments from Krempin, Brooks, or Riley could push the class closer to No. 1, especially if a five-star like No. 1 linebacker Tony Rojas (visiting this spring) joins later. Needs remain at edge rusher and running back, with key 2025 contributors like Cade Klubnik and Wade Woodaz likely exiting after this season. For now, Clemson’s 2026 trajectory signals a return to recruiting dominance, blending immediate impact with long-term potential—all without dipping into the transfer portal, true to Swinney’s philosophy. As spring practice unfolds, expect the Tigers to keep the heat on.
