Clemson Football’s Official Visit Weekend: A Recruiting Showcase for 2026 and 2027
Clemson University’s football program, led by head coach Dabo Swinney, hosted a pivotal official visit weekend from May 30 to June 1, 2025, welcoming a star-studded group of prospects for the Class of 2026 and extending offers to top talents in the Class of 2027. The weekend, a cornerstone of Clemson’s recruiting calendar, showcased the program’s unique culture, elite facilities, and vision for the future, leaving a lasting impression on commits and uncommitted prospects alike. With the Tigers’ 2026 class already ranked among the nation’s best—sitting at No. 4 (Rivals), No. 5 (ESPN and 247Sports Composite), and No. 9 (On3)—the event aimed to solidify commitments and sway top undecided recruits. Here’s a detailed recap of the weekend, including updates on 2027 offers, progress with undecided prospects, and insights from commits, players, and coaches.
A Star-Studded Visitor List
Clemson’s official visit weekend was a recruiting spectacle, featuring a mix of committed prospects, high-profile uncommitted targets, and emerging talents. The Tigers welcomed multiple five-star prospects, including defensive lineman Bryce Perry-Wright, linebacker Tyler Atkinson, and safety Joey O’Brien, alongside a slew of four-star recruits like offensive linemen Carter Scruggs, Leo Delaney, and Ekene Ogboko. The event was particularly significant for offensive line coach Matt Luke, who hosted a robust group of linemen to bolster Clemson’s future in the trenches. According to CSN, the weekend included around 30 official visitors, a shift from Clemson’s traditional approach of hosting visits during the football season, reflecting the evolving landscape of college football recruiting.
The Tigers’ coaching staff leveraged their family-oriented culture and the electric atmosphere of Death Valley to make a lasting impression. “This weekend is about showing these young men what Clemson is all about—faith, family, and football,” Swinney said in a press conference leading up to the event. “We want them to feel at home and see themselves as part of something special.”
2027 Offers Extended
Clemson used the weekend to plant seeds for the Class of 2027, extending offers to several rising stars. One notable prospect was four-star running back Jerry “Andrew” Beard from Price Avenue Christian in Bogart, Georgia. Beard, considered one of the top running backs in his class, announced plans to attend Dabo Swinney’s high school camp on June 3, 2025, signaling early interest in the Tigers. “I’m excited to get back to Clemson and work with the coaches,”. “It’s a program that stands out for how they develop players and the culture they’ve built.”
Another 2027 prospect, whose name surfaced in recruiting circles, was offered during the camp portion of the weekend, though specific details remain limited due to the early stage of the 2027 cycle. Clemson’s proactive approach in identifying and offering 2027 talents underscores Swinney’s long-term vision. “We’re always looking ahead,” Swinney noted. “These young guys are the future, and we want them to know they’re on our radar.”
Progress with Undecided Recruits
The weekend was a critical opportunity to sway uncommitted prospects, particularly five-star talents and high four-stars who could elevate Clemson’s 2026 class to elite status. Among the headliners was five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson, who gushed about his experience. “Clemson’s different. The way they make you feel like family, the energy on campus—it’s hard to beat,”. “I’m still weighing my options, but this visit definitely put Clemson high on my list.” Atkinson, a Georgia native, is seen as a potential game-changer for the Tigers’ linebacker corps.
Five-star defensive lineman Bryce Perry-Wright, projected by some analysts to choose Clemson, also left the weekend impressed. “The coaches showed me how I’d fit into their defense, and being around the players was awesome,” Perry-Wright said. “Clemson’s got something special going on.” His visit included interactions with current commits who pitched the program’s brotherhood, further strengthening Clemson’s position.
On the offensive line, four-star prospects Carter Scruggs, Leo Delaney, and Canon Pickett were focal points for Matt Luke. Scruggs, from Loudoun County, Virginia, emphasized the personal connections he formed. “I’m looking forward to seeing everything that Clemson has to offer to the full extent,” . “I’m also excited to bond with the players, coaches, and recruits.” Delaney, a Charlotte native, echoed similar sentiments: “I’m really looking forward to being around the culture and the coaches, as well as being around the players and commits. I think it’s gonna be an amazing weekend!” Pickett, a three-star guard from Tampa Bay Tech, noted Luke’s persistent recruitment efforts, which kept Clemson in his sights despite a late offer. “Coach Luke’s energy and the way he builds relationships stood out,” Pickett said.
Safety Joey O’Brien, another five-star, and four-star running back Jae Lamar also highlighted the weekend’s impact. “The environment at Clemson is unreal,”. “They make you feel like you’re already part of the team.” Lamar, the lone running back visitor after Carsyn Baker canceled his trip, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s vision for him. “I want to see how I’d fit in their offense,” Lamar said. “This visit gave me a lot to think about.”
Updates on Commits On-Site
Clemson’s 15 verbal commits for the Class of 2026 were well-represented, with several playing a key role in recruiting their peers. Offensive line commits Grant Wise, Chancellor Barclay, Braden Wilmes, and Adam Guthrie were on hand, showcasing the Tigers’ future in the trenches. “It’s awesome to be back with my brothers,” Wise said. “We’re working hard to get guys like Scruggs and Delaney to join us. We know what Coach Luke’s building here.”
Four-star wide receiver Gordon Sellars, a Providence Day standout, was particularly active in pitching to teammate Leo Delaney. “I’ve been telling Leo how special this place is,” Sellars told TigerNet. “We could do big things together at Clemson.” Sellars’ commitment in April has given him a platform to recruit for the Tigers, and his efforts were evident during the weekend.
Other commits, including those not named in specific reports but part of the 15-strong 2026 class, participated in team-building activities and helped sell Clemson’s vision. “Our commits are our best recruiters,” Swinney said. “They know what it means to be a Tiger, and they’re out there showing these guys why Clemson’s the place to be.”
Looking Ahead
The official visit weekend was a resounding success, with Clemson reinforcing its status as a recruiting powerhouse. The Tigers’ ability to blend elite talent with a family-oriented culture left prospects like Atkinson, Perry-Wright, and Scruggs buzzing about their experiences. The early offers to 2027 prospects like Beard signal Clemson’s forward-thinking approach, while the presence of committed players strengthened the program’s pitch to undecided recruits.
As the recruiting cycle progresses, Clemson is set to host another wave of visitors the weekend of June 14, including three-star offensive lineman Fletcher Turk and four-star defensive tackle Keshawn Stancil. With potential commitments on the horizon and a top-10 class already in place, the Tigers are poised to build on their momentum. “This is just the beginning,” Swinney said. “We’re building something special for 2026 and beyond, and these young men are going to be a big part of it.”
