Clemson’s 2026 Recruiting Class Bolstered by Four-Star Offensive Lineman Carter Scruggs
Clemson football’s 2026 recruiting class has taken another significant step forward with the commitment of four-star offensive lineman Carter Scruggs from Loudoun County High School in Leesburg, Virginia. Announced on June 5, 2025, Scruggs’ pledge marks a pivotal addition to an already impressive offensive line haul under the guidance of offensive line coach Matt Luke. With Scruggs joining an elite group of linemen, Clemson’s 2026 class is shaping up to be one of the strongest in the nation, positioning the Tigers as a powerhouse in the trenches for years to come.
Carter Scruggs: A Dominant Force in the Trenches
Carter Scruggs, standing at an imposing 6-foot-6 and weighing 295 pounds, is a physically gifted tackle who brings a rare combination of size, athleticism, and technical prowess to Clemson’s offensive line. Ranked as the No. 133 overall prospect, No. 9 interior offensive lineman, and No. 4 player in Virginia by 247Sports’ Composite rankings, Scruggs is a coveted talent who chose Clemson over a host of powerhouse programs, including Michigan, Georgia, Penn State, Alabama, Oklahoma, Oregon, USC, Miami, South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Virginia Tech. His decision underscores the Tigers’ recruiting prowess under head coach Dabo Swinney and the impact of Matt Luke’s targeted approach to rebuilding the offensive line.
Scruggs’ on-field abilities make him a standout. His junior season at Loudoun County was dominant, showcasing his ability to anchor the offensive line with a blend of power and agility. At 295 pounds, he moves with surprising quickness, a trait that earned him MVP honors at the Under Armour Next Camp in New Jersey during the summer of 2024. His long frame and strong lower body allow him to excel in both pass protection and run blocking. Scruggs’ ability to engage defenders at the point of attack and sustain blocks through the whistle makes him a nightmare for opposing defensive linemen. His versatility to play tackle or slide inside to guard adds further value, giving Clemson flexibility in how they deploy him.
Beyond his physical tools, Scruggs brings a high football IQ and a relentless work ethic. He has spoken highly of Clemson’s coaching staff, particularly Matt Luke and Dabo Swinney, noting their emphasis on development both on and off the field. “I have a really good relationship with the whole staff, especially with Coach Luke and Coach Swinney,” Scruggs told TigerNet. “The message from them is that they can develop me the best out of all the schools, get a great education, and have the opportunity to compete and play early.” His familial ties to Clemson—having relatives who attended the university—also played a role in his decision, as did the program’s culture and the P.A.W. Journey program, which focuses on personal and professional growth.
Scruggs’ commitment was solidified after a pivotal official visit to Clemson from May 31 to June 1, 2025, where he bonded with coaches, players, and fellow recruits. His decision to commit shortly after, on June 5, was predicted by recruiting analysts, with 247Sports’ Brian Dohn and Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman logging crystal ball and FutureCast predictions in Clemson’s favor. “A Clemson man needs no introduction, I’m ALL IN! 🐅🐅,” Scruggs declared on X, signaling his full commitment to the Tigers.
Matt Luke’s Offensive Line Renaissance
Under Matt Luke’s leadership, Clemson’s offensive line recruiting has reached new heights. In his first full year as offensive line coach, Luke has secured six offensive line commitments for the 2026 class, including five four-star prospects: Carter Scruggs, Leo Delaney, Chancellor Barclay, Grant Wise, and Adam Guthrie, alongside three-star Braden Wilmes. This group represents Clemson’s most robust offensive line class since 2020, addressing critical needs as key starters like Tristan Leigh, Ryan Linthicum, Walker Parks, and Dietrick Pennington are set to exhaust their eligibility after the 2025 season.
Luke’s recruiting success is rooted in his passion and ability to connect with prospects. Four-star commit Leo Delaney highlighted Luke’s impact, stating, “Coach Luke was a driving factor for my commitment… He’s just so passionate about the sport and about coaching me to become an amazing athlete and an amazing person.” Scruggs echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing Luke’s focus on development and the elite culture at Clemson. With a scholarship limit expanding to 105 due to the upcoming House settlement, Luke has capitalized on the opportunity to build depth, ensuring Clemson’s offensive line remains a strength in the face of roster turnover.
The 2026 offensive line class is a testament to Luke’s vision. Chancellor Barclay (6-4, 290) and Grant Wise (6-5, 300) bring versatility and physicality, while Adam Guthrie (6-7, 300) and Braden Wilmes (6-8, 285) add massive frames with developmental upside. Leo Delaney (6-6, 290) complements Scruggs as a tackle with similar athletic traits. Together, this group is poised to protect Clemson’s quarterback—potentially 2026 commit Tait Reynolds—and pave the way for a dynamic rushing attack led by future running backs.
Clemson’s 2026 Recruiting Class Rankings
Clemson’s 2026 recruiting class is among the nation’s elite, reflecting the program’s rebound from a challenging 2025 cycle that ranked No. 26 per 247Sports. As of June 5, 2025, the Tigers’ 2026 class, bolstered by Scruggs’ commitment, is ranked No. 4 by Rivals, No. 5 by both ESPN and 247Sports Composite, and No. 9 by On3. With 18 verbal commitments, including eight offensive players and six four-star linemen, Clemson is trending toward a top-five finish, potentially surpassing their 2020 class, which ranked No. 3.
The class is geographically diverse, with commits from Florida (4), Ohio (2), South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Kansas, Alabama, Arizona, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Offensively, the Tigers have secured three four-star wide receivers (Naeem Burroughs, Connor Salmin, and Gordon Sellars) and tight end Tayveon Wilson, complementing the offensive line haul. Defensively, commitments like four-star safety Kaden Gebhardt and defensive back Kentavion Anderson add versatility, though Clemson is still targeting linebacker and defensive line prospects to balance the class.
Upcoming Recruits and Remaining Targets
While Scruggs’ commitment strengthens Clemson’s offensive line, the Tigers are not done recruiting for 2026. Several high-profile targets remain on the board, particularly along the offensive and defensive fronts. Five-star offensive lineman Darius Gray, who visited Clemson during the May 31–June 1 official visit weekend, is a top priority. Gray’s elite size and skill could elevate Clemson’s class to another level if he commits. Four-star offensive lineman Ekene Ogboko, also a visitor during the same weekend, is another key target, with Clemson competing against Georgia, Notre Dame, and Florida. Three-star guard Canon Pickett, who has shown consistent interest in Clemson, is another potential addition to further bolster the line.
On the defensive side, Clemson is pursuing five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson and defensive lineman Bryce Perry-Wright, both of whom visited during the May official visit weekend. Four-star cornerback Shavar Young Jr. and other defensive backs are also on the radar to address needs in the secondary. Additionally, in-state offensive lineman Zyon Guiles, a fast-rising 2026 prospect from Carvers Bay, has caught Clemson’s attention after earning MVP honors at the Carolina Coaches Combine.
With no firm commitments yet for linebacker or defensive line, Clemson’s staff is focusing on these areas to round out the class. Recruiting analysts are optimistic, with crystal ball predictions favoring the Tigers for additional targets like four-star offensive lineman Maxwell Riley, who has narrowed his list to Clemson and Ohio State. The Tigers’ momentum, fueled by events like the Elite Retreat in March 2025, suggests more commitments could come before the summer.
Scruggs’ Impact and Clemson’s Future
Carter Scruggs’ commitment is a game-changer for Clemson’s offensive line. His size, athleticism, and versatility make him a cornerstone piece who can compete early, potentially stepping into a starting role as early as 2026 given the departures of multiple starters. His ability to dominate at the point of attack and protect the quarterback aligns perfectly with Clemson’s pro-style offense, which relies on a strong, cohesive line to control the line of scrimmage.
Off the field, Scruggs’ alignment with Clemson’s culture—emphasizing character, education, and personal growth—ensures he’ll thrive in the program’s P.A.W. Journey initiative. His family ties to Clemson and relationships with Luke and Swinney further cement his fit. As Scruggs told TigerNet, “I really like the culture that they have there, and with Matt Luke I can develop and have an elite culture.”
With Scruggs and his fellow offensive line commits, Clemson is building a unit capable of competing with the SEC and Big Ten’s best. Matt Luke’s recruiting success has re-established Clemson as a destination for elite linemen, and Scruggs’ pledge is a testament to that vision. As the Tigers continue to pursue top targets like Gray, Ogboko, and Atkinson, the 2026 class could become one of Dabo Swinney’s finest, setting the stage for sustained success in Death Valley.
For now, Carter Scruggs stands as a symbol of Clemson’s recruiting resurgence—a dominant, versatile lineman ready to carry the Tigers’ proud tradition forward.
