In-Depth Preview of Clemson Football’s 2025 Official Visit Weekend (May 30–June 1, 2025)
Clemson University’s football program, under the leadership of head coach Dabo Swinney, is gearing up for a pivotal official visit weekend from May 30 to June 1, 2025, as part of their recruiting efforts for the 2026 class. This annual event, often a cornerstone of Clemson’s recruiting success, is expected to host a mix of committed and uncommitted prospects, with the Tigers aiming to solidify their No. 2-ranked 2026 recruiting class per the 247Sports Composite. Below is a detailed breakdown of the players expected to attend, their personal bios, a focus on uncommitted prospects, Clemson’s standing with them, current recruiting rankings, and analyst commentary.
Overview of Clemson’s 2026 Recruiting Class
Clemson’s 2026 recruiting class has surged to No. 2 nationally, trailing only USC, following a highly successful Elite Retreat in March 2025 that secured seven commitments in four days. The Tigers currently hold 12 commitments, including a quartet of four-star prospects, and are leveraging their momentum from a strong 2025 season outlook and Swinney’s reputation for player development. The official visit weekend is critical for locking in additional high-profile recruits and maintaining Clemson’s recruiting resurgence after a No. 26-ranked 2025 class, which was hampered by seven decommitments and a smaller 18-player haul.
Confirmed and Expected Attendees
The following prospects are confirmed or highly likely to attend Clemson’s official visit weekend, based on recent reports .
1. Zyon Guiles (Offensive Lineman, Carvers Bay HS, SC)
- Ranking: Four-star, No. 192 overall (247Sports), No. 15 IOL, No. 4 in South Carolina
- Bio: A 6-foot-4, 300-pound interior offensive lineman from Carvers Bay High School, Guiles is a versatile and physical blocker known for his ability to dominate at the point of attack. He earned all-state honors in 2024 and led his team to a deep playoff run. Guiles committed to Clemson on March 9, 2025, choosing the Tigers over South Carolina and Florida.
- Recruitment Status: Committed to Clemson. His visit is to strengthen ties with the program and potentially influence other prospects.
- Clemson’s Standing: Locked in, with Guiles seen as a cornerstone of the 2026 offensive line class under coach Matt Luke.
2. Tait Reynolds (Quarterback, Queen Creek HS, AZ)
- Ranking: Three-star, No. 34 QB, No. 6 in Arizona (247Sports)
- Bio: A 6-foot-2, 210-pound dual-sport athlete (football and baseball), Reynolds is a high-ceiling quarterback with elite arm strength but raw accuracy and decision-making, per 247Sports analyst Greg Biggins. He committed to Clemson in July 2024 and is viewed as a developmental prospect under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. In his junior season, he threw for 2,800 yards and 30 touchdowns.
- Recruitment Status: Committed to Clemson. The visit reinforces his commitment and allows Riley to evaluate his progress.
- Clemson’s Standing: Secure, with Reynolds excited about Clemson’s family atmosphere and Riley’s track record with quarterbacks like Cade Klubnik.
3. Kameron Cody (Defensive Lineman, Ashbrook HS, NC)
- Ranking: Three-star, No. 48 DL, No. 12 in North Carolina (247Sports)
- Bio: A 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive lineman, Cody is a rising prospect who received a Clemson offer in January 2025. Known for his quick first step and versatility, he recorded 65 tackles, 12 TFLs, and 6 sacks as a junior. Cody described Clemson’s practice environment as a “true family” during the Elite Retreat, per TigerNet, noting the constructive criticism among players.
- Recruitment Status: Uncommitted, with Clemson, NC State, and Virginia Tech in the mix.
- Clemson’s Standing: Clemson is a frontrunner, with Cody’s positive experience at the Elite Retreat and the Tigers’ defensive line depth (bolstered by 2025 signees like Amare Adams) making them appealing. Analysts suggest a commitment could come soon after the visit.
4. Kaden Gebhardt (Safety, Olentangy HS, OH)
- Ranking: Four-star, No. 87 overall, No. 6 S, No. 3 in Ohio (247Sports)
- Bio: A 6-foot-1, 190-pound safety, Gebhardt is a hard-hitting defensive back with 4.5-second 40-yard dash speed. He recorded 85 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 8 pass breakups in his junior season, earning first-team all-state honors. Gebhardt visited Clemson during the Elite Retreat and received an offer, per The Clemson Insider.
- Recruitment Status: Uncommitted, with Ohio State, Michigan, and Clemson as top contenders.
- Clemson’s Standing: Clemson is in a strong position, but Ohio State’s in-state pull is a challenge. Gebhardt’s visit is crucial for Swinney and defensive coordinator Tom Allen to showcase Clemson’s defensive culture and NFL pipeline for defensive backs.
5. Canon Pickett (Offensive Lineman, Tampa Bay Tech, FL)
- Ranking: Four-star, No. 165 overall, No. 12 OT, No. 22 in Florida (247Sports)
- Bio: A 6-foot-5, 295-pound tackle, Pickett is a technically sound lineman with experience at both tackle positions. He earned all-district honors and helped Tampa Bay Tech to a 10-2 record in 2024. Pickett included Clemson in his top 10 schools in February 2025, alongside Alabama, Georgia, and Miami, per The Clemson Insider.
- Recruitment Status: Uncommitted, with Clemson, Alabama, and Miami as key players.
- Clemson’s Standing: Clemson is a serious contender, with Matt Luke’s recruiting prowess and the Tigers’ need for offensive line depth (five 2025 OL signees) making them attractive. The visit could tip the scales, but competition is fierce.
6. Joey O’Brien (Athlete, La Salle College HS, PA)
- Ranking: Four-star, No. 134 overall, No. 8 ATH, No. 4 in Pennsylvania (247Sports)
- Bio: A 6-foot-2, 200-pound versatile athlete, O’Brien projects as a linebacker or safety at the college level. He recorded 90 tackles, 5 sacks, and 2 interceptions as a junior, earning all-state honors. O’Brien received a Clemson offer in January 2025 and has visited campus multiple times.
- Recruitment Status: Uncommitted, with Clemson, Penn State, and Notre Dame in the mix.
- Clemson’s Standing: Clemson is well-positioned due to O’Brien’s frequent visits and Swinney’s success with versatile athletes (e.g., Sammy Brown). Analysts note this visit could be decisive.
7. Caleb Gordon (Inside Linebacker, Ashbrook HS, NC)
- Ranking: Four-star, No. 210 overall, No. 10 ILB, No. 8 in North Carolina (247Sports)
- Bio: A 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker, Gordon is a tackling machine with 110 tackles, 15 TFLs, and 4 sacks in his junior season. He earned all-region honors and received a Clemson offer in early 2025, per The Clemson Insider. Gordon’s physicality fits Tom Allen’s defensive scheme.
- Recruitment Status: Uncommitted, with Clemson, NC State, and South Carolina as top schools.
- Clemson’s Standing: Clemson leads, with Gordon impressed by the Tigers’ defensive intensity and coaching staff during the Elite Retreat. A commitment is possible post-visit.
8.Five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson from Grayson High School (Loganville, GA) is set to visit Clemson for their official visit weekend, May 30–June 1, 2025. Ranked as the No. 1 linebacker and No. 5 overall prospect in the 2026 class per 247Sports, Atkinson is a 6-foot-3, 215-pound standout who led Grayson to a Georgia 6A state championship with 166 tackles, 32 TFLs, and 13 sacks, earning MaxPreps National Junior of the Year honors. Clemson, led by head coach Dabo Swinney, linebackers coach Ben Boulware, and safeties coach Mickey Conn (a former Grayson coach), is a top contender for Atkinson, who included the Tigers in his top 10 schools. Despite competition from Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, and USC, Clemson’s strong recruiting push, bolstered by their No. 2-ranked 2026 class and Atkinson’s prior Elite Retreat visit, positions them well. Analysts on X note Clemson’s “significant ground” in this recruitment, with the visit potentially pivotal for securing his commitment.
Additional Attendees (Speculated)
- Keshawn Stancil (Running Back), Samari Matthews (Cornerback), Zavion Griffin-Haynes (Linebacker), Carter Scruggs (Offensive Lineman), Jae Lamar (Athlete), and Devin Fitzgerald (Wide Receiver) are mentioned as potential visitors, per an X post by @TIinClemson (May 26, 2025). Specific bios are unavailable, but all are four-star prospects, indicating Clemson’s focus on elite talent.
Uncommitted Prospects and Clemson’s Standing
The uncommitted prospects (Cody, Gebhardt, Pickett, O’Brien, Gordon, Anderson, and others like Stancil and Matthews) are critical for Clemson to bolster their 2026 class. Here’s a deeper look at Clemson’s position:
- Kentavion Anderson: Clemson is neck-and-neck with Florida State, with Anderson’s decision looming. The Tigers’ need for secondary depth and Swinney’s pitch could clinch it.
- Kameron Cody: Clemson’s family atmosphere and defensive line depth give them an edge. NC State’s proximity is a factor, but Cody’s positive Elite Retreat experience tilts toward the Tigers.
- Canon Pickett: Alabama and Miami are strong competitors, but Matt Luke’s recruiting success (five OL signees in 2025) and Clemson’s need for tackles make them a contender. A strong visit could secure a commitment.
- Joey O’Brien: Clemson’s history with versatile athletes and frequent campus visits give them a slight edge over Penn State. Analysts see a potential commitment post-visit.
- Caleb Gordon: Clemson leads, with Gordon’s fit in Allen’s scheme and positive Elite Retreat feedback. South Carolina’s in-state pull is a challenge, but the Tigers are favored.
Recruiting Rankings Context
- 2026 Class Ranking: Clemson’s 12 commitments place them No. 2 nationally (247Sports Composite), behind USC. The class features four four-star prospects (e.g., Guiles, Gebhardt) and a strong regional focus (South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida).
- 2025 Class Recap: Clemson’s 2025 class ranked No. 26 (247Sports) and No. 37 (ESPN), with 18 signees (15 high school, 3 transfers). Key players include four-star DL Amare Adams (No. 47 overall) and RB Gideon Davidson (No. 53 overall). The class was smaller due to seven decommitments, a trend Clemson aims to reverse in 2026.
- Historical Context: Clemson has produced a top-15 class in 13 of the last 14 cycles (2011–2024), per ESPN, joining elite programs like Alabama and Georgia. The 2026 class’s No. 2 ranking signals a return to form after a dip in 2025.
Analyst Commentary
- Craig Haubert (ESPN): On Clemson’s 2025 class, Haubert noted, “If you’re Clemson fans, don’t freak out. You’re just lower [in the rankings] because you don’t have a lot of numbers in that class, but there’s quality there.” He praised the 2025 running back duo of Davidson and Marquise Henderson, a strength Clemson is building on in 2026 with prospects like Stancil.
- Greg Biggins (247Sports): On Tait Reynolds, Biggins described him as a “high-ceiling, low-ish-floor prospect” due to his raw skills but elite arm strength, suggesting Clemson’s coaching staff sees long-term potential.
- X Sentiment (@TIinClemson, May 26, 2025): Posts indicate excitement around last-minute developments, with Clemson targeting multiple four-star prospects like Stancil, Matthews, and Anderson. The Tigers are seen as aggressive in securing commitments during this weekend.
- CBSSports.com: Analysts caution that while Clemson’s No. 2 ranking is impressive, it’s early, and the Tigers must sustain momentum. “Clemson is off to a good start this cycle,” but the 2025 class’s struggles highlight the need to close on uncommitted prospects.
Clemson’s Strategy and Outlook
Clemson’s official visit weekend is a high-stakes opportunity to capitalize on their 2025 season hype, with analysts projecting the Tigers as a top-five team and ACC favorite. Swinney’s emphasis on a “family environment” and player development, combined with coordinators Matt Luke and Tom Allen’s recruiting efforts, has resonated with prospects. The Tigers aim to secure at least 3–5 commitments from this weekend, mirroring past successes (e.g., 8 of 20 uncommitted visitors in 2023, 14 of 27 in 2022). The focus is on bolstering the offensive line, secondary, and linebacker positions, addressing 2025 class weaknesses (e.g., only one DB signed).
Key factors favoring Clemson:
- Home-Field Advantage: Death Valley’s atmosphere and Clemson’s facilities are a draw.
- Coaching Staff: Matt Luke’s offensive line recruiting and Tom Allen’s defensive scheme are tailored to prospects’ strengths.
- Momentum: The Elite Retreat’s seven commitments and a strong 2025 season outlook fuel excitement.
Challenges:
- Competition: Schools like Ohio State, Alabama, and Miami are vying for top prospects like Gebhardt and Pickett.
- NIL Concerns: While Swinney downplays NIL’s impact, some prospects may be swayed by larger offers elsewhere.
Prediction
Clemson is poised to land 3–4 commitments from this weekend, with ,Caleb Gordon, and Kameron Cody as the most likely to commit, given their positive feedback and Clemson’s positional needs. Kaden Gebhardt and Canon Pickett are toss-ups due to strong competition, but a successful visit could tip them toward the Tigers. The weekend will likely solidify Clemson’s No. 2 ranking and set the stage for a top-five 2026 class, provided they close on these uncommitted prospects.
