Clemson football is shaping up for a strong rebound on the recruiting trail, and with early signing day right around the corner on December 3, the Tigers’ 2026 class is sitting in a solid position. Ranked No. 18 nationally by the 247Sports Composite, this group is a notable step up from last year’s No. 26 finish - a sign that Dabo Swinney and his staff have recalibrated and are regaining some momentum.
While the class doesn’t feature any five-star headliners, it’s deep with talent, particularly among the 10 four-star recruits who headline the group. Leading the way is Naeem Burroughs, a dynamic wide receiver out of Jacksonville, Florida, who brings speed and playmaking ability to the table. He’s joined by fellow four-star wideout Gordon Sellars and hard-hitting defensive back Kentavion Anderson - two more names Tiger fans should get familiar with.
Holding Steady in the ACC Arms Race
Clemson currently ranks fourth in the ACC for the 2026 class, trailing Miami, Florida State, and North Carolina. That’s a competitive group, but still a respectable spot as the Tigers look to climb back toward the elite tier they once occupied regularly.
Under Swinney, Clemson has been no stranger to top-10 recruiting classes. He’s landed seven of them during his tenure, including a third-ranked class in 2020 and a fifth-place finish in 2021. But the last few cycles have seen the Tigers dip slightly - with back-to-back No. 11 finishes in 2023 and 2024, and that aforementioned No. 26 ranking in 2025.
This year’s class looks like a course correction. It’s not quite a return to the top 10, but it’s a clear move in the right direction.
Still Some Room to Add
Clemson tends to do most of its work early, typically locking in its class by the early signing period. But there’s still potential for a late addition or two.
One name to watch is Michael Foster, a three-star edge rusher currently committed to East Carolina. Clemson extended an offer to the Indian Land (SC) standout on November 6, and while Foster is also being pursued by West Virginia, the Tigers are hoping to make a late flip. If they succeed, it would mark the second straight year Clemson has pulled off a late-cycle flip - they did the same with quarterback Chris Denson last year, flipping him from Coastal Carolina.
The Tigers have had three decommitments in this cycle, including two defensive linemen, so there’s some room - and perhaps some motivation - to close strong.
Breaking Down the Class
Clemson’s 2026 class features 20 commitments in total: 10 four-star prospects, nine three-stars, and one unranked player. It’s a well-balanced group that checks a lot of boxes across the roster.
On offense, the Tigers are bringing in two quarterbacks - Tait Reynolds and Brock Bradley - along with four-star offensive linemen Chancellor Barclay, Leo Delaney, Carter Scruggs, Grant Wise, and Adam Guthrie. That’s a big haul up front, which is always a good sign for the long-term health of the offense.
At the skill positions, Burroughs and Sellars bring speed and versatility to the receiving corps, while Connor Salmin adds more depth at wideout. Tayveon Wilson - listed as a wide receiver/tight end hybrid - offers some positional flexibility. And don’t forget about long snapper Jackson Reach, a specialist who’s also part of the class.
Defensively, Clemson is adding four-star safety Kentavion Anderson and linebacker Brayden Reilly, along with a trio of three-star defensive backs: Kaden Gebhardt, Shavar Young Jr., and Marcell Gipson. Up front, the Tigers are bringing in defensive linemen JR Hardrick and Kameron Cody - though with the recent decommitments, that group could still see changes.
Final Thoughts
This class may not have the flash of a five-star signee, but it’s built on depth, balance, and upside. After a dip in 2025, Clemson’s 2026 group represents a step back toward the consistency that defined the program’s rise to national prominence. With a strong core of four-star talent and a few intriguing names still in play, the Tigers are setting themselves up well as the early signing period approaches.