Noah Hardy didn’t need much time to think once Dabo Swinney called.
The Clemson coach had good news for the in-state kicker: the Tigers were offering. Hardy had already heard from programs such as Georgia State and Liberty, but this was the one that mattered. Swinney extended the scholarship, and Hardy committed immediately.
That quick decision made Hardy Clemson’s 25th commitment in a class that most outlets have ranked inside the top 15.
Hardy’s interest in Clemson had been building for a while, but the first time he really felt it was this fall during the Tigers’ 28-20 comeback win over North Carolina. The visit left a strong impression, and he came away feeling like the program fit him.
“One of my biggest takeaways from the UNC visit was how much Clemson felt like a family,” Hardy said. “Getting to spend time around the coaches and experience the atmosphere on game day was special. It felt like home.”
A big part of that comfort came from the relationships he had already formed with Swinney and Rich Bisaccia, with special teams assistant Ryan Allen also playing a major role in the recruitment. Hardy said the reaction from both Swinney and Bisaccia made the moment stand out even more.
“I’ve built a great relationship with both Coach Swinney and Coach Bisaccia throughout the recruiting process,” Hardy said. “I’ve also had a strong relationship with Coach (Ryan) Allen for over a year now, and he’s been a big part of my recruitment. Coach Swinney and Coach Bisaccia were both pumped to have me join the Clemson family, which made the moment even more special.”
Hardy now steps into a kicking room that already features Nolan Hauser, who is in the middle of a standout season. Hauser is 23-for-24 for Clemson this year and is on track to be a finalist for the Lou Groza Award.
That gives Hardy a clear model to follow, and he’s embracing the chance to both learn and compete.
“Nolan has been having a great year,” Hardy said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to learn from him at the next level, while also coming in ready to compete and work.”
For Hardy, the phone call from Swinney settled everything. The offer came, the commitment followed, and Clemson now has another piece for its class.
In Other News...
Clemson Heads To Syracuse With Another Big Receiver Concern
Clemson heads to Syracuse with another layer of uncertainty on offense, and this one centers on Tyler Brown. The wide receiver is listed as questionable for the Nov. 7 matchup, adding to a group of Tigers offensive starters already ruled out as the team tries to sort through its availability heading into a road game with real ACC implications.
Syracuse has its own injury questions to manage, with multiple players on both sides of the ball, including quarterbacks and defensive linemen, showing up as questionable or doubtful. The result is a report that leaves both staffs waiting on final availability, with Clemson especially interested in how much firepower it can count on if Brown is limited or unavailable. [Read more 🡒]
Tait Reynolds And Clemson's Pass Rush Bring Real Momentum To Syracuse
Clemson is heading into its road trip to Syracuse with a little more rhythm on offense and a little more bite up front, two developments Dabo Swinney pointed to as he updated the teams status this week. The Tigers have gone three straight games without a turnover, and Swinney said quarterback Tait Reynolds is playing with more confidence and making better decisions as the offense settles in.
There is still a personnel note hanging over the week, though, with wide receiver Cole Turner remaining with the team but not practicing for personal reasons. On the other side of the ball, Swinney sounded encouraged by the defensive lines recent work, praising the pass rush and the technique behind it as Clemson looks to carry that momentum into a tricky road test. [Read more 🡒]
Clemson's Offensive Line Faces A Fresh Test With Grant Wise Up Next
Clemsons offensive line has already had to absorb some shuffling because of injuries, and now the Tigers are leaning on true freshman Grant Wise at center with senior Harris Sewell sidelined for ankle surgery. It is a significant ask for a young lineman in a spot where communication and timing matter on every snap, but Wise has earned quick praise from teammates Brayden Jacobs and Tait Reynolds for picking up the position fast and bringing a strong work ethic to the job.
The timing makes the adjustment even more important, with Syracuse on deck this weekend. For Clemson, the question is not just whether Wise can hold up physically, but whether he can keep the middle of the line steady while the Tigers continue sorting through their options up front. [Read more 🡒]