Dabo Swinney Welcomes Clemson’s 2025 Class with Nostalgia, Conviction, and Championship Expectations
Dabo Swinney walked into Clemson’s early signing day press conference wearing the same orange jacket he donned back in 2008, a symbolic nod to where it all began. And from the jump, it was clear: this wasn’t just another signing day. This was a full-circle moment, a celebration of loyalty, grit, and what Swinney believes is the foundation of Clemson’s next great chapter.
“It’s a dream achieved for young people… and it’s a special day for us because we got a group of young men and their families who chose us. That never gets old to me.”
Swinney didn’t shy away from the reality that this signing day came at a time when the noise around the program was louder than usual. But instead of flinching, he leaned into it. He celebrated this class not just for their talent, but for their belief in Clemson when it might’ve been easier to look elsewhere.
A Throwback to 2010: Loyalty in the Face of Adversity
Without being prompted, Swinney drew a direct line between this group and one of the most pivotal classes in Clemson history-the 2011 signing class that followed a 6-7 season and laid the groundwork for the Tigers’ rise to national prominence.
“They’re similar to my 2010 class,” Swinney said. “These guys stuck with us in the midst of the worst season we’ve had in 15 years. There’s not one person in this signing class that somebody didn’t try to talk out of coming.”
That 2011 group featured names like Sammy Watkins, Grady Jarrett, and Adam Humphries. Now, Swinney sees echoes of that same resilience and potential in this 2025 class.
“These 19 guys… I believe they’re destined for great things. They bring talent, they bring character, and they bring commitment.”
Class Breakdown: Coast-to-Coast Talent
Clemson signed 19 players from 13 different states, with 15 of them enrolling early in January. It’s a class that stretches from California to South Carolina, from Florida to Texas-an impressive geographic reach that underscores the national pull of Clemson’s brand.
Offensive players (12):
- Quarterbacks: Brock Bradley (Ala.), Tait Reynolds (Ariz.)
- Wide Receivers: Naeem Burroughs (Fla.), Connor Salmin (Va. /Md.), Gordon Sellars (N.C.)
- Tight End: Tayveon Wilson (W.Va.)
- Offensive Line: Leo Delaney (N.C.), Carter Scruggs (Va.), Chance Barclay (Fla.), Adam Guthrie (Ohio), Grant Wise (Fla.), Braden Wilmes (Kan.)
Defensive players (7):
- Defensive Line: J.R.
Hardrick (Tenn.), Kam Cody (Ga.)
- Linebacker: Brayden Reilly (Ohio)
- Cornerbacks: Shavar Young Jr. (Tenn.), Marcell Gipson (Texas)
- Safety: Polo Anderson (S.C.)
Special Teams (1):
- Long Snapper: Jackson Reach (Calif.)
Quarterbacks: The Centerpiece of the Class
If there’s a heartbeat to this class, it’s the quarterback duo-Brock Bradley and Tait Reynolds. Swinney lit up when talking about them, calling them hand-picked products of a selective and deliberate process.
“We don’t offer many guys. We’re very convicted in how we go about our decisions,” he said. “These two guys fit everything I was looking for.”
Brock Bradley drew comparisons to Baker Mayfield for his competitiveness and multi-sport background. Swinney called him a “winner” who thrives in the spotlight.
Tait Reynolds, on the other hand, is a high-upside athlete who’s been more focused on baseball than quarterback camps-but that didn’t stop him from standing out at the Elite 11. Swinney raved about his size, speed, and arm strength.
“One of the most unique kids I’ve ever recruited… he’s got a cannon for an arm.”
Wide Receivers: A “Home Run” Group
Swinney had high praise for receivers coach Tyler Grisham’s evaluations, calling this trio of pass-catchers “as good as anybody in the country.”
- Naeem Burroughs: “Great player, great kid… as good as anybody in the country.”
- Connor Salmin: “Elite, elite speed.
As fast a guy as we’ve signed in a long time.”
- Gordon Sellars: “A big body with a ton of diversity to his game… coming from one of the best programs in the country.”
Tight End: West Virginia’s Gift to Clemson
Tayveon Wilson is a five-sport athlete and the first West Virginia native to sign with Clemson since the 1960s. He played quarterback this past season, showcasing his versatility.
“Just a tremendous addition,” Swinney said. “Great athlete.”
Offensive Line: Six “Dudes” Up Front
Swinney didn’t hold back in praising offensive line coach Matt Luke, who helped secure six linemen that Swinney believes could be the backbone of this class.
- Grant Wise (Fla.): “I don’t know that we’ve ever signed a guy better than Grant Wise… looks like a senior in college right now.”
- Braden Wilmes (Kan.): “A true tackle… 6'7", big upside.”
- Adam Guthrie (Ohio): “Every kid I’ve had from Ohio has been a great player… Guthrie fits that.”
- Leo Delaney (N.C.): “Another big-body tackle… we fought hard to get him.”
- Chance Barclay (Fla.): “One of the most dynamic, charismatic young people I’ve ever met.”
- Carter Scruggs (Va.): “Can play tackle or guard… big body… foundation piece.”
Defensive Front: Size, Power, and Potential
J.R. Hardrick is a dynamic edge rusher out of Tennessee, and Swinney couldn’t help but compare him to former Clemson standout Andre Branch.
Kam Cody, nicknamed “Mount Cam,” is as physically imposing as they come at defensive tackle.
“He is a grown man,” Swinney said. “One of the biggest gifts for our D-tackle room.”
Linebacker: Reilly Brings Championship DNA
Brayden Reilly comes from St. Xavier in Ohio, a program known for producing tough, smart defenders. Swinney sees him fitting right into Clemson’s linebacker tradition.
“He fits the bill for what we were looking for.”
Cornerbacks: Early Impact Potential
Shavar Young Jr. was Clemson’s first commit in the class and never wavered. Swinney praised his athleticism and loyalty.
Marcell Gipson brings natural coverage ability and speed, and Swinney believes both corners could contribute early.
“These guys have a chance to help us immediately.”
Safety: Anderson’s Versatility Stands Out
Polo Anderson is a Swiss Army knife in the secondary. Swinney loves his positional flexibility and sees him playing multiple roles in the defense.
“Hard to put in a box… size, speed, athleticism. I think he can help us early.”
Special Teams: Reach Was a Must-Have
Jackson Reach, a long snapper from California, was at the top of Clemson’s board at the position.
“You better have more than one snapper… this was the top guy, and he’s really, really good at what he does.”
Final Word: Built to Win
Swinney closed the day by circling back to the themes that defined this class: loyalty, character, and a belief in the program-even when it wasn’t the easy choice.
“These guys came here even though it wasn’t as sexy to come here this year. They stuck with it. That says a lot about who they are.”
And then came the line that sums up the vision for this group:
“They’ve got the talent, the character, and the commitment… and that’s how you win championships. And how you repeat championships.”
As Clemson turns the page toward the next era, Swinney is clearly energized by the group he just signed. The journey starts in January for most of these young Tigers-and if history is any indication, this class could be one that shapes the future of the program.