Clemson’s 2027 commit class opened the high school football season with plenty to show off, and the first weekend brought a little bit of everything: acrobatic catches, explosive runs and even a punter cameo.
The biggest highlight may have come from Florida, where Jamarin Simmons looked every bit the five-star receiver Clemson wants him to be. Against James Rickards, Simmons delivered a catch that had the feel of a Randy Moss-type moment, rising above the defender for a spectacular grab and making it clear he knew exactly who won the rep.
Amos. P Godby rolled to a 35-13 win, but Clemson fans - and Tyler Grisham - had plenty to like from Simmons’ night.
Gary Walker also made his presence felt in a big way. The Creekside back turned in a hat trick performance, finding the end zone three times while showing off the kind of speed and patience that make him such a dangerous weapon between the tackles. Creekside came up short, but Walker’s profile only got stronger.
Then there was the multi-talented Clemson pledge from Gainesville, who flashed all over the field in a loss to powerhouse Buford. ESPN’s broadcast even pulled up Tajh Boyd rushing highlights before the four-star commit answered with 61 yards on the ground in just a few minutes of action. He added a touchdown pass to give Gainesville a 13-0 lead over the No. 1-ranked Buford team, and he even got a chance to punt.
Maybe Clemson can find a use for that someday.
In Other News...
Clemsons LSU Opener Just Got A Twist Dabo Didnt Need
Clemsons buildup to the LSU opener picked up a little more intrigue this week with a roster wrinkle that could affect the Tigers first major test of the season. Former Browns tight end DaeQuan Wright has reportedly been waived by Cleveland, and if he clears waivers, he has an agreement in place to suit up for LSU in 2026, thanks to a new NCAA rule that allows certain players to return to college football after going pro.
Wrights path has already taken him from Virginia Tech to Ole Miss before his brief NFL stop, and the possibility of him landing back in the SEC gives LSU another experienced piece to consider down the line. For Clemson, the bigger issue is the same one it has had from the moment the opener was announced: preparing for a matchup that could look a little different by the time it arrives, with LSU continuing to explore ways to add proven talent to the mix. [Read more 🡒]
Clemson May Need Dietrick Pennington More Than Fans Realize Up Front
Dietrick Penningtons move from the offensive line to the defensive line is one of those roster changes that can look minor at first glance but carry real weight once the season starts. Clemson is planning to use him on both sides of the ball in 2026, and Dabo Swinney has made clear the Tigers want his size available in the tightest spots, especially when the field shrinks and the game gets physical near the end zone.
For Clemson, the broader point is about depth as much as versatility. Pennington gives the staff another option at defensive tackle after NFL departures thinned that room, and his usage in short-yardage and goal-line situations suggests the Tigers believe he can help immediately without needing a full-time switch. The only real question now is how much more the staff asks of him once the season arrives. [Read more 🡒]
Clemson's LSU Opener Will Spotlight Dabo's Biggest College Football Fight
Clemsons season opener against LSU already carries plenty of weight on the field, but it also arrives with a bigger backdrop that has long bothered Dabo Swinney. The Tigers head coach has been vocal about his concerns with the current college football system, especially the transfer landscape and what it can mean for academics, and this matchup offers a fresh look at the kind of roster churn that now shapes elite programs.
LSU has continued to add experienced pieces ahead of next season, including former Ole Miss tight end DaeQuan Wright, who is expected to join the program after being waived by the Browns, and Notre Dame edge rusher Junior Tuihalamaka, who is back with a fifth year of eligibility. For Clemson, the opener is more than a marquee nonconference test. It is another reminder of the fight Swinney has been pushing for as the sport keeps leaning further into movement, flexibility and a system he clearly believes has lost its balance. [Read more 🡒]