Clemson just landed a big-time addition to its 2026 class, flipping one of the top JUCO defensive linemen in the country. Andy Burburija, a 6-foot-2, 290-pound force out of Iowa Western, announced Monday that he’s committed to the Tigers - a move that had been brewing since the weekend.
Originally committed to Nebraska, Burburija had been a key target for several Power Five programs down the stretch. But Clemson turned up the heat and secured his pledge ahead of the February 4 signing date. Until pen hits paper, other schools might still try to make a late push, but for now, the Tigers have added one of the most disruptive JUCO defenders in the 2026 class.
Let’s talk production - because Burburija hasn’t just flashed potential, he’s delivered. As a true freshman in 2024, he posted nine tackles for loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble over 13 games.
Solid numbers for a first-year player adjusting to the college game. But in 2025, he took things to another level.
Burburija racked up 45 total tackles, 18.5 of them for loss, and added 11 sacks. That kind of leap speaks to his development, motor, and ability to wreck plays in the backfield.
And it’s not just the stats that stand out - his recruitment tells the story of a player whose stock has skyrocketed. Clemson wasn’t always the frontrunner.
Burburija had originally signed with Kansas State in December, but when Wildcats head coach Chris Klieman stepped down, the door opened. Nebraska moved in quickly and secured a commitment.
But Clemson stayed in the mix, hosting Burburija on a visit just before he pledged to the Cornhuskers. That visit clearly made an impression.
Over the past few weeks, his offer list expanded to include Penn State, Auburn, Texas Tech, and Arkansas, among others. That surge of interest aligns with his breakout sophomore campaign and his ranking: No. 20 overall JUCO prospect in the country and No. 6 among JUCO defensive linemen, per 247Sports.
For Nebraska, it’s a tough loss, especially after already adding three transfer defensive linemen this cycle - Jahsear Whittington (Pitt), Anthony Jones (UCLA), and Owen Stoudmire (Boston College). The Huskers are still in the mix for high school standout Dylan Berymon, who’s set to announce on February 4. After a January visit, Nebraska is firmly in the running, though Kentucky is also making a strong push after hosting him this past weekend.
As for Clemson, this is a win that strengthens their defensive front with a player who’s already proven he can produce at the college level. Burburija brings size, power, and a knack for getting into the backfield - traits that should translate quickly in the ACC.