Clemson’s 2026 Recruiting Class Makes Big Moves, Climbing National Rankings Under Dabo Swinney

By Jeremy Lockett | Athlon Sports | Updated April 8, 2025

After a disappointing 37th-place finish in the 2025 recruiting cycle, Clemson is making a strong comeback under head coach Dabo Swinney. The Tigers have surged to No. 3 in ESPN’s early 2026 college football recruiting rankings, trailing only Ohio State and USC.

This rapid rise is largely credited to a productive March, during which Clemson secured eight new commitments—five of them from top ESPN 300 prospects. Coming off a College Football Playoff appearance, the Tigers seem poised to reestablish themselves as a national powerhouse.

Key players fueling this resurgence include wide receiver Naeem Burroughs, a top-tier recruit known for his speed and instincts, and fellow receiver Connor Salmin, another big-play threat. Clemson is also strengthening its offensive line with commitments from four-star linemen Grant Wise and Adam Guthrie, setting a solid foundation for future success.

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