Clemson Lands Top In-State Safety for Dabo Swinney’s Top 5 2026 Class

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Lockett | Last updated May 16, 2025 5:35 PM ET

Clemson has added a crucial piece to its defensive future. Four-star safety Kentavion Anderson of Dorman High School in Roebuck, South Carolina, has committed to the Tigers, giving Dabo Swinney’s staff a significant in-state recruiting win over rival South Carolina.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Anderson chose Clemson over a deep list of national suitors that included Michigan, Tennessee, North Carolina, Texas A&M, Florida, and others. But for months, the battle was seen as a Palmetto State showdown between Clemson and USC—and the Tigers came out on top.

Anderson made his decision public Friday, citing Clemson’s academic support and the potential for early playing time as major factors in his choice.

“It was the academics and the playing time as a freshman,” Anderson said.

Clemson’s spring visit strategy may have sealed the deal. Anderson attended the Tigers’ Elite Retreat on March 8 and was on campus earlier in January for Junior Day. In contrast, while he also visited South Carolina in January and stayed in contact with secondary coach Torrian Gray, he never made a return trip to Columbia this spring due to his busy 7-on-7 schedule.

“They told me that I’m a great ballplayer and can play anywhere on the field,” Anderson said of Clemson’s staff. “They showed me how some of their best guys played around at several positions.”

Anderson’s pledge could have a ripple effect for Clemson, not just because of the in-state optics, but because of his potential fit in the Tigers’ secondary. He now joins fellow four-star defensive back Kaden Gebardt in the 2026 class, forming a promising duo with complementary skill sets.

Gebardt has been vocal on social media, campaigning for Anderson’s commitment—and now the two will share a defensive backfield in Death Valley.

By locking down a top-10 in-state prospect and fending off the Gamecocks, Clemson regains traction within South Carolina’s borders. It’s a symbolic and strategic win for the Tigers, who are looking to rebuild their defensive identity with versatile, instinctual playmakers like Anderson.

Anderson plans to take only one official visit—and it’ll be to Clemson, the school he now plans to call home.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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