Dabo Swinney’s 2026 Recruiting Class Surges Clemson Quietly Climbing Toward Top National Ranking

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Lockett | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 12:24 PM ET

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers are wasting no time making noise on the recruiting trail in the 2026 cycle. After finishing a disappointing 37th in the 2025 class, Clemson has come storming back with a vengeance—checking in at No. 3 in ESPN’s initial 2026 college football recruiting rankings.

Only Ohio State and USC currently sit ahead of the Tigers, and much of Clemson’s early momentum can be traced to a blazing-hot March that saw Swinney land eight commitments, including five from ESPN 300 prospects.

The Tigers are coming off a College Football Playoff appearance, and while the program is still working to reclaim the dominance it showed in the mid-2010s, the 2026 class signals a potentially significant turning point.

Leading the charge is wide receiver Naeem Burroughs, one of the top offensive weapons in the class. A legitimate track star with elite top-end speed and sharp football instincts, Burroughs brings a dynamic threat to the Tigers’ offense. He’s complemented by fellow wideout Connor Salmin, another high-upside pass catcher who brings big-play potential.

The foundation up front is also being set. Four-star offensive linemen Grant Wise and Adam Guthrie are both on board, giving Clemson the kind of size and athleticism in the trenches that could define the offense for years to come.

Perhaps the most intriguing offensive piece, though, is four-star quarterback Tait Reynolds out of Arizona. A dual-threat signal-caller, Reynolds offers mobility, toughness, and a developing arm that could eventually push him into position to succeed Cade Klubnik.

Defensively, ESPN 300 standout Kameron Cody leads the way. The versatile defender adds much-needed talent and upside to the unit, giving Clemson a strong start on both sides of the ball.

With nearly two-thirds of the ESPN 300 still uncommitted—including 14 of the 21 five-star prospects—the 2026 class remains fluid. But Clemson’s early work has placed them firmly in the national spotlight, and with Swinney’s track record of developing talent, this group could be laying the foundation for the Tigers’ next big run.

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

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