Delaney’s commitment adds a martial arts edge to Clemson’s elite 2026 O-line class

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Lockett | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 5:58 PM ET

Four-star interior offensive lineman Leo Delaney, the No. 5 IOL in the 2026 class, officially committed to Clemson during a live announcement on The Ultimate College Football Show, giving the Tigers their 16th overall pledge and their eighth four-star of the cycle.

Delaney, a standout from Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina, picked the Tigers over fellow finalists Michigan and Penn State. The 6-foot-6, 290-pound mauler had long been high on Clemson’s board and on Clemson itself, dating back to a spring visit earlier this year that left a lasting impression.

“Clemson is a one-of-a-kind program,” Delaney said back in March.

That sentiment only grew stronger after an official visit that clearly set the bar. “It was great. I mean, I had a great experience,” Delaney said. “They definitely rolled out the red carpet—just getting to hang out with the players, hang out with the coaches, and just everything Clemson football for a whole weekend. I think that was just a really fun experience.”

Delaney, who holds a black belt in Jeet Kune Do, brings a rare mix of polish and power. He has logged snaps at both guard and tackle at the high school level and is considered versatile enough to play multiple positions on the offensive line. A two-way player at Providence Day, he’s also proven disruptive on defense and earned MaxPreps Sophomore All-American honors as a sophomore in 2023.

Despite missing the end of his junior year due to injury, Delaney’s stock has only climbed. He’s currently rated No. 62 overall nationally by 247Sports and ranks No. 5 among all interior linemen, as well as No. 5 in the state of North Carolina.

Under the direction of offensive line coach Matt Luke, Clemson is assembling one of its strongest O-line hauls in recent memory. Delaney joins a group that includes fellow four-stars Chancellor Barclay, Adam Guthrie, and Grant Wise, along with 3-star tackle Braden Wilmes.

Luke, a former SEC head coach and national championship-winning assistant, continues to deliver on the recruiting trail—and this class proves it.

Delaney’s commitment pushes Clemson’s 2026 class deeper into the top-five nationally, as Dabo Swinney and his staff continue to stack elite talent on the front lines.

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

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