Elite DL Recruit Drops Savage Take on Tennessee While Eyeing Clemson

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Lentz | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 1:59 PM ET

Well, folks, official visit season has officially slammed shut, and that means we're staring down the barrel of the dead period. But for Clemson faithful, the past few weeks have been anything but dead! Dabo Swinney and the Tigers have been on an absolute tear, reeling in blue-chip talent left and right, and launching their 2026 recruiting class squarely into the top-five conversation. And believe it or not, they're still not done.

Whispers out of Tigertown suggest a handful of elite prospects are on the cusp of committing, and one name has risen to the top: four-star defensive lineman Keshawn Stancil. He recently whittled down his extensive list, with Clemson prominently featured. Stancil made the pilgrimage to see Dabo's dynasty on June 13, and what happened next went under the radar... until now.

During that pivotal visit, Stancil, who was once high on an SEC powerhouse early in his recruitment, decided to throw some serious shade. We're talking about none other than the Tennessee Volunteers.

Despite this bombshell dropping nearly a week ago, it somehow slipped through the cracks. But Stancil's post-visit reaction was loud and clear: "coulda been in Knoxville today but nahh Clemson better."

And honestly? He's not wrong.

Clemson's campus is widely considered one of the nation's best. While Stancil might have envisioned himself in Knoxville at one point, it's increasingly clear he's falling head over heels for the ACC powerhouse. As it stands, following the official visit circuit, the Tigers are the clear frontrunner to land Stancil, who checks in as the No. 157 overall recruit and the 20th-best defensive lineman in the 2026 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. He's also the No. 10 prospect out of North Carolina.

The Tigers will still have to fend off challenges from NC State, Penn State, Miami, and Georgia. But as for Tennessee? Well, according to Stancil himself, they're no longer a concern because, as he so eloquently put it, "Clemson better."

Will Stancil's commitment officially solidify Clemson's defensive line dominance for 2026? Only time will tell, but the Tigers are certainly in the driver's seat after this unexpected jab!

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

More must-reads: