Future on display: Clemson’s season-opener brings elite recruits to campus

Clemson football’s season opener against LSU isn’t only about the current landscape of their program; it’s also a showcase for the future.

The Tigers will host a star-studded group of 2027 and 2028 recruits, including ones already committed to Clemson and other high-profile prospects who are undecided. This Saturday could become one of the season’s biggest recruiting weekends for head coach Dabo Swinney’s program.

Here’s a look at the two committed 2027 recruits, as well as the top three uncommitted prospects who are making the trip to Clemson this weekend:

Max Brown — linebacker, class of 2027

Brown was the first of the 2027 recruiting class to commit to Clemson, following his brother and Freshman All-American, Sammy Brown.

The 6-foot-1 linebacker had a dominant past two seasons at Jefferson High School, accounting for 195 tackles, 16 for a loss, three sacks, two pass deflections and two forced fumbles in only two years on varsity.

While he had 18 other offers from top programs nationwide, Brown was waiting on one school: Clemson. He finally got the offer in early June and announced his commitment to the school two days later.

Brown is rated as a four-star recruit, according to 247Sports Composite.

Kharim Hughley — quarterback, class of 2027

Hughley was the second commit of the 2027 class and hails from the same state as Brown: Georgia.

The 5-foot-11 signal caller committed to the Tigers in July. Like Brown, he seemed to be waiting for that Clemson offer. Once he got it, Hughley committed only a few days later.

Last season, Hughley threw 2,543 yards and 22 touchdowns to two interceptions. On the ground, he rushed for 108 yards and three touchdowns.

Stepping into his second season on varsity, he found his rhythm on the field, throwing for multiple touchdowns in each of his first two games to start the 2025-26 season.

Hughley is rated a four-star recruit and the No. 15 quarterback nationally for the 2027 class, according to 247Sports Composite.

Joshua Dobson — cornerback, class of 2027

As an in-state talent with a five-star rating, Dobson has drawn major attention from Clemson.
He’s ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect and the No. 2 player at his position, according to 247Sports Composite.

In his two seasons at Catawba Ridge High School — only three hours away from Clemson — Dobson has been locked in for the Copperheads, racking up 72 tackles, 16 pass deflections and six interceptions — one which he returned for a score.

As a sophomore, he earned All-State and All-Region honors while leading his school to the second round of South Carolina’s 5A Division 2 Playoffs.

Dobson already visited Clemson once over the summer for an unofficial visit. However, the Tigers still look to get ahead on the high-priority target this weekend, as he’s also secured game-week visits to Notre Dame and South Carolina.

Asher Ghioto — defensive end, class of 2028

While many fans may not know Ghioto yet due to his age, he’s quickly made a name for himself after only one year of playing at the high school level.

The 240-pound defensive lineman broke out last season for The Bolles School alongside 2026 Clemson commit, Naeem Burroughs. The 6-foot-4.5 standout put up 66 tackles, 21 for a loss, seven sacks and one pass deflection.

Following his dominant freshman year in 2024, Ghioto earned his spot as a MaxPreps Freshman All-American. He is currently rated as a five-star recruit and ranks as the No. 3 defensive lineman in the country, per 247Sports Composite.

While he holds 41 total offers, Clemson still isn’t one of them. But this shouldn’t surprise most, as Swinney doesn’t tend to hand out offers, especially to freshmen. Nevertheless, he and the program have still been in contact since his breakout season.

Ghioto hasn’t received an offer yet, but choosing to visit Clemson with his current teammate speaks volumes about the type of recruit and person he is.

Kennedy Brown — offensive tackle, class of 2027

Brown is one of, if not the most, highly-touted recruits coming to visit the Tigers this weekend.

He holds 44 offers from some of the best programs in the country and is ranked as the No. 1 overall player in the nation for the 2027 class, according to 247Sports Composite.

Luckily, the coach who recruited him is Matt Luke, a top-10 recruiter in the nation for the 2026 class, according to 247Sports.

While Clemson’s offensive line room is already stacked with the 2026 class, a talent like Brown is simply too special to overlook. If the Tigers can even stay in the conversation for the No. 1 player in the country, it speaks volumes about Matt Luke’s recruiting pull.