The 2026 football recruiting class for the Clemson Tigers may look a bit lackluster in talent this cycle. But make no mistake: whether the players were acquired from the transfer portal or from the high school ranks, there is no shortage of talent coming to Clemson next fall. But whose names are important to know for the 2026 season? Below are some of Clemson’s top acquisitions ranked by position.
Offense
Quarterback
Tait Reynolds is one of Clemson’s most intriguing prospects for this class. Reynolds hails from Arizona. He is also a consensus three-star prospect, according to many recruiting services. Reynolds brings a strong arm to push the ball downfield in a new-look Chad Morris offense.
Running back
Chris Johnson Jr. was the lone running back to sign with Clemson out of the portal and high school ranks. He originally played at SMU and is one of the fastest players in college football. Johnson brings speed and versatility to a running back room that needs a dominant rusher.
Offensive line
Grant Wise is one of Clemson’s several offensive line commits. Wise was a competitive weightlifter in high school, lifting almost 400 pounds, in addition to playing football. With that kind of strength, along with his tall stature, Wise could be a huge contributor to the team.
Tight end
Tayveon Wilson is considered one of the best players in the state of West Virginia in this recruiting cycle. Wilson is a three-star recruit and brings multisport experience and speed to Clemson’s tight end room. He also played defense in high school, bringing versatility to the team.
Wide receiver
Naeem Burroughs was a four-star recruit in all the major recruiting outlets. Burroughs brings enthusiasm to the position, excels at speed and can produce big plays almost effortlessly. While he may have to wait to start, he should see the field very early in the season.
Defense
Defensive line
London Merritt was a player Clemson recruited out of high school; however, he chose to play his freshman year at Colorado. Merritt was a force of nature in the Big 12 Conference, winning Defensive Freshman of the Year Honors. Merritt brings an attitude to his play style, a trait Clemson’s defense needs to dominate next season.
Linebacker
Brayden Reilly is a four-star recruit from Ohio. He brings good size and length to the Clemson defense. Given that some of Clemson’s linebackers have transferred, he could see the field very early on.
Defensive back
Corey Myrick is a defensive back who played for Southern Mississippi last season. Myrick was a star player in the Sun Belt Conference. Standing more than 6 feet tall, he brings size and experience to a Clemson secondary that needs both these elements this upcoming season.
Safety
Kentavion “Polo” Anderson was a highly rated four-star prospect from South Carolina. He brings elite speed to the position and could have an immediate impact to start in a Clemson secondary ravaged by the portal this offseason.
