Clemson women’s basketball made history in November 2025, landing the highest-ranked recruiting class in program history — that class now looks a little different.
Head coach Shawn Poppie originally signed five players in the 2026 class, a group ranked as high as No. 3 nationally by 247Sports and No. 5 by ESPN. The class marked a major milestone for a program that had previously struggled to consistently land elite talent.
However, in April 2026, five-star guard Trinity Jones — the centerpiece of the class — was released from her national letter of intent and reopened her recruitment. Her departure removes the highest-ranked signee in program history and reshapes the class’s outlook.
Even with the loss, the remaining group still ranks among the strongest hauls in Clemson women’s basketball history.
Kimora Fields, a 6-foot forward from Cleveland, Tennessee, headlines the class following Jones’ exit. Ranked inside the top 50 nationally and No. 1 in Tennessee according to 247Sports, Fields brings a versatile skill set after leading Bradley Central High School to a 36-1 record and a third consecutive state title.
She averaged 19.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game last season and was named Tennessee’s Gatorade Player of the Year for 2026.
Julia Scott, a 6-foot-2 forward from New York, adds size and production to the frontcourt and is ranked No. 42 nationally by 247Sports. A back-to-back state champion and McDonald’s All-American East nominee, Scott averaged 22.2 points and 13.6 rebounds per game during her junior season, establishing herself as a consistent two-way presence.
In the backcourt, Meeyah Green brings leadership and experience. The Knoxville native is a four-time all-state selection and was named the 2024-25 Division II-AA MVP. Known for her high basketball IQ and playmaking ability, Green is expected to contribute early.
Rounding out the class is Dyarri Braddick, a 6-foot-6 center from Charleston, South Carolina. Braddick provides Clemson with much-needed size, leading her high school team in blocks and field goal percentage last season.
Despite the late change, the broader picture under Poppie remains significant. In just two recruiting cycles, he has signed six top-100 players — matching the program’s total from the previous 12 years combined.
Jones’ departure is undeniably a setback, especially given her national profile and heralded role as the face of the class. Still, Clemson’s recruiting momentum under Poppie suggests the program is trending upward.
Looking ahead, the development of this class will be just as important as its ranking. If Fields, Scott, Green and Braddick can translate their high school success to the college level, Clemson has the pieces to build both depth and versatility across the roster.
The Tigers are coming off a 21-12 season and their second NCAA Tournament appearance since 2002, with their progress on the court matching their progress off of it. With a strengthened foundation and continued recruiting success, Clemson appears poised to remain competitive in the ACC and build toward sustained national relevance in the coming years.
