With high school football recruiting kicking into gear for the 2027 class, the Clemson coaching staff made contact and built relationships with numerous high-profile recruits across the nation.
However, there has been one noticeable change this cycle that Tiger fans should keep an eye on: Florida’s recent reemergence as a major player in the recruiting landscape. Within the past several weeks, the Gators have received verbal commitments from four high school prospects, each of whom had Clemson as a finalist. Which prospects once had their eye on Tigertown and instead chose Gainesville?
Three of the recruits came along the offensive line with Maxwell Hiller from Pennsylvania, Elijah Hutcheson of Virginia and Peyton Miller of Texas.
Maxwell Hiller — offensive lineman, Pennsylvania
Hiller is widely considered one of the best interior offensive linemen in the class. His role as a multi-sport athlete will likely translate to his future at the position. Hiller drew significant interest from Big Ten programs due to the conference’s close proximity to schools like Penn State and Ohio State. He ultimately turned down these offers and is now committed to Florida.
Elijah Hutcheson — offensive lineman, Virginia
Elijah Hutcheson was long considered to land in Tigertown, though things turned late in Florida’s favor, and the Gators ultimately gained Hutcheson’s pledge. Like Hiller, Hutcheson is a multi-sport athlete and competes in track and field. Hutcheson projects as a potential long-term starter at the collegiate level, according to Andrew Ivins of 247Sports. This was a major recruiting loss for the Tigers, as Clemson has had success recruiting offensive linemen from across the Southeast in recent years.
Peyton Miller — offensive lineman, Texas
Miller had been on offensive line coach Matt Luke’s radar for quite a long time. He’s an intriguing athlete with his diverse background as a track runner and wrestler. Gabe Brooks of 247Sports deems Miller a “versatile” offensive lineman, noting he has the capability to be a “true center.” Had Clemson won this recruiting battle, the Tigers would’ve had a solid piece along the trenches.
Andrew Beard — running back, Georgia
Beard is a four-star running back hailing from Georgia. He had visited Clemson in the past and held offers from several powerhouses in the sport. Beard chose Florida over schools like Clemson and Georgia. According to Andrew Ivins, Beard is “quick to identify cutback opportunities and has the agility to scoot around tacklers.” This was a bit of a recruiting setback for the Tigers. However, there was another opportunity in four-star running back Gary Walker. In May, he committed to Clemson.
The Gators have been on a heater on the recruiting trail as of late: along with the aforementioned recruits, the program was a top school for former Clemson cornerback commit Seth Williams. However, he is now going to choose between Clemson and Georgia. Defensive linemen Griff Galloway, another former target of the Clemson and Florida coaching staff has committed to Kentucky.
If Clemson is to rebuild itself into national dominance, it must continue recruiting from the high school ranks and the ever-present transfer portal.
Caleb Gurley is a reporter for The Tiger. You can reach him at [email protected].
