The 2026 class is a key one for Clemson to land a quarterback and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley has built a strong relationship with a coveted passer in the class.

Four-star quarterback Will Griffin has been in communication with the Tigers since last summer when he visited for the Dabo Swinney Camp. He’s a consensus top-five quarterback in the class, and Clemson’s early impression was big on him.

“I think I think very highly of Clemson. I think Clemson would be a great fit for me, especially like a good culture fit. I have a lot of my friends up there,” Griffin told The Clemson Insider. “I’m a strong Catholic as well, along with my family, and my uncle is even a priest here in Tampa…that’s really important to me and I know that’s something that they are very highly about there.”

Griffin hails from Jesuit High School in Texas, also the home of Clemson linebackers Wade and Drew Woodaz. He also spoke about regional connections with players from the Florida area.

As his relationship with Riley has grown, he spoke highly of the second-year play caller. Griffin said it would be a “great opportunity” to play under Riley’s watch, and the way the coach carried himself stood out.

Off the field, Griffin is a devout Catholic and that’s something that draws him to the Tigers. He cares about the family culture, and felt it during his visit. The way head coach Dabo Swinney and the program puts an emphasis on faith plays a large factor.

“I mean, my whole entire family loves Dabo Swinney We love everything he talks about, how he carries himself, how he carries a team. His faith, obviously, me expresses it very well and I think he’s a great coach and a mentor. A good person to grow from and especially grow up as a young man off the field,” Griffin said.

The 6-foot-3 quarterback confirmed to TCI that he plans to visit in the spring, but hasn’t put a date on it and the same goes for a potential visit in the summer. For now, Griffin is excited to build this relationship with Clemson while an offer would mean “so much” to him in his recruitment.

Photo courtesy of Will Griffin (@w_griffin11) on X