Make no mistake, defensive end feels like a position of significant need for Clemson in the 2026 recruiting class.

With TJ Parker very likely to head off to the NFL following the upcoming season, and multiple ends set to run out of eligibility following the 2026 campaign, the Tigers need to hit on a couple in this class.

Coming out of the Elite Retreat, Clemson appeared to be in solid shape with four-stars Cam Brooks and Dre Quinn and both had already locked in plans to attend the big official visit weekend from May 30 to June 2.

However, Brooks surprisingly announced a commitment to Cal on Sunday. While the school of choice wasn’t all that surprising, seeing as the Bears were one of four schools set to get an official, the timing of the commitment surely was. Along with Clemson and Cal, Florida State and Miami were also set to get officials. Brooks was expected to see through those official visits before making a decision.

That leaves Quinn as the lone target just over a month out from the big official visit weekend.

Four-star Bryce Perry-Wright, who is also a priority target scheduled to take an official visit to Clemson, could also be an option at end. He is certainly versatile enough to play outside, and the Tigers absolutely have a realistic shot at landing the blue-chip talent.

Despite that, it appears the board is going to have to be expanded at defensive end, seeing as Clemson likely needs to add a minimum of two.

Four-star Luke Wafle picked up an offer earlier this month, but the Tigers have a lot of ground to make up there. Penn State has long been viewed as the favorite, and Ohio State is slated to get an official on the weekend that Clemson holds its annual event.

Who the next target or targets turn out to be is yet to be determined. The coaches are currently out on the road and will be through the rest of the contact period that runs through May 24, just before the big official visit weekend.

It’s also worth noting that the Dabo Swinney high school camps will be held the first week in June. Maybe one of the next targets will work out for the staff on one of those days.