Quarterback commit Brock Bradley isn’t overly concerned with Clemson’s slow start. At least not in a way that would have him rethinking his verbal pledge.
Bradley is one of two quarterbacks committed to the Tigers in the 2026 class, and the three-star talent out of Spain Park (AL) knew well before he picked up his offer that Clemson was where he wanted to play.
Bradley readily admits that the Tigers have experienced their share of issues on the offensive side of the ball during the 1-3 start, but he has full confidence in the coaches on Dabo Swinney’s staff, including offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Garrett Riley.
“I think the offense has done some good things,” Bradley said. “There have obviously been some struggles here and there that need to be cleaned up, but ultimately I trust coach Riley’s process and have faith that they’ll figure it out.”
Riley’s track record, including his accomplishments while serving as the offensive coordinator at both SMU and TCU, is why Bradley has so much faith in the former Broyles Award winner.
“First off, his track record,” Bradley said. “He has proven at multiple schools that he is one of the best play callers in the country. I obviously believe that. And secondly, just the way he trusts his scheme. This is a high level of college football. There are going to be bad games. I think the way he handles the heat is something that makes him great.”
Over the first four games of his senior campaign, Bradley has thrown for 1,039 yards with nine touchdowns and four interceptions, while completing 65% of his throws. With that kind of production, along with the Tigers’ unexpected start, there have been teams trying to test the strength of his commitment.
“I think that is normal,” Bradley said. “Schools will try and check in with you. Call, text, or whatever. I’ve been completely locked in, and my recruitment process is shut down. I still have full faith in Clemson.”
Clemson has already suffered one decommitment this week, with four-star DE Dre Quinn backing off his verbal pledge on Thursday. Although the wheels were already in motion on that one even before the Tigers’ last two losses.
However, while he certainly can’t speak for anyone else, based on conversations he’s had, Bradley doesn’t see a scenario in which the current class falls apart.
“I don’t want to speak for the other commits in the class, but I have spoken with a lot of guys that will be going in with me, and I think we are all pretty commonly in the same headspace,” he said. “Our commitment isn’t based on three or four games. This is a school that is proven to win. They have got, in my opinion, the best coach in college football. I don’t think anything can tear that down.”
At the end of the day, Bradley has been watching Clemson long enough to believe that Swinney will respond. Whether that be by finishing the season strong, or rebounding next year once Bradley is on campus. Either way, he wants to be a part of the ride.
“My commitment is a product of a lot of things; it’s not just one person,” Bradley said. “The relationships I have built there with the entire staff have all gone into it.”
Photo by Bart Boatwright