In Clemson’s current predicament, some commitments might be stronger than others.
Such is the case with four-star OL commit Grant Wise (Pace Academy, FL). Despite the Tigers’ disappointing season, the blue-chip talent insists he remains firmly locked in.
“I have been a little surprised, given the preseason rankings and stuff like that and how they did last year,” Wise told The Clemson Insider.
Clemson has already suffered two decommitments in the 2026 class and looks to be on the verge of losing a third, but Wise remains steadfast in his belief in head coach Dabo Swinney. While Wise knows a season such as the one the Tigers are in the midst of typically brings change, he has faith that Swinney will make the right ones.
“Obviously, just like everybody else, it is kind of crazy,” Wise added. “But I know how Coach Swinney runs his program. I know what he believes in and how he does things. I know he will make the right changes and do what needs to be done.”
While Swinney and the culture at Clemson played a big part in Wise ultimately choosing the Tigers, the opportunity to play for Matt Luke was almost equally appealing. The second-year offensive line coach has put together a 2026 class that features six offensive linemen, with many considering the best class of linemen in the country.
Luke has a group text with all of his commits, and while Wise obviously can’t speak for anyone else, he truly believes those six players will remain locked in.
“Coach Luke has one with all of us that he messages in pretty regularly,” Wise said. “I think this group is going to stick together. I would be surprised if one of the O-linemen decided to go elsewhere.”
And it’s not like other schools haven’t been trying to test the strength of the Top 250 talent’s pledge.
“I have had a few teams reach out again to try and see what is going on,” Wise said. “I have told them that right now I am sticking with my decision.”
While no one can predict the future, at this point, Wise doesn’t see himself anywhere else, and as much as he wants to play for Luke, it’s Swinney and that culture that are the biggest reasons why.
“I have heard from him multiple times during the season,” Wise said. “He is doing all the things right. This class that he is putting together, the guys that are committed, and if we can stay together, I believe we will have an impact early. He is one of the greatest coaches in college football in the last decade. I believe he is going to get it back.”
Wise was last on campus for the season-opener against LSU, and he is hoping to get back before the end of the season. Whether he can or not largely depends on how his high school season plays out.
Despite the current instability with the 2026 class, Wise’s attention is currently on his senior campaign. His Pace team is currently 8-1, has already secured a district championship, and will next face off with 7-2 Milton in a big rivalry game. If Pace wins and can move up from third to second in the Florida 6A rankings, they would be guaranteed two home playoff games.
For now, Wise is intent on doing all he can to help his team make a state title run, but Clemson remains firmly entrenched in the back of his mind. And he says only one thing would have him reconsidering his choice.
“If Dabo Swinney isn’t the coach by the end of the year, which I think is highly unlikely given his position and the relationship with the AD,” Wise said. “That would probably be one of the only things.”
Photo by Bart Boatwright