CLEMSON — Clemson only signed one linebacker in the 2026 recruiting cycle, and he was a late addition to the class.
Four-star Brayden Reilly (St. Xavier, OH) originally committed to Northwestern back in May. When the Tigers started to pursue him late in the cycle, the blue-chip talent backed off that verbal pledge and opened things back up.
After decommitting, Reilly jumped on board with Clemson in late October, then returned for an official visit about two weeks later, for the Duke game. Vanderbilt and Michigan also targeted Reilly late, once it became apparent he was available.
However, it was Ben Boulware and the Tigers that would win out, and Dabo Swinney gave a lot of the credit to his first-year linebackers coach.
“We were fortunate with Brayden Reilly,” the head coach said. “I think Ben did an amazing job of identifying Brayden, and it just kind of worked out. It was the right fit.”
Hailing from St. Xavier, Reilly comes from the same high school as true freshman offensive lineman Tucker Kattus and former starting offensive lineman Matt Bockhorst. While Kattus redshirted this season, Bockhorst was a two-year starter at Clemson.
“He is coming from an amazing school up at St. X,” Swinney added. “St. X is the home of Tucker Kattus, the home of Bockhorst — a lot of great players have come out of this program.”
Rivals ranks Reilly No. 266 overall and No. 16 among all linebackers in his class.
As a senior, the 6-foot-3, 210-pound prospect was third on his team with 77 total tackles, while also adding 4.5 tackles for loss. He led the team with four interceptions and eight passes defended. Reilly also forced two fumbles, recovered two fumbles and was credited with two blocked punts, while also blocking a field goal.
It’s that kind of playmaking ability that attracted the Clemson coaching staff in the first place, and Reilly certainly seems to fit the bill when it comes to the attributes defensive coordinator Tom Allen covets in his players.
“Brayden fits the bill for what Tom and everybody is looking for in that linebacker position,” Swinney said.
Photo courtesy of Bart Boatwright