Clemson Makes Huge Move up ESPN’s Recruiting Rankings
By: Gavin Oliver June 4, 2026

Clemson has been on a heater on the recruiting trail, and as a result, the Tigers made a huge move in ESPN’s updated recruiting rankings.

Clemson went from being unranked, all the way up to No. 6 in ESPN’s new recruiting class rankings for the 2027 class.

The Tigers have been stacking talent in their 2027 class, which has grown to 22 total commitments. Clemson has landed more than a dozen commitments since late May, including seven from June 1-3.

Clemson’s 2027 class features eight top-300 national prospects, according to ESPN.

Four-star quarterback Kharim Hughley is the Tigers’ highest-ranked commit, per ESPN, ranking as the No. 124 overall prospect in the country and the fifth-best dual-threat QB. Right behind him in ESPN’s rankings is four-star defensive end Desmond Malpress, who ranks No. 125 nationally and as the No. 16 player at his position.

Here’s what ESPN national recruiting analyst Craig Haubert wrote about Clemson’s 2027 class:

“Working to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season and regain Clemson’s status as a consistent national title contender, Dabo Swinney is building a deep and well-balanced class. Anchored by Georgia and Florida talent, this class focuses on restocking the trenches with developmental size and securing dynamic playmakers at skill positions. As usual, Swinney emphasized highly competitive prospects with a winning pedigree.

“Dual-threat QB Kharim Hughley headlines the offense. He has good accuracy, a strong arm, mobility and confidence. RB Gary Walker brings agility and speed (21 mph max). WR Jamarin Simmons offers exceptional short-area quickness and ball skills, while Trey Wimbley provides verified 4.47 speed to stretch the field vertically.

“The offensive line features OT J.J. Brown (6-5, 295), who has elite length and upside. Defensively, end Desmond Malpress (6-4, 215) is a great athlete with 4.59 speed. OLB Bryce Kish (6-4, 220) adds versatile skill and physicality, and DT Luke Starcevic (6-5, 250) brings a lengthy frame and motor to the interior.”

QB Kharim Hughley during pregame of Clemson’s game against LSU on August 30, 2025 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. (Bart Boatwright/The Clemson Insider)

Texas A&M is No. 1 in ESPN’s 2027 class rankings, with Oklahoma, Miami, Florida and Notre Dame rounding out the top five.

Besides Miami and Clemson, Cal (No. 17) and Virginia Tech (No. 19) are the other ACC teams ranked in the top 20.

Clemson’s 2027 class ranks No. 11 nationally by On3, while the Tigers are No. 6 nationally in the 247Sports recruiting class rankings.