Clemson Falls in Updated ESPN Recruiting Rankings
By: Gavin Oliver June 19, 2026

Clemson’s recent heater on the recruiting trail resulted in the Tigers making a huge move in ESPN’s recruiting rankings. The Tigers went from being unranked, all the way up to No. 6 in ESPN’s 2027 recruiting class rankings in early June.

However, despite the success on the recruiting front of late, Clemson slid down ESPN’s latest 2027 recruiting class rankings, released June 19.

The Tigers fell outside the top 10 to No. 14 in ESPN’s updated recruiting class rankings, amid the various developments across the recruiting landscape entering this weekend, the final weekend of official visits prior to the NCAA dead period.

Though the Tigers dropped, they’ve been stacking talent in their 2027 class, which is currently comprised of 22 total commitments. Clemson has landed more than a dozen pledges 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 Clemson defensive end pledge 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.”

Clemson QB commit Kharim Hughley before the Tigers’ game vs. Syracuse on September 20, 2025 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. (Bart Boatwright/The Clemson Insider)

Texas A&M stayed at No. 1 overall in ESPN’s updated 2027 class rankings, with Oklahoma remaining at No. 2. Miami moved up one spot to No. 3, while Florida dropped one spot to No. 4, and Texas Tech vaulted into the fifth spot after previously being ranked No. 11.

Besides Miami and Clemson, the other ACC teams ranked in the top 20 are Virginia Tech, Cal and Georgia Tech.

Virginia Tech moved up one spot to No. 13, directly ahead of Clemson. Cal stayed at No. 19, while Georgia Tech is now No. 20 after previously being unranked.

Clemson’s 2027 class currently ranks No. 15 nationally by On3/Rivals, while the Tigers are No. 12 nationally in the 247Sports recruiting class rankings and No. 14 in the 247Sports Composite recruiting class rankings.