Clemson QB Kharim Hughley showed how effective he can be as a runner in his team’s season-opener on Saturday.

Hughley had more than 60 rushing yards in the first quarter alone, and while his Gainesville team held a slim 13-10 lead late in the third quarter, special teams gaffes would ultimately lead to their demise, as Buford came back and won 39-19. The Tigers’ four-star quarterback commit also threw a short touchdown pass in the first quarter.

Not only did Gainesville have several turnovers on special teams, the Red Elephants were missing their top two running backs against the defending state champs in Georgia.

As a junior, Hughley threw for 2,456 yards, 33 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He also rushed for 379 yards and eight more scores, in helping lead his team to an appearance in the 5A state title game.

Hughley was named a preseason All-State honoree by the Touchdown Club of Atlanta.

The blue-chip talent committed to Clemson last summer just days after earning an offer. He is expected to be the only quarterback take in the 2027 class.

ESPN ranks Hughley No. 125 overall and No. 5 among all dual-threat quarterbacks in the class.