Clemson has been showing strong interest in a standout offensive line recruit from Kansas with a connection to the Tigers.

Class of 2026 tackle Braden Wilmes was back on campus last month. The 6-foot-8, 285-pound junior from Lawrence Free State High School in Lawrence, Kan., returned to Tiger Town as an unofficial visitor for the Sept. 7 game vs. App State.

The Clemson Insider recently caught up with Wilmes, whose mother is a Clemson grad and accompanied him on his latest visit, along with his father.

“This was my third trip to Clemson in the past year,” Wilmes said. “My mom went to high school in South Carolina and graduated from Clemson, so I’ve been to campus before, including a game when I was much younger. My only other interaction with the coaches and football program before the App State game was when I attended a camp this past June. Would love to make it back for another game or for a junior day.”

Seeing as Wilmes hadn’t attended a Clemson game since he was a toddler, he certainly wasn’t disappointed after his gameday experience last month for the Tigers’ 66-20 victory over the Mountaineers at Death Valley.

“Obviously, seeing the Tigers get the win while lighting up the scoreboard was pretty incredible,” he said. “The gameday atmosphere was amazing! Got to experience the sights, sounds and smells of all the tailgating outside the stadium before the game started. The highlight, though, was standing next to the team as they got off the busses and ran down the hill in the stadium.”

Wilmes is plenty interested in Clemson, and the interest appears to be mutual. According to Wilmes, the Tigers like what he brings to the table as an O-line prospect, particularly his size, length, footwork and mobility.

He has been staying in touch with members of Clemson’s staff, and said he communicates frequently with offensive line coach Matt Luke and offensive analyst/assistant offensive line coach Carson Cramer.

“Usually about once a week,” Wilmes said of his contact with Luke and Cramer. “Being that I’m halfway across the country, it’s understandably difficult for anyone on the Clemson staff to see me play in person, so a lot of their ongoing evaluation of me happens through watching my game and practice film. I’m going to keep working hard, being a great teammate and continue doing my best to prove to them I would be a great fit in their offensive line room.”

Wilmes currently lists offers from Wisconsin, Kansas, Kansas State, Minnesota, Iowa State, Iowa, Arkansas and Northwestern.

Along with Clemson, Wilmes said he’s been hearing a lot from Wisconsin, Kansas, Kansas State and Minnesota, while he has also been talking more often of late with Utah, Iowa and Northwestern.

Earning an offer from Clemson moving forward would be huge for him, especially considering his family tie to the school and familiarity with the Tigers.

“Tradition, great coaches, player accountability and school pride are a few things that come to mind when thinking about the Clemson football program,” he said. “I grew up watching the Tigers play every fall. It would be an absolute honor to receive an offer from Clemson. Incredible.”

–Photo courtesy of Braden Wilmes on X (@BradenWilmes)

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