The big official visit weekend has netted another commitment.

Three-star DE JR Hardrick (South Pittsburgh, TN) has committed to Clemson, announcing to the Tigers just days removed from the weekend visit.

“Everything went great,” Hardrick told The Clemson Insider. “I had a great time.”

The 6-foot-6, 235-pound prospect just picked up his offer in early May, which quickly catapulted the Tigers to the top of his list.

Georgia Tech, Louisville, Mississippi State, Virginia and Wake Forest were some of his other offers, with the Yellow Jackets and Cardinals both scheduled to get official visits. Those obviously will transpire now.

Defensive ends coach Chris Rumph started to show heavy interest in Hardrick during the spring evaluation period, making multiple stops in to visit the young defensive end. Hardrick also made his first visit to Clemson in March.

“Clemson only used the transfer portal for three players this year,” Hardrick recently told TCI. “That just shows that they are really big on development. You actually have a chance to play, instead of just going somewhere where they just get somebody to come in ahead of you who’s already been there, done that. They actually gave you the chance to work for and earn a spot.

The addition of Hardrick now gives Clemson 17 verbal pledges in a 2026 class that multiple services currently ranks inside of the Top 5. He is also the first defensive end to commit in the class.