One of Clemson’s top offensive line targets in the 2027 recruiting class was back on campus recently.

Four-star Carter Jones (Poquoson, VA) returned for the Tigers’ big season-opener against LSU, marking the sixth time he’s been on campus since the summer of 2024.

“That was a great visit,” Jones told The Clemson Insider. “I really enjoyed talking coach (Matt) Luke. I also enjoyed getting to talk with some of the 2026 O-line commits. Getting to hear why they chose Clemson and stuff like that.”

While Clemson did not come out on the winning side, Jones was able to witness the passion the fan base has for the program.

“It really showed me how much the fans care about the Clemson program and how crazy they are about it,” Jones said. “Win or lose, just how much they care about it. It was definitely rocking that night.”

Jones has a rather unique connection to Clemson. His uncle, Glenn Rountree, was a starting offensive lineman for the Tigers. In fact, Rountree became just the sixth offensive lineman since the 1980s to earn a starting job as a freshman. Rountree started all four of his seasons (1994-97) and was the first player in program history to log 3,000 snaps. He also earned All-ACC honors as a junior and a senior.

Another connection to the program comes through his relationship with current offensive line commit Carter Scruggs, with the two sharing far more than the same first name.

“Carter Scruggs is one that I have really bonded with,” Jones said. “I have known him for like two years now. We are pretty close and good friends.”

Since the beginning of the year, Jones has become one of the most heavily sought-after offensive linemen in his class. He has more than 30 offers and is widely considered one of the top players at the position.

While Clemson may not have been one of the first to pull the trigger on an offer due to the program not offering recruits until they are set to start their junior years, it was Luke who really first took notice of Jones’ abilities the first time he attended Dabo Swinney’s high school camp.

“It is really impactful to me that he was one of the first,” Jones said. “He is also a great coach. A great dude that really cares about that program and his players. That means a lot to me, as well.”

After his Clemson visit for the LSU game, Jones was at Alabama the following weekend. On Saturday, he was at Ohio State, and this weekend he heads to Virginia. He also plans to hit Penn State for a White Out game, with Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Texas and Florida all scheduled to get visits, too. Although Jones added that his schedule is subject to change.

Jones is eyeing next summer for when it comes to making a commitment, sometime after June official visits. However, as things stand right now, Clemson still sits in a very good spot.

“They are at the top of my list, for sure.”