Kharim Hughley is one of just two Clemson commits who have been on hand for every home game this season.
The four-star quarterback, out of Gainesville (GA), committed to the Tigers, basically out of the blue, back in July, just days after picking up his offer. He is one of just four players currently committed in the 2027 class.
Hughley hails from the same high school as former Clemson standout Deshaun Watson, and the junior signal caller is in the midst of an extremely strong season. The Red Elephants are currently 8-2 and undefeated in region play.
“We are going to go all the way,” the quarterback told The Clemson Insider.
Having been on hand for each of the Tigers’ five home games, Hughley has experienced some of the team’s struggles firsthand.
“It is really surprising, actually,” Hughley said. “We got a good team, it’s just about playing together.”
In Saturday’s loss to Duke, Hughley watched on as the offense exploded for 560 total yards, with Cade Klubnik accounting for 385 of those through the air. However, it wasn’t enough, as Duke scored with under a minute to play to send Clemson to another heartbreaking loss.
“Statistically, we move the ball really well,” Hughley said. “We just haven’t put a full game together with offense and defense playing good. Penalties too. We’ve let some penalties get to us.”
Like most others, Hughley was expecting big things from the Tigers this season, but it just wasn’t meant to be. The way he sees things, if you play long enough, you’re going to experience some unexpected adversity. It’s just part of the game.
“Honestly, it is just one of those things that just happens,” Hughley said. “You can practice really well, but it just happens. It is not intentional.”
Hughley has thrown for 1,944 yards and is completing 66% of his passes, with 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He’s also rushed for six touchdowns.
With those kinds of numbers and the Tigers’ struggles, come other schools attempting to poach him away from Clemson. Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo was in to see Hughley play back in September. Although that comes with the territory of being one of the highest-rated quarterbacks in the country.
However, in his usual polite manner, his response when any other school reaches out is thanks but no thanks. Clemson is where he wants to play.
“I just let them know that I appreciate it, but that I am sticking with my commitment,” he said. “I wouldn’t have committed if it wasn’t the place I want to be.”
Hughley quickly realized he was a natural fit for the culture at Clemson, and a down season doesn’t change his feelings.
“The people, Coach Swinney, there’s just so much that goes into it. It’s a whole bunch,” Hughley said. “It just feels like the perfect fit.”
There’s only one thing that could make him rethink his decision, and it’s the nuclear option. Something extremely unlikely to happen.
“The only way that would happen is if Coach Swinney gets fired,” Hughley said.
Photo by Bart Boatwright