ESPN’s Tom Luginbill recently looked ahead to the top junior quarterbacks in the 2027 recruiting class, breaking down how they fit at their future schools.
Clemson’s 2027 recruiting class features a commitment from Gainesville (Ga.) QB Kharim Hughley.
The 6-foot, 190-pounder is rated as a four-star prospect by ESPN, which ranks him as the No. 5 dual-threat QB in his class and the No. 117 overall prospect in the country for the 2027 class, regardless of position.
Here’s what Luginbill — a former Georgia Tech starting quarterback and former Arena football star, who is now a Senior National Recruiting Analyst for ESPN — had to say about Hughley and how he’ll fit in with the Tigers:
“A dual threat from Georgia, Hughley is an exciting prospect who could remind Tigers fans of former quarterback Tajh Boyd. Hughley should thrive in the run concepts offensive coordinator Garrett Riley schemed for Max Duggan at TCU, and he’s a more dynamic passer than Cade Klubnik.
“Hughley has a snappy release, strong arm and plays with a backyard football mentality. If Clemson’s other quarterbacks struggle with efficiency when Hughley arrives, he could quickly make an impact.”
Hughley committed to the Tigers back in July, just days after picking up his offer. He is one of only four players currently committed in Clemson’s 2027 class.
Hughley quickly realized he was a natural fit for Dabo Swinney’s 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 told The Clemson Insider earlier this month. “It just feels like the perfect fit.”
Hughley hails from Gainesville High, the same school as former Clemson star Deshaun Watson. As of earlier this month, he had thrown for 1,944 yards while completing 66% of his passes, with 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He had also rushed for six touchdowns.
Last season as a sophomore, he threw for 2,543 yards and 22 touchdowns with just two interceptions and added three rushing scores.