ESPN released “Commitment Season Tiers” evaluating how college football programs fared during the crucial spring and summer recruiting stretch.

“We’re aiming to measure the hottest programs on the recruiting trail, the blue bloods that have put themselves in good positions for signing day and others playing catch-up with the recruiting business window closed and a new season on the horizon,” ESPN’s Eli Lederman wrote, explaining the Commitment Season Tiers.

Clemson landed in Tier 5, as one of the teams “flying under the radar” on the recruiting trail.

The Tigers moved up a spot in the latest update to the ESPN 2027 recruiting class rankings, now checking in at No. 13 after four-star defensive tackle Seth Tillman became the ninth SC Next 300 commit in the class. Tillman announced a verbal pledge earlier this month.

Overall, Clemson has picked up 20 spring/summer commitments, and the Tigers own 25 total commitments in their 2027 class. Four-star quarterback Kharim Hughley is the Tigers’ highest-ranked commit, per ESPN, ranking as the No. 125 overall prospect in the country and the fifth-best dual-threat QB. Right behind him in ESPN’s rankings is four-star Clemson defensive end pledge Desmond Malpress, who ranks No. 126 nationally and as the No. 16 player at his position.

“Highly regarded quarterback commit Kharim Hughley (No. 126 overall), committed to the Tigers for more than a year, remains the program’s top-ranked 2027 pledge,” Lederman wrote.

“But Clemson added offensive talent around ESPN’s No. 5 dual-threat passer in recent months with pledges from four-star wide receiver Jamarin Simmons (No. 213), running back Gary Walker (No. 232) and offensive tackle J.J. Brown (No. 296). SC Next 300 defenders Desmond Malpress (No. 127), Jayden Aparicio-Bailey (No. 210) and Seth Tillman (No. 223) are among the newcomers to what could become coach Dabo Swinney’s deepest blue-chip class since 2024.”

The Tigers are still waiting on a decision from four-star safety Seth Williams, who is set to announce on July 31. Georgia and Clemson are the finalists. As things stand, Williams is the only target remaining that currently holds an offer from the Tigers.

Joining Clemson in the “flying under the radar” tier in ESPN’s Commitment Season Tiers are two other ACC teams in Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. Nebraska and Ole Miss are also in that tier.

The top tier – “traditional powers that made the most of the business window” — is comprised of Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas and Texas A&M.

Along with being ranked No. 13 in ESPN’s recruiting rankings, Clemson’s 2027 class is ranked No. 13 by 247Sports, while the Rivals Industry Rankings place the Tigers at No. 16.