CLEMSON— Clemson has now zeroed in on its next top running back target.
Before the weekend, the Tigers had yet to extend an offer to a running back in the 2028 class, but that has changed with four-star Xander Edwards (Bolles School, FL) making his first game-day visit for Clemson’s contest against fourth-ranked Miami.
Edwards camped at Clemson in the summer of 2025, but this was his first game-day experience, and it’s one he says he won’t soon forget.
“It was awesome. They treated me like a priority,” Edwards told The Clemson Insider. “They took me on a campus tour, let me meet Coach (Dabo) Swinney. Treating me like a priority, that just means the world to me. The game-day atmosphere, there is nothing like it. Watching players and Coach Swinney running down the hill. It was awesome. It was very loud in there. I can’t wait to be back.”
A big part of what made it so memorable was being the first player at his position to land an offer from the Tigers. Clemson is well-known for not handing out many offers, and that is especially true for the running back position. The Tigers have offered just three in each of the past three recruiting cycles.
“Being the first Clemson running back offer, that is a huge milestone,” Edwards said. “I really appreciate them believing in me. Coach Swinney and Coach Spiller both believe in me. Coach Swinney was the one who offered me, and it was awesome. A moment I will never forget. I am really happy and grateful for it.”
While Clemson was on the receiving end of a lopsided loss during the visit, Edwards believes the pieces are being put in place to get the program trending back in the right direction.
“I see the potential in Clemson,” he said. “I just think they have to keep working. They have a great 2027 class. Just got to keep working and getting these good recruits. There is a chance they are going to be really, really good in the future.”
Through the first five games of his junior season, the 6-foot-1, 210-pound back has rushed for 684 yards, averaged 8.7 yards per carry and scored seven touchdowns.
Edwards, who is widely considered one of the Top 10 running backs in the class, has close to 40 offers in total. He was at Florida last weekend for the Gators’ win over Ole Miss, and he was at Wisconsin the week before. Florida State and Kentucky also got early season visits. Ohio State, Miami, Indiana, Georgia, Michigan and Tennessee are all currently scheduled for future visits this season.
Now that he has the offer, the blue-chip talent says the Tigers are a serious contender.
“They are really high up on my list,” Edwards added. “I don’t have a set list yet, but maybe top five. But they are one of the top schools I am looking at.”
Edwards hails from the same high school that produced freshman receiver Naeem Burroughs, who was a high-profile recruit himself, and the speedy wideout has already given his former teammate the sales pitch — and on multiple occasions.
“He is saying how Clemson is the best school in the country,” the running back said. “That they have everything you need there. From an athletic standpoint and a school standpoint. He says come to Clemson, and they will get you right.”
Edwards is still navigating the difficult recruiting process. He is looking at cutting his list down at some point before the end of the year, and is looking at next summer for having a decision made.
“Academics is a huge part. I want to go to a school that will give me life after football because football is going to end,” Edwards said. “Development is a huge part. But Clemson told me they have the most draft picks in college football, so that tells you a lot about the development. They will get you ready for the next level for sure. Then, the environment. I need a school where zi will be surrounded by good people. The people are what make the school good. The people are a huge part.”