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Clemson 2027 QB commit Kharim Hughley puts on a show at the Elite 11 Finals

Putting the country on notice.
Kharim Hughley of Gainesville Georgia during Clemson Tiger Walk before kickoff at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Kharim Hughley of Gainesville Georgia during Clemson Tiger Walk before kickoff at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, August 30, 2025. | Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Clemson’s campus is buzzing with a huge recruiting bash this weekend, but it’s future Tiger quarterback Kharim Hughley who’s grabbing headlines from coast to coast. Out in Los Angeles, Hughley kicked off the Elite 11 Finals with a show-stopping performance on Friday, leaving no doubt why Dabo Swinney and the staff made him a top priority before anyone else.

Turning Heads in Los Angeles

Going toe-to-toe with the nation’s best high school quarterbacks, Hughley wasted no time showing he belongs in a class of his own. By the end of Day 1, Rivals had the Clemson commit sitting at No. 4 overall, thanks to a highlight reel of jaw-dropping throws.

Ever since Hughley shut down his recruitment and pledged orange last summer, his stock has soared. He’s quickly built a name as one of the smoothest, most natural passers in the 2027 class—and Tiger fans are taking notice.

A Proven Georgia Playmaker

Hughley’s Elite 11 fireworks are just the latest chapter after a monster junior year at Gainesville High, where he proved he’s the ultimate dual-threat in Georgia’s loaded 5A ranks.

His junior campaign resume is flawless:

  • Team Success: Anchored a 12-win season and a thrilling trip to the Georgia 5A State Championship game.
  • Through the Air: Torched secondaries for 2,456 passing yards and 33 touchdowns.
  • On the Ground: Weaponized his legs to add another 8 rushing touchdowns.

Next Stop: Death Valley

Hughley is out west making noise and turning heads, but his next big move brings him right back where he belongs—home in Tiger Town.

The next leader of the Clemson offense will be back on campus in less than two weeks, set for his official visit during the Tigers’ June 12-14 recruiting weekend. With Clemson already rolling on the recruiting trail, having a guy like Hughley in the building to help reel in more top talent is a game-changer for the program’s future.

Clemson’s quarterback of the future is locked in, ready, and every bit as elite as advertised.

"National analyst Greg Biggins praised Hughley’s arm talent and ability to generate velocity from multiple angles, noting that several throws drew visible reactions from people watching on the field."

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