Clemson battling Alabama, Florida and 2 others for OL who will announce Feb. 28

Will the Tigers be able to win this recruiting battle?
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney during the Clemson Club football National Signing Day wrap up presented by Clemson Seneca Chick-Fil-A at the Poe Indoor Practice Facility at Clemson University in Clemson, S.C. Feb 5, 2025.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney during the Clemson Club football National Signing Day wrap up presented by Clemson Seneca Chick-Fil-A at the Poe Indoor Practice Facility at Clemson University in Clemson, S.C. Feb 5, 2025. | Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It's almost time for a stud offensive lineman to decide where he's going to be taking his talents. Throughout his recruitment, interior lineman Bear McWhorter, a 6-3, 293-pounder, has picked up 30 offers. He's a touted recruit and for good reason.

Later this month, McWhorter will be ready to decide which program is going to be lucky enough to land his pledge. This week, he revealed that he's going to announce his college decision on Feb. 28, and his finalists are the Clemson Tigers, Alabama, Florida, Michigan and South Carolina. Will head coach Dabo Swinney and the Tigers be able to come out on top here?

OL Bear McWhorter has Clemson among his finalists with a decision coming soon

According to the 247Sports Composite, McWhorter, a White, Ga. product, is ranked three stars, the No. 39 IOL in the country and the No. 47 prospect out of Georgia for his class. In addition to his finalists, he picked up additional rides from Arkansas, Auburn, Boston College, Florida State and many others.

Thus far, Swinney and his coaches have received six verbals for the 2026 class. Up front, offensive tackle Braden Wilmes is the lone offensive lineman on board. However, the big fellas up front are making a splash news wise, as Clemson fans have their eyes on another top prospect too.

This week, two new crystal ball picks on 247 were posted for 4-star OL Maxwell Riley, who is ranked the No. 9 OT in the country. Not long ago, Riley was expected to commit to Ohio State, but it looks like things are swinging a bit in the Tigers' favor.

Riley is planning to take some visits first before announcing a commitment, but Clemson sure has made an impact on him. The same can be said for McWhorter, who is getting ready to make a life-changing call. Soon enough we'll find out if the talented recruit will be playing for Swinney in the future or not.