As the weather starts to change, Clemson must continue to put its best foot forward, not only on the football field, but in the recruiting department as well. While most of Clemson's 2027 class has come together, now is the time for the Tigers to build on some positive momentum for 2028. Although they only have two players committed for the 2028 cause so far, that could all change in a hurry for them.
Here are all the recruits who will be in attendance for Clemson's home game against Virginia Tech.
- 2028 four-star cornerback Izayah Vickers (Quincy, FL)
- 2028 four-star wide receiver Jaden Jones (East Pittsburgh, PA)
- 2028 four-star offensive tackle Jackson Snelling (Sarasota, FL)
- 2028 three-star interior offensive lineman Joshua Evans (Alpharetta, GA)
- 2028 three-star defensive lineman Cavin Bates (Heflin, AL)
- 2028 three-star edge rusher Quinn Jacobs (Roswell, GA)
- 2028 wide receiver Barrett Price (Hoover, AL)
- 2027 quarterback Bentley Bainey (Windber, PA)
On3/Rivals has these eight players listed as coming to Clemson for a visit this weekend. Seven of the eight prospects are from the 2028 class, including four-star offensive tackle Jackson Snelling and three-star defensive lineman Cavin Bates. Both players have been loosely tied to Clemson during their recruiting processes. It would be wonderful if this visit helps secure either player's commitment.
Of course, Virginia Tech is a worthy adversary, and few recruits want to watch the home team lose.
Clemson needs to start building momentum in the recruiting department
If we were to go back to the blowout loss at home to Miami, while it did not impact Jamarin Simmons' decision, it was jarring to see four-star interior offensive lineman Sam Walker commit to Georgia Tech a day after the home defeat to the Canes. This came in the extended wake of a legacy in four-star linebacker Jay Schell choosing Oklahoma over the Tigers. Thankfully, Wright Martin committed later.
At this time, only Martin -- a three-star tight end from Nashville -- and four-star quarterback Trace Hawkins are the only players committed to Clemson for 2028. Although four-star cornerback Izayah Vickers tends to lean strongly toward the in-state Florida Gators, Clemson looks to be the leader for three-star edge rusher Quinn Jacobs out of Roswell, GA. Maybe he is the next recruit to commit?
While Jacobs is not related to the Jacobs Brotthers of DJ and Dawson, they still play at the same Catholic high school in Metro Atlanta. Regardless, Clemson has to find a way to cut through with these prospective recruits more so than they are doing now. Because Dabo Swinney was such a late adapter to the transfer portal, it has made hitting big on high school talent even more important now.
Overall, Clemson cannot afford to be nonchalant in its high school recruitment anymore. We have seen firsthand what happens when you do not recruit and develop talent on the offensive side of the ball. Clemson's offense has been lacking. While the defense has been surprisingly strong this season, most of the key pieces on that side of the ball initially played their college football for someone else.
As long as Clemson keeps it close with Virginia Tech, it should continue to build on its 2028 class.
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