Clemson’s recruiting momentum on the defensive side of the ball continues to build — even after a recent miss in the 2027 safety class.
The Tigers have landed in the top five for Hayden Stepp, one of the most coveted defensive backs in the 2027 cycle. The four-star cornerback included Clemson alongside Oregon Ducks, Alabama Crimson Tide, Tennessee Volunteers, and Miami Hurricanes.
Stepp ranks among the nation’s top defensive backs, checking in as a top-25 overall prospect, a top-three cornerback nationally, and the top player in the state of Nevada.
A Late Offer — And a Strong Impression
Clemson’s rise in Stepp’s recruitment has come quickly.
The Tigers offered Stepp just two months ago, following a recent campus visit, yet that was enough to immediately crack his top group. While Clemson is the newest offer among his finalists, the early traction suggests the staff made a lasting impression.
The recruitment remains very much open. Stepp has taken only four unofficial visits so far — Clemson, Oregon, Tennessee, and Alabama — leaving plenty of runway for momentum to shift as the process unfolds.
Bishop Gorman Pedigree
Stepp plays at national powerhouse Bishop Gorman Gaels in Las Vegas, a program synonymous with elite competition and NFL development.
Despite missing time as a freshman, Stepp earned early varsity snaps and flashed immediate upside. Across three seasons, he’s stacked production while helping Bishop Gorman capture three Nevada state championships, including undefeated campaigns and a national No. 1 finish.
His progression has been steady:
- Freshman year: early varsity role, interceptions despite injury
- Sophomore year: breakout season with a pick-six and multiple pass breakups
- Junior year: career highs in tackles and continued lockdown coverage
Why Evaluators Love His Game
What separates Stepp is the combination of size, length, and athletic fluidity.
Pushing 6-foot-3 with room to grow, Stepp profiles as a modern Power Four defensive back — capable of locking down receivers outside while also offering long-term versatility as a safety.
Evaluators consistently highlight his ball skills, change of direction, and willingness to tackle, along with an unusually high ceiling for a player his age.
Why Clemson Needs Him
Clemson’s secondary has taken significant hits over the past year, with departures to the NFL and transfer portal thinning the room and forcing creative solutions just to maintain depth.
While defensive coordinator Tom Allen has made clear the program will utilize the transfer portal, Stepp represents something different: a long-term cornerstone with elite measurables and proven production against top-tier competition.
At a position where Clemson is actively rebuilding, landing Stepp would signal both immediate momentum on the trail and a foundational piece for the future.
The Tigers may be playing catch-up — but they’re officially in the race.