Brad Brownell just landed a big one — literally.
Four-star center Will Stevens, a 6-foot-10 standout from Davidson Day (N.C.), announced his commitment to Clemson basketball on Saturday, giving the Tigers their first pledge in the 2026 recruiting class. Stevens chose Clemson over Vanderbilt, with South Carolina also heavily involved late in the process.
“It was really tough — a lot of thought went into this — but I think I made the right decision,” Stevens said during his high school ceremony.
The No. 149 overall prospect nationally and No. 19-ranked center according to 247Sports, Stevens has also been tabbed by at least one recruiting service as the top player in North Carolina.
‘It Felt Like Home’
Stevens visited Clemson on the weekend of August 30, a trip that sealed the deal.
“I chose Clemson because it felt like home,” Stevens said. “Every time I visited, I felt like family there. Their play style fits my game, and I really like their culture — they call it ‘Clemson Grit.’ They’re known for player development with their bigs, and it’s the perfect balance between a great school and a successful basketball program.”
Stevens added that his relationship with Brownell’s staff has been years in the making.
“They’ve been recruiting me since my sophomore year,” he said. “They’re always checking in, calling, talking to my parents, and keeping up with me. That relationship really means a lot.”
What Clemson Is Getting
Stevens brings a blend of size, skill, and upside that fits perfectly with Brownell’s evolving frontcourt approach. While still wiry, he’s a smooth athlete with excellent passing touch, soft hands, and the ability to stretch the floor — tools that make him a modern big man in Clemson’s system.
“I’ll be bringing to the Clemson basketball program a skilled big man that works hard, wants to win, and does things the right way — on and off the court,” Stevens said.
A Foundation for the Future
For Brownell and the Tigers, Stevens’ commitment signals momentum in the 2026 cycle and a continued focus on developing versatile bigs who can anchor both ends of the floor.
Clemson fans have reason to be excited — this is the kind of foundational piece that could shape the Tigers’ frontcourt for years to come.