As the Clemson Tigers prepared to open ACC play, the program made traction on the recruiting trail with one of the nation’s top underclassmen. Five-star forward Josh Leonard has come away impressed by Clemson and head coach Brad Brownell, placing the Tigers firmly among his early favorites in the 2027 class.
Leonard first visited Clemson unofficially June 1 and has since kept the Tigers near the top of his list after also stopping at NC State and South Carolina. Even before Clemson’s season tipped off, the visit left a lasting impression.
An In-State Connection
A Florence, South Carolina native, Leonard attends Wilson High School, roughly three hours from Clemson. Familiarity with the program helped draw his interest, but it was the environment that stood out.
Leonard noted the energy inside Littlejohn Coliseum during a game he attended, pointing to the atmosphere and how seamlessly his skill set could translate within Brownell’s system.
That fit matters for a versatile forward whose game blends size, scoring touch and defensive range — traits Clemson has emphasized in recent recruiting cycles.
Recruitment Heating Up
Leonard’s recruitment is already highly competitive. He holds more than 10 offers, including Clemson, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Pittsburgh, South Carolina, California, Cincinnati, Mississippi State, NC State, UCF, Wake Forest, Charleston and Jacksonville.
Despite the national attention, Clemson’s early push — and Leonard’s comfort level on campus — has kept the Tigers squarely in the mix.
Who Is Josh Leonard?
Leonard emerged as one of the crown jewels of the 2027 class as soon as rankings were released. He currently ranks among the nation’s top players, the No. 6 small forward nationally and the top prospect in South Carolina.
His trajectory has been steady and steep. Leonard made Wilson’s varsity roster as an eighth grader and immediately contributed, averaging 9.2 points and 8.9 rebounds on a team coming off a state title. As a freshman, his offensive role expanded, and by his sophomore season he took a significant leap, averaging 21.7 points and 10 rebounds while leading Wilson to a state semifinal run.
Through nine games of his junior year, Leonard is averaging 22.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 3.1 steals and 1.6 blocks, cementing his reputation as a two-way force.
Big Picture
The 2027 cycle is still in its early stages, but Leonard’s continued interest is meaningful. Should Clemson ultimately land the in-state five-star — and his ranking hold — it would represent the most significant recruiting win of the Brownell era and arguably the most impactful commitment in program history.
For now, Clemson has done what it needed to do: make an impression — and stay in the race.