Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers survived the first round of the cuts on one of the country’s most coveted secondary targets.
The 6-foot-2, four-star defensive back from Prattville, Ala., Jayden Aparicio-Bailey released his top 10 finalists Tuesday. Clemson will find itself faced with the geographic, and competitive gauntlet of Georgia, Alabama and Auburn, in addition to the national heavyweights Ohio State and Texas.
Where’s 🏠?? https://t.co/89V28jbClI
— Jayden Aparicio-Bailey (@Jaayy3_) February 17, 2026
Ranked No. 76 overall prospect and No. 7 safety in the 2027 class by Rivals, Aparicio-Bailey would be a textbook modern defender with the frame to play center field and the ball skills of a wideout. Clemson is firmly in the mix, but they are presently playing from behind.
Georgia has a 36.9% chance to gain his commitment, according to the Rivals Recruiting Prediction Machine, which gives them an early pacesetter advantage. Since offering, the Bulldogs have been tireless, with eight staff visits. Clemson has a 12.4% chance of winning, compared to the Bulldogs and an unwavering Auburn staff.
But the Tigers possess an established “slow-play” approach that depends on personal connections rather than volume recruiting. Aparicio-Bailey’s stock surged after a strong 2025 season at Oak Mountain High School. For the first time in his career: he showed off his athleticism on both sides of the ball, hauling in 256 receiving yards and two touchdowns. But his future definitely will be on defense.
His junior stats tell of a ball-hawk at a young age:
40 Total Tackles (Career high).
4 Interceptions.
4 Pass Deflections.
1 Forced Fumble.
Aparicio-Bailey, who recently transferred to Prattville looking for a higher level of competition for his final high school chapters, completed last season in Alabama’s top 15. The Tigers’ coaching staff — led by Mike Reed and defensive coordinator Tom Allen — has been regulars in Prattville of late. Aparicio-Bailey’s relationship with the Tigers dates back to June 2025, when he received his offer after a successful camp performance in the Upstate.
The next big moment of this recruitment now begins on March 7. Aparicio-Bailey will be entering Clemson’s annual Elite Retreat, a high-stakes junior day usually where such moves take place, and historically has been often regarded as the beginning of significant commitments made by numerous young performers for the program.
The red carpet in Death Valley this March is where you can make any effort at any meaningful start if Tigers are really going to chip away at Georgia's lead.