The Clemson Tigers may not be in the national title race just yet, but they’re playing the long game—especially when it comes to recruiting.
While Dabo Swinney’s conservative approach with the transfer portal and NIL has raised eyebrows, the Tigers are banking on elite talent from the high school ranks to return them to the top.
In a major move to shore up their defense, Clemson has extended an offer to rising star Jamarion Matthews, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound defensive end out of Sparkman High School in Alabama. Matthews, a four-star recruit, is drawing interest from some of the nation’s top programs, including Alabama, Florida, and Penn State, and is currently ranked the No. 206 overall player in the 2026 class by ESPN, with a standout No. 23 ranking among defensive ends.
Clemson is looking to bolster its pass rush, and Matthews could be a game-changer. With his elite potential, he has the tools to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. But landing him won’t be easy—Clemson will face stiff competition from powerhouse programs all vying for his commitment.
If the Tigers want to climb back into the national championship conversation, they’ll need to start securing high-caliber recruits like Matthews. The clock is ticking, and while there’s no timeline for his decision, Clemson will be hoping their pitch makes the cut.
