As the recruiting period nears its close, Clemson’s coaching staff is on a high-speed mission to secure future stars. Every move they make is calculated, aggressive, and aimed at locking in top-tier talent for the Tigers’ football dynasty.
Running backs coach C.J. Spiller is leading the charge, making a significant visit to 4-star running back Jae Lamar from Colquitt County (Moultrie, GA) on Thursday. Lamar, a 6-foot, 205-pound powerhouse, is making waves as one of the hottest running back prospects in the 2026 class. His offer list is a who’s who of college football royalty: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Ohio State, and more are all vying for his commitment. Clemson has yet to extend an offer, but you can bet Spiller’s visit will make a statement.
Ranked No. 121 overall in the 247 Composite and No. 13 among running backs, Lamar is a game-changer. With deep Georgia roots and the pedigree of being one of the state’s most coveted recruits, this battle for his commitment is only just beginning.
Meanwhile, linebackers coach Ben Boulware is relentless in his pursuit of elite talent, this time setting his sights on 5-star linebacker Xavier Griffin, a Southern Cal commit. On Wednesday, Boulware made his second visit to Griffin’s high school, further intensifying the pressure on the Trojans’ hold over this future superstar. Clemson’s staff has already been in touch with Griffin multiple times, with safeties coach Mickey Conn also stopping by earlier in the week.
Griffin, who is widely regarded as the nation’s top linebacker prospect, has family ties to Clemson that could play a crucial role in his recruitment. His grandmother was a basketball standout at Clemson in the ‘80s, and his former teammate, defensive tackle Champ Thompson, currently suits up for the Tigers. Although Griffin has been committed to USC since July, rumors of a possible decommitment are swirling, keeping Clemson’s hopes alive in this high-stakes battle. With a top 20 national ranking, Griffin is one of the most coveted recruits in the country, and Clemson isn’t backing down.
The Clemson staff continues to expand their recruiting footprint, with cornerbacks coach Mike Reed visiting 3-star cornerback Raderrion Daniels from Lake Cormorant, MS, on Wednesday. Daniels, standing 6-foot-1, 170 pounds, has already racked up over 25 offers, including powerhouses like Ole Miss, Arkansas, and LSU. Though Clemson has yet to extend an offer, Reed’s visit signals that the Tigers are ready to make a move on this rising star.
Offensive line coach Matt Luke is also out in full force, making a visit to 3-star offensive lineman Mitchell Smith in Mississippi on Thursday. Standing at a monstrous 6-foot-6, 340 pounds, Smith is a force to be reckoned with. With nearly 20 offers from some of the nation’s top programs, including Auburn, Florida, and Arkansas, this relationship is just beginning to take shape. Smith is considering a potential spring visit to Clemson, but no official plans have been made yet.
But Luke isn’t stopping there. He also swung by Hebron Christian (Dacula, GA) to catch 6-foot-6, 270-pound offensive lineman Fletcher Turk in action at a basketball practice. Turk recently received his first Power-4 offer from Georgia Tech and took a visit there last weekend. The competition for Turk’s commitment is heating up, and Clemson is right in the thick of it.
The Clemson coaching staff is turning up the heat, making bold moves and shaking up the recruiting landscape. As the Tigers continue to dominate their recruitment efforts, it’s clear: Clemson’s future is brighter than ever, and they’re not slowing down. The clock is ticking, but Clemson’s relentless pursuit of greatness is just getting started.
