Bear McWhorter, one of the top offensive linemen in the 2026 class, is quickly becoming one of the most coveted recruits in college football. The buzz around him is growing, and Clemson is making its mark. In just two weeks, McWhorter has had not one, but two visits from Clemson’s offensive line coach Matt Luke—accompanied by none other than head coach Dabo Swinney on the latest visit.
During their 90-minute conversation at his high school in White, Georgia, the message was crystal clear: McWhorter is a perfect fit for what Clemson is building. Both coaches emphasized that he’d be a natural leader in the program, with the chance to make an immediate impact on the field. They told him he’d seamlessly blend into the diverse and talented group they’ve already assembled in Clemson.
Since receiving his Clemson offer, McWhorter’s relationship with Coach Luke has blossomed into something special. “I really like him a lot,” McWhorter shared. “He’s a family guy who genuinely cares about his players. He connects with them on a personal level, but he also holds them to high standards. He’s just an all-around great coach.”
McWhorter’s connection with Clemson goes beyond just the coaches. His visit last July, when he earned his offer, left a lasting impression. He later returned for the Tigers’ dominant win over App State in September. But Clemson isn’t the only school he’s considering—McWhorter’s visited powerhouses like Michigan, Arkansas, LSU, Alabama, and Tennessee. This weekend, he’ll check out Florida and Florida State, with a return trip to Alabama coming soon. March will bring him back to Clemson for the Elite Retreat, along with another visit to LSU.
What sets Clemson apart for McWhorter? It’s the family atmosphere and the steadfast commitment to building something truly special. “It’s the culture they’ve built,” he said. “It’s a winning program that does things the right way. Dabo is consistent—he stays true to his values, and that stands out to me.”
With more than 30 offers in hand, McWhorter has narrowed his choices to nine schools, including Clemson, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. But unlike many recruits chasing the biggest payday, McWhorter isn’t driven by money. His decision will be shaped by core values, and that could give Clemson an edge in this recruiting race. “Unless it’s life-changing money, that won’t play a big role in my decision,” McWhorter said.
With a powerful blend of personal connections, culture, and winning tradition, Clemson is making a strong case to land one of the nation’s top offensive linemen. The future is looking bright for McWhorter and the Tigers!
