Clemson Tigers Named As Finalist for 4-Star Recruit

The Clemson Tigers are among the final four teams for four-star running back Andrew Beard. Beard is the 6th-ranked running back in the 2027 draft class according to Rivals.

The Tigers are up against the Florida Gators, Georgia Bulldogs, and Tennessee Volunteers to land Beard.

Beard has had a successful high school career, rushing for 3,229 yards and 34 touchdowns in 26 games. In the 2025 season, he rushed for 1,937 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Dabo Swinney and Clemson need to be aggressive in adding talent like Beard after a disappointing 2025 campaign.

The Tigers went just 7-6, losing their final game in the Pinstripe Bowl against Penn State. Heading into the season, Clemson was expected to be one of the top teams in the country, competing for a National Championship.

Landing a player of Beard's would be great for the Tigers' backfield. "[Clemson's program] has grown on me late," Beard said.

Clemson will hold him on a visit in March, as they try to land a top running back in the 2027 class.

Swinney and the Tigers will have a new offense in the 2026 season, which could impact how Beard views the program. Following their underwhelming 2025 campaign, Swinney fired offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and brought in Chad Morris to replace him.

Morris previously served as Clemson's offensive coordinator from 2011 to 2014 under Swinney. He will look to reignite the previous success as the Tigers need to turn their program around.

Clemson's offense will also have a new quarterback in 2026, as Cade Klubnik finished up his senior year. Klubnik completed 65.6 percent of his passes for 2,943 yards, 16 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also rushed for 94 yards and four touchdowns.

Christopher Vizzina is expected to take over as the starting quarterback. Vizzina appeared in five games for the Tigers in 2025, completing 45 of 71 passes (63.4 percent) for 406 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception. He added 41 yards on the ground on 25 attempts.

The pending visit and the changes at quarterback and offensive coordinator could determine whether Beard commits to Clemson.