Jun 9, 2026 10:48 PM
Updated Jun 9, 2026 11:52 PM

The Clemson Tigers have received disappointing news on a four-star pass rusher.

The Clemson Tigers have missed out on a recruit as four-star edge rusher Chaz Gray has committed to Washington.

The Tigers were one of the programs that were in the mix to land Gray, but were unable to add him to their 2027 class. 

While this is disappointing news, Clemson has put together a phenomenal class for 2027, landing multiple four-star recruits. The Tigers currently hold the seventh-ranked class, which gives hope for the future of the program.

It's no secret that Dabo Swinney and Clemson struggled in 2025, as they finished 7-6 and missed out on the College Football Playoff and the ACC Title Game.

Swinney and the Tigers had entered 2025 among the favorites to win it all, but disappointed despite all the talent on the roster.

In 2026, Clemson has some talent, but it could be difficult to make a deep run with the question marks about the roster. The quarterback position is the biggest concern, as the stable presence of Cade Klubnik is gone after the New York Jets selected him in the 2026 NFL Draft.

GREENVILLE NEWS-USA TODAY Network via Imagn ImagesGREENVILLE NEWS-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Klubnik had a stellar career with the Tigers, completing 64 percent of his passes for 10,123 yards, 73 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions while rushing for 878 yards and 17 touchdowns.

With Klubnik out, Clemson will have to lean on junior Christopher Vizzina, who has little experience on the field, or true freshman Tait Reynolds, who has no college experience.

Across the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Vizzina completed 64 of 105 passes (61 percent) for 596 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception while rushing for 109 yards and a touchdown.

Regardless of who the Tigers pick as their starting quarterback, they will be under a new system, as Swinney hired Chad Morris as the offensive coordinator.

Morris held this role from 2011 to 2014, and Swinney has brought him back to reignite Clemson's offense.

The Tigers have some talented weapons, like TJ Moore, who should help Morris and the starting quarterback succeed in 2026.

Although Clemson missed out on a talented pass rusher in Gray, they've put together a strong 2027 class and should feel hopeful about the future of the program.

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