Dabo Swinney, Clemson Land Strong 2027 Recruiting Class Ranking

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers have had a second straight disappointing season, as they are 4-3 in the 2026 season. Clemson went 7-6 in 2025, and they are struggling once again after Swinney had them as a dominant program over the past decade.

However, there is hope for the near future, as the Tigers are putting together a strong class for 2027. ESPN has ranked Clemson's 2027 recruiting class as the 14th-best in the country. 

The Tigers' additions are headlined by quarterback Kharim Hughley and defensive end Desmond Malpress. Hughley has proven to be a quality quarterback over his last two seasons, completing 59.9 percent of his passes for 2,883 yards, 25 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while rushing for 119 yards and four touchdowns.

He played well again in 2025, completing 60.1 percent of his passes for 2,596 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while rushing for 394 yards and nine touchdowns. His dual-threat ability will give Clemson another option in the quarterback room.

Malpress could also be a key piece for the Tigers' defensive line over the next few years. Swinney and Clemson were in desperate need of a top recruiting class as they look to reestablish themselves as one of the best programs in college football. 

Swinney led the Tigers to four National Championship appearances from 2015 to 2019 and won two of them. They have had some success in recent years, including an appearance in the College Football Playoff in 2024.

However, Clemson has a ton of work to do if they want to get back to that level. A strong end to the 2026 season would help them build momentum heading into next season. 

The Tigers will want to see more development from quarterback Tait Reynolds to end the season. Reynolds has completed 66.7 percent of his passes for 1,096 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions, while rushing for 164 yards and a touchdown.

Clemson has some talented receivers in Bryant Wesco Jr. and TJ Moore, but they haven't put up great numbers due to inconsistency in the passing attack. Wesco has 34 receptions for 378 yards, while Moore has 30 receptions for 269 yards and a touchdown.

The Tigers will need to find a way to connect with them downfield to get more production on offense.

Swinney and Clemson could have a bounce-back season in 2027 due to their recruiting class, but will want to put together some wins at the end of the year to build momentum heading into next season.