Clemson’s recruiting momentum shows no signs of slowing. After vaulting from No. 23 in the 2025 cycle to No. 11 nationally for 2026, the Tigers have already landed a headline prospect for 2027: four‑star quarterback Kharim Hughley.
The Gainesville, Georgia, standout chose Clemson over Illinois, Georgia, and Florida, announcing his pledge with a Hayes Fawcett graphic that read, “The place to be ATGTG 🐅.” Hughley joins linebacker Matt Brown as the Tigers’ second commitment in the 2027 class—an early coup for head coach Dabo Swinney and his staff.
Offered only a week ago, Hughley wasted little time. “This is a pretty big opportunity,” he explained. “Just to be wanted by a top program is always a good feeling. The culture they have there fires me up; there isn’t another program like it.”
That culture, he said, was decisive. “I’ve got a former teammate on the roster, and he keeps telling me the players aren’t just teammates—they’re family in the locker room. That’s always good to hear.”
Ranked the nation’s No. 13 quarterback for 2027, Hughley completed 60 percent of his passes as a sophomore, throwing for 2,543 yards and 22 touchdowns against just two interceptions.
Relationships with Clemson’s offensive brain trust sealed the deal. “It’s been awesome talking to Coach [Tajh] Boyd from a player’s perspective,” Hughley told TigerNet. “He played there and even recruited another well‑known quarterback from my school, so we have a connection. Coach [Garrett] Riley is an excellent OC—he’s not self‑centered and is always willing to learn from those around him.”
Many questioned whether Swinney’s program could thrive in the NIL and transfer‑portal era, yet Clemson reached last season’s College Football Playoff and appears poised for another run—momentum now reflected in its recruiting haul.
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