Clemson, SC, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Clemson football hosted several key recruiting prospects on campus as they gear up for their season opener against LSU. Among the notable visitors was Akedran Crumel, a 2027 four-star cornerback seeking an offer from Clemson. The coaching staff also evaluated 2028 quarterback Austan Cristiaan, who has shown interest in the program. The event showcased strong support from Clemson’s 2026 class commitments, as many players reaffirmed their dedication on social media. The team aims to rebound from setbacks in previous recruiting cycles by leveraging this new talent.
Clemson, SC – Clemson Football Hosts Top Recruiting Prospects Ahead of Season Opener Against LSU
Clemson football welcomed numerous key recruiting prospects to its campus as the team prepares for its season opener against LSU. Among the notable visitors was 2027 four-star cornerback Akedran Crumel from Clayton, NC, who is seeking an offer from Clemson after recently impressing at the Under Armour camp in Charlotte. Crumel currently holds offers from schools such as Georgia Tech and Florida State.
Another exciting prospect in attendance was 2028 quarterback Austan Cristiaan from Fort Myers, FL. Cristiaan has visited Clemson multiple times and currently holds offers from App State and Arkansas. The Clemson coaching staff plans to evaluate him further before potentially extending an offer as he enters his junior year.
A group of four-star talents made headlines during the visit. Among them were Nate Carson (2027 tackle) from Irmo, SC; Kaden Henderson (2027 linebacker) from Jesuit, FL; Kennedy Brown (five-star OT from Kingwood, TX); and Tripp Keller (LB from Jesuit, FL). These recruits displayed camaraderie and enthusiasm as they arrived together. Carson and Brown are recognized as leading tackles in their class, while Henderson is among Florida’s top linebackers.
Clemson also displayed strong support from its commits in the 2026 class. Summer commitments Kharim Hughley from Gainesville, GA, and Max Brown from Jefferson, GA were present at the game, reinforcing a united front. Several of Clemson’s 2026 football commitments took to social media to declare their intention to sign with the program on national signing day, indicating their commitment to remain with the team.
Notable commitments from the 2026 class include four-star recruits Keshawn Stancil, Naeem Burroughs, Kentavion Anderson, and Shavar Young Jr., all expressing that they are “locked in” with Clemson.
Following a challenging recruiting cycle in 2025, where Clemson experienced seven decommitments, the program aims to rebound. The 2025 class ranked 26th nationally, marking the lowest position for head coach Dabo Swinney in over a decade. Despite these setbacks, the current commitments for the 2026 class have improved Clemson’s standing, with 21 commitments in total, including 15 four-star recruits, ranking the class 13th nationally.
Coach Swinney remains optimistic about the 2026 recruiting class, praising the commitment of key players even though the signing date is still months away. Clemson hopes to leverage this new talent and restore the program’s recruiting strength in the upcoming seasons.
Summary of Key Recruiting Prospects at Clemson
| Prospect | Position | Class | Current Offers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akedran Crumel | Cornerback | 2027 | Georgia Tech, Florida State |
| Austan Cristiaan | Quarterback | 2028 | App State, Arkansas |
| Nate Carson | Tackle | 2027 | None listed |
| Kaden Henderson | Linebacker | 2027 | None listed |
| Kennedy Brown | Offensive Tackle | 2027 | None listed |
| Tripp Keller | Linebacker | 2027 | None listed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are some top prospects visiting Clemson for the season opener?
Notable visitors include four-star cornerback Akedran Crumel and 2028 quarterback Austan Cristiaan. Other prospects include Nate Carson, Kaden Henderson, Kennedy Brown, and Tripp Keller.
What are Clemson’s current commitments for the 2026 recruiting class?
Clemson has 21 commitments for the 2026 class, including 15 four-star recruits, currently ranking 13th nationally. Key players include Keshawn Stancil, Naeem Burroughs, Kentavion Anderson, and Shavar Young Jr.
How did Clemson perform in the previous recruiting cycle?
Clemson had a challenging 2025 recruiting cycle, facing seven decommitments and finishing with a national ranking of 26th, the lowest for head coach Dabo Swinney in more than a decade.
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Additional Resources
- CBS Sports
- Wikipedia: 2026 NFL Draft
- Sports Illustrated
- Google Search: LSU football recruiting
- Greenville Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Clemson University
- New York Times
- Google News: Clemson recruiting news
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