The 2026 recruiting cycle is starting to heat up, and one of the top defensive linemen in the country has circled July 4 for his decision. His commitment could shake up the race for several national powers.
Elite EDGE Recruit Eyes Final Four Schools, Nears Commitment Date
Clemson, Miami, Texas, and Texas A&M are all pushing hard for one of the most dominant prospects in the class, and each school believes it has a shot. With summer visits underway, this battle is shaping up to be one of the cycle’s most important.
Buford (GA) edge rusher Bryce Perry-Wright’s rise on the recruiting trail wasn’t a surprise. Across his sophomore and junior seasons, the 6-foot-2, 250-pound standout racked up 108 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 16.5 sacks.
His relentless motor and ability to line up both inside and on the edge make him a fit for almost any scheme. He earned MaxPreps Sophomore All-American honors in 2023 and followed that with 57 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and nine sacks in 2024.
Perry-Wright’s game has drawn comparisons to Texas A&M’s Iowa State transfer Tyler Onyedim, who’s expected to be an instant impact player in 2025. Both bring a similar work ethic and positional flexibility that could translate to early college success.
NEWS: Elite 2026 DL Bryce Perry-Wright is down to Texas, Miami, Clemson, & Texas A&M, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’3 250 DL from Buford, GA will announce his Commitment July 4th
Where Should He Go? ⬇️https://t.co/7brGbXvL0L pic.twitter.com/RSeCfALdgK— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 5, 2025
For Texas A&M, landing Perry-Wright would be a massive boost to a defensive line that currently features only four-star Jordan Carter. He could help anchor the front and bring to life the kind of dominant unit head coach Mike Elko envisions. The Aggies will get the final visit, with Perry-Wright set to be in College Station on June 20.
On the other hand, Texas, ranked No. 14 in the 2026 recruiting class, sees Perry-Wright as a potential difference-maker. The Longhorns host him on June 13, following visits to Clemson and Miami.
Texas’ in-state momentum, highlighted by recent commits like four-star linebacker Colin Simmons, could play a role. Though Perry-Wright is from Georgia, he’s reportedly comfortable with the Lone Star State and its football culture.
Clemson has the advantage of Dabo Swinney’s track record with defensive linemen. Some experts peg the Tigers as the favorite due to how well their system fits Perry-Wright’s skill set.
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Miami is leaning into its recruiting momentum under Mario Cristobal, focusing on high-upside defensive linemen who can play with burst and leverage. Perry-Wright fits that mold.
Whichever way Perry-Wright leans on July 4, it’s going to send ripples across the country. Texas A&M could build a wall up front. Texas could vault into the top 10. Clemson and Miami would each gain a new face of the defense.
As summer visits wrap up, all eyes are on this five-star playmaker who could tilt the balance of power in college football’s next chapter.
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