Clemson’s football program continues to thrive in the 2026 recruiting cycle, enhancing its defense with the recent commitment of cornerback Marcell Gipson. The three-star recruit from Dallas South Oak Cliff announced his decision to join the Tigers following their Elite Retreat weekend, as reported by On3.
Gipson, a Texas native, selected Clemson over competing offers from SMU, Ole Miss, Washington, and Wisconsin. With this addition, Clemson’s 2026 recruiting class now stands among the nation’s top three, narrowly trailing Oregon in the race for the top spot.
Clemson’s 2026 Recruiting Success Continues With Marcell Gipson Commitment
Clemson football’s recruiting momentum shows no signs of slowing, with Texas cornerback Marcell Gipson becoming the latest addition to their 2026 class.
Gipson, a three-star talent from Dallas South Oak Cliff, is ranked No. 669 nationally and the No. 56 cornerback in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He also holds the No. 90 spot among Texas prospects.
Standing 5’10” and weighing 160 pounds, Gipson is Clemson’s sixth commitment since Friday. His pledge brings the Tigers’ total to 11 commits, with the class now ranked No. 7 nationally in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.
The Tigers’ strong recruiting weekend started Friday when four-star offensive tackle Adam Guthrie from Miami Trace High School in Washington Court House, Ohio, announced his commitment.
Clemson continued to build momentum Saturday evening, landing two more four-star wide receivers — Naeem Burroughs from Jacksonville’s Bolles School and Connor Salmin from Bullis School in Purcellville, Virginia.
On Sunday morning, Clemson secured a commitment from Grant Wise, a four-star interior offensive lineman from Pace High School in Milton, Florida. Later that night, four-star IOL Chance Barclay from Orlando’s First Academy also committed, followed by Gipson’s announcement Monday afternoon.
Burroughs stands out as the highest-ranked recruit in the group, rated No. 44 overall, No. 6 wide receiver, and No. 2 WR in the On300.
Salmin ranks No. 164 nationally and No. 27 among receivers. Meanwhile, Guthrie and Wise both hold top-250 overall spots and are ranked among the top 20 at their respective positions.
KEEP READING: 2025 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 Power Rankings
“I loved it all,” Guthrie told On3. “From the stadium, to the people, the facilities, the way they carry themselves, and how much Clemson fans love their team.”
Clemson’s 2026 class also features two quarterbacks — four-star Tait Reynolds from Queen Creek, Arizona, and three-star Brock Bradley from Spain Park High School in Birmingham, Alabama. Defensively, Gipson and Knoxville’s Webb School cornerback Shavar Young are currently the only defensive recruits in the class.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
