Clemson remains in the race for Golden State Star

National interest in recruiting Simote Katoanga‍ is heating up, and Clemson is making sure the four-star defensive end knows he’s a priority. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound pass rusher from JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, California, has been gathering offers at a rapid pace, with Texas, Oklahoma State, and Utah recently entering the mix.

Southern Cal has shown significant interest, and Notre Dame continues to push hard for the highly regarded prospect, who carries a 92.28 On3 rating.

Katoanga took in USC’s Junior Day on February 2, but Clemson remains firmly in the picture. He visited in the fall when the Tigers defeated Stanford and has maintained close contact with defensive ends coach Chris Rumph. Their conversations go beyond just football.

“Yeah, I talk to Coach Rumph every other day and just talk about ball and music,” Katoanga said. “We are figuring out a time or weekend I will be back in Clemson this spring.”

That visit is now set. Katoanga has confirmed he will attend Clemson’s Elite Retreat on March 8, a key recruiting event where the Tigers host top targets in a smaller, more personal setting. Clemson’s push for Katoanga isn’t just about interest—it’s about need.

“They just don’t want me—they need me,” he said. “Coach Rumph tells me the versatility I bring is so unique, and he wants to develop me to become another great Clemson player.”

While Clemson is working on bringing him back to campus, the Tigers are also expected to send Rumph out west when on-the-road recruiting opens back up.

“Yeah, Coach Rumph is planning on coming out sometime, but with the new hiring of Coach Allan, he isn’t sure when that will be,” Katoanga said. “But he said he will be out this way to come see my family and I.”

Katoanga’s recruitment remains open, with Notre Dame, Washington, USC, Miami, UCLA, and Tennessee among the programs in frequent contact. He plans to release a top-10 or top-12 list in the coming weeks and take his official visits before making a final decision.

“I’m aiming to commit by the beginning of the fall or during the season,” he said.

Distance won’t be a deciding factor. His focus is on development—both as a player and a person.

“Not really, honestly,” Katoanga said when asked about playing across the country. “I want to play somewhere I can be developed as a player on and off the field. I want to maximize my potential as a player as well as a Christian. I want to inspire as many young athletes like myself to chase their goals and dreams.”

Katoanga also noted that his time visiting Clemson in the fall really stood out to him, saying this about his visits.

“They were great! From the first visit to the first game visit! It’s a different environment from other places I’ve been,” he noted. “I think the campus and facilities are huge and awesome!”

For now, Clemson remains in the thick of the race, and March 8 could be a pivotal moment in Katoanga’s recruitment.

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