Clemson’s Weekend Surge Continues as OL Chance Barclay Joins 2026 Class
Clemson’s recruiting hot streak continued Sunday as interior offensive lineman Chancellor Barclay became the Tigers’ fifth commitment of the weekend, adding to an already surging 2025 class. The 6-foot-4, 280-pound prospect known as “Chance” from Lake Minneola (Fla.) gives Clemson its third offensive line pledge in the past three days, joining Adam Guthrie and Grant Wise in the trenches.
Barclay, rated an 90.32 by On3, had been hearing from schools like Oklahoma, Florida, Miami, Penn State, and USF but felt the strongest connection with Clemson throughout his recruitment. He visited the Tigers last summer and spoke about the impact of that trip.
“Summer’s been good, been training, camping, and having great summer workouts,” Barclay said. “I’ve been hearing from Oklahoma and Clemson the most, as well as Florida, Miami, Penn State, and USF.”
Barclay’s work ethic extends beyond football. He helps out at his father’s business, The Music Store, even taking on janitorial duties when needed.
“It’s called The Music Store and it’s of course a music store that my dad owns,” Barclay said. “It’s been in business for a good while now.”
That sense of responsibility and discipline is something Barclay takes pride in, crediting his mindset to his faith.
“Yeah, the Lord has blessed me with a mindset to grow every day,” he said. “I always had the mindset to think that I’m not doing enough or I should be doing more, so I would just keep working. No matter if I wanted to or not, I had to keep that discipline and mindset.”
His commitment bolsters a Clemson class that now stands at ten pledges, with Barclay joining Guthrie, Wise, and wide receivers Naeem Burroughs and Connor Salmin as the latest additions. Dabo Swinney’s program capitalized on a successful Elite Retreat weekend, continuing to build momentum in the 2026 cycle.
