Clemson’s Recruiting Surge Continues with CB Marcell Gipson’s Pledge
Clemson’s recruiting momentum in the 2026 class keeps rolling. The Tigers landed a commitment from three-star cornerback Marcell Gipson Jr on Monday, just two days after offering him during his visit for Clemson’s Elite Retreat.
Gipson, a 5-foot-10, 160-pound defensive back from South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, Texas, chose Clemson over offers from Ole Miss, Oregon, SMU, Texas Tech, and others. Rated an 86.00 prospect by On3, Gipson adds to an impressive surge for the Tigers, who have now secured six commitments since Friday.
His pledge comes on the heels of Clemson loading up in the trenches and at wide receiver. Offensive linemen Chancellor Barclay, Adam Guthrie, and Grant Wise all committed over the weekend, as did wideouts Naeem Burroughs and Connor Salmin. Gipson’s addition further bolsters the Tigers’ 2026 class, giving Clemson an early defensive playmaker with a knack for making plays on the ball.
The timing of Gipson’s offer and commitment underscores Clemson’s approach in this cycle. The Tigers brought a select group of top prospects to campus for the Elite Retreat, a premier recruiting event designed to showcase the program’s culture and vision. Gipson left with an offer in hand and wasted little time deciding that Clemson was the place for him.
Gipson’s speed, fluidity in coverage, and aggressive playing style have made him a standout at South Oak Cliff, a program known for producing elite defensive backs. His ability to play both outside corner and in the slot gives Clemson a versatile option for its secondary of the future.
With six new additions in just a few days, Clemson’s 2026 class is quickly taking shape.