Clemson Bolsters Trenches with Commitment from Virginia’s Top OL Carter Scruggs

Matt Luke is stacking building blocks, and another big one just fell into place.

Carter Scruggs‍, the top-rated offensive lineman in Virginia for the class of 2026, announced his commitment to Clemson moments ago, on 247’s YouTube Channel, giving the Tigers another powerful presence up front — and another major win on the recruiting trail. The 6’6, 295-pound mauler from Loudoun County High School in Leesburg is the second offensive line commit in as many days for Clemson offensive line coach Matt Luke, a key architect of the Tigers’ future.

Scruggs’ pledge brings Clemson’s 2026 class to 18 total commits, including six four-star offensive linemen — a remarkable haul that reflects Luke’s recruiting momentum and the program’s renewed emphasis on dominating the line of scrimmage.

“We talked a lot about how Clemson does it the right way and how the culture there is like none other,” Scruggs said of a conversation with head coach Dabo Swinney during the recruiting process.

That culture, combined with Clemson’s development pipeline and recent recruiting surge, proved too much for the Virginia standout to pass up.

Scruggs chose the Tigers over Georgia, Michigan, and Penn State. He becomes the latest piece in what’s shaping up to be one of Dabo Swinney’s most physically imposing classes in years — a group loaded with size, athleticism, and the kind of mentality Clemson hopes will carry the program back to the College Football Playoff.

With Scruggs now in the fold, the Tigers are not only adding a player with prototypical size and a high ceiling — they’re doubling down on their identity. The kind built in the weight room, forged in practice, and sustained by culture.

And Scruggs, for his part, believes he’s found the perfect fit. For Luke and the Tigers, it looks like the feeling is mutual.