Clemson Lands Four-Star Defensive Lineman Keshawn Stancil in Major Recruiting Win
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Clayton High School standout Keshawn Stancil, one of the top defensive linemen in the 2026 recruiting cycle, has made his decision. The four-star prospect announced Saturday that he is committing to Clemson, giving Dabo Swinney and the Tigers another significant addition to what is already shaping up to be one of the nation’s top recruiting classes.
The 6’3, 260-pound junior from Clayton, North Carolina, chose Clemson over a strong group of finalists that included NC State, Penn State, Miami, and Georgia. Each school hosted Stancil on an official visit recently, but Clemson’s personal touch and long-term vision for his development helped push the Tigers ahead.
Stancil is ranked as the No. 143 overall player and No. 15 defensive lineman nationally according to the On3 Industry Ranking, which averages rankings from all four major recruiting services. On3 itself is even higher on him, slotting Stancil as the No. 73 overall player and No. 9 defensive lineman in the country.
As a junior at Clayton High School, Stancil was nothing short of dominant. He recorded 63 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and nine sacks in just 12 games. His rare blend of explosiveness and strength in the trenches made him a top priority for defensive line coaches across the country — and especially at Clemson.
With Stancil’s commitment, Clemson now holds 20 pledges in its 2026 class, a group widely regarded as one of the best in the nation. Before Stancil’s announcement, the Tigers’ class ranked No. 8 according to On3 and No. 7 via 247Sports. His addition strengthens both the depth and star power of a group that continues to build the foundation for Clemson’s future.