Clemson scores commitment from blue-chip OL Carter Scruggs

Clemson stayed hot on the recruiting trail on Thursday evening landing a commitment from Leesburg (Va.) Loudon County On300 offensive lineman Carter Scruggs.

Dabo Swinney and the Tigers beat Georgia, Michigan and Penn State for Scruggs, who went public with his plans during a live announcement on the On3 Recruits YouTube page.

The four-star Scruggs took his official visit to Clemson this past weekend and becomes commit No. 17 in the 2026 cycle.

“Honestly for me it was the culture and development piece as well,” Scruggs said. He ranks as the nation’s No. 10 interior offensive lineman and No. 154 prospect overall. “I felt like I built over time a really solid relationship with all the coaches. They were checking up on me every single day and we created a tight bond.

“I think they’ve always been the leader. I just wanted to make sure I’m making the right decision.”

Scruggs adds to a Clemson class the On3 Industry previously ranked No. 7 overall. He joins the fold a day after fellow On300 offensive line recruit Leo Delaney announced his plans. Clemson now has six offensive line commits with Scruggs and Delaney adding to fellow four-stars in Chancellor Barclay, Grant Wise and Adam Guthrie along with offensive tackle Braden Wilmes.

Coaching staff the difference in Carter Scruggs picking Clemson

The relationship with Swinney and offensive line coach Matt Luke was a big factor in Scruggs decision along with the consistency and culture of the program.

“I think it’s because they stick to the culture,” Scruggs said. “They have a very strict and specific way of recruiting. It works very well for them. Specifically in the way they do everything. I can see why they’ve been so successful the past 20 years. Coach Swinney has been really really good with everything, Development wise, they’re developing their guys. Their not taking anyone out of the portal. They rarely take anyone out of the portal and are developing high school guys.”

Luke and Swinney are guys Scruggs can see himself thriving under.

“I built really strong relationships with those two,” Scruggs said. “Coach Luke we talk pretty much every day. I really like what he’s doing. In one year he completely turned around the offensive line room with his demeanor and how he carries himself on the field. He always brings a lot of energy with technique too. I love how he teaches.

“Coach Swinney he’s a really good guy. The good stuff people say about him is true. He’s genuine and everything he preaches about the program is 100 percent true.”