Clemson lands top-100 recruit over Tennessee, Miami

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Clemson landed another valuable piece to its 2027 recruiting class Monday when four-star safety Jarrell Chandler announced his commitment to the Tigers over Tennessee, Miami and Vanderbilt. The Halls High School prospect from Knoxville, Tennessee, had long been viewed as a heavy Volunteers lean, but Clemson’s late push ultimately shifted the race in its favor.

Chandler, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound defensive back, is ranked No. 91 overall in the Rivals300 for the 2027 class. He is also listed among the top safeties nationally and one of the highest-rated players in Tennessee. Rivals ranks him as the No. 29 safety and No. 12 player in the state, while other evaluations place him as high as the No. 6 safety and No. 4 Tennessee prospect in the cycle.

Clemson’s coaching staff played an influential role in the decision. Defensive coordinator Tom Allen, defensive pass game coordinator Thomas Allen and safeties coach Nolan Turner made an in-person visit to Knoxville last week, which proved to be a turning point in the recruitment. Chandler pointed to the Tigers’ detailed developmental plan and their commitment to keeping him at safety stood out throughout the process.

The Hurricanes pushed hard late in the recruitment and discussed using Chandler as a linebacker because of his size and frame. Clemson, however, consistently recruited him as a defensive back, which aligned with Chandler’s preference to remain in the secondary. The Tigers also pitched a path to early playing time and outlined how he would fit within their defensive system.

Head coach Dabo Swinney’s program culture also resonated with Chandler. Clemson’s consistent communication and long-term vision helped separate the Tigers from Tennessee and Miami, despite Tennessee’s proximity to his hometown and multiple visits to Knoxville during the spring.

Chandler was a constant headache for offenses during his junior season in 2025, recording 94 tackles, six tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, one interception and one fumble recovery. He also contributed offensively with seven touchdown receptions.

His commitment gives the Tigers eight pledges in the 2027 class and adds another highly regarded defensive prospect alongside linebacker Bryce Kish and safety Harrison Luke. Chandler becomes Clemson’s fourth four-star recruit and sixth defensive commitment in the cycle as the Tigers continue building momentum heading into the summer recruiting period.

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Clemson lands top-100 recruit over Tennessee, Miami

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