Clemson lands top quarterback prospect for the Class of 2028
Clemson University announced a verbal commitment from Trace Hawkins, a four‑star quarterback out of Calhoun, Georgia, for the Class of 2028. The pledge marks the Tigers' first pledge in that cycle and comes after a season in which Hawkins threw for 2,442 yards and 24 touchdowns while completing 47.3% of his passes.
Hawkins also added 153 rushing yards and three scores on the ground, finishing his high school career with a balanced skill set that attracted interest from several power programs. He chose Clemson over LSU, Duke, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Virginia Tech and a few other contenders, a decision highlighted by analysts at 247Sports, who rank him No. 20 among Georgia's top prospects and No. 293 nationally in the composite.
The commitment arrives as Clemson's 2027 recruiting class already holds a No. 14 national ranking and a No. 2 spot in the ACC. The class features wide receiver Jamaran Simmons, a top‑100 talent, and 14 additional four‑star recruits, underscoring the program's ability to attract elite talent across the board.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, the Tigers will navigate a quarterback competition that could shape the offense's direction. Redshirt junior Christopher Vizzina, who has served primarily as a backup and earned just one career start, is currently the frontrunner, while true freshman Tait Reynolds is expected to challenge for playing time.
Coach Dabo Swinney welcomed Hawkins' pledge as a validation of Clemson's recruiting momentum in the Southeast. The ability to secure a top Georgia prospect reinforces a strategy that continues to pay dividends for the program.