Clemson Coach Reacts as ‘Dream School’ Doesn’t Win Out for 5-Star DL Headed to SEC

Clemson Coach Reacts as ‘Dream School’ Doesn’t Win Out for 5-Star DL Headed to SEC originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Bryce Perry-Wright called Clemson his “dream school.” But dreams didn’t win out on Saturday.

In one of the most highly anticipated announcements of the 2026 recruiting cycle, the five-star defensive lineman out of Buford, Georgia, committed to Texas A&M over Clemson, Texas, and Miami. Perry-Wright made the decision public from Las Vegas after a week full of speculation and shifting momentum behind the scenes.

Clemson had long been viewed as the leader. Perry-Wright visited Death Valley more than any other school, and family ties to the program only deepened the bond. For a while, it seemed like the Tigers were going to get their guy.

But in the end, Perry-Wright went with the Aggies — a decision many believe was swayed by the strong NIL infrastructure and recruiting firepower in the SEC, and College Station. 

Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo SwinneyKen Ruinard-Imagn Images

After taking his final visits to Texas and Texas A&M last month, the two in-state programs were gaining steam. And while Clemson made a strong push to the very end, it wasn’t enough to secure the elite lineman’s pledge.

Perry-Wright cited Texas A&M’s reputation as “D-Line University” as part of his reasoning, but that sparked a quick rebuttal from Tigers defensive analyst/assistant defensive ends Coach and former Clemson star Da’Quan Bowers, who tweeted shortly after the commitment:

“Ain’t but one DLU! Check the records. #ALLIN”

Losing Perry-Wright stings. He ranks as the No. 2 defensive lineman in the country and the No. 5 player in Georgia, per 247Sports. His production backs it up, too — 57 tackles and nine sacks as a junior, after a dominant sophomore campaign in 2023.

Despite the miss, Clemson still has a strong defensive line group forming in the 2026 class, headlined by four-star ends JR Hardrick and Dre Quinn, as well as Kameron “Cam” Kody and Keshawn Stancil. But Perry-Wright was different — a player who could dominate inside or out, and one of the most versatile defensive disruptors in the country.

Clemson played its hand aggressively. This one came down to the wire, but the Aggies walked away with a major recruiting win.

Related: Clemson Feeling NIL Pressure as SEC Teams Close in on Elite DL Recruit

Related: Former Clemson Star Spencer Strider One of Few Braves Starters Left After Latest Injury News

Related: Clemson Facing NIL Test as New Threat Emerges for 5-Star LB Tyler Atkinson

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.

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