Clemson Facing NIL Pressure in Battle for Five-Star DL Bryce Perry-Wright

Clemson Facing NIL Pressure in Battle for Five-Star DL Bryce Perry-Wright originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Clemson may be in danger of losing its grip on one of the top defensive prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. Bryce Perry-Wright, a five-star defensive lineman out of Buford, Georgia, is set to make his college commitment on July 5—and what once looked like a strong lead for the Tigers now feels far less secure.

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For months, Clemson appeared to be in prime position to land Perry-Wright. The Tigers were the unanimous Crystal Ball pick on 247Sports, and their geographic advantage was undeniable.

Clemson’s campus sits just over an hour from Perry-Wright’s hometown—far closer than Texas A&M, Miami, or Texas, each requiring double-digit-hour drives. That proximity, along with Clemson’s defensive tradition, made the Tigers a logical favorite.

But the SEC is making a late push. Texas A&M, in particular, has surged into the picture thanks to rising momentum and the backing of one of recruiting’s most respected voices. Rivals analyst Steve Wiltfong, known for his 91% accuracy rate on predictions, now projects Perry-Wright to land with Mike Elko and the Aggies.

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This shift comes just days after On3’s Pete Nakos made waves by saying, “There is more fake cash being thrown around right now than there was four years ago.” And now, word of Texas A&M making a serious move for Bryce Perry-Wright? The timing feels more than coincidental.

It wasn’t long ago that Perry-Wright was projected to choose Clemson. Then came the delay in his commitment date. And now—just days before the announcement—he’s been Crystal Balled to Texas A&M.

Can’t beat that Texas oil money.

Clemson’s staff has invested significant time into this recruitment, eyeing Perry-Wright as a potential difference-maker in the trenches. The 6-foot-2, 250-pound disruptor posted 57 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and 17 quarterback hurries last season while helping Buford High reach the Georgia 7A state semifinals.

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His high motor, elite get-off, and ability to shoot gaps have drawn comparisons to past Clemson greats.

But with Perry-Wright’s decision set for Saturday—broadcast live on 247Sports YouTube and CBS Sports HQ—there’s increasing uncertainty in Tiger Town. If Texas A&M closes the deal, Clemson could find itself reassessing how it holds off late SEC surges for top-tier defensive linemen, especially in the talent-rich state of Georgia.

This recruitment might not be over until the ink is dry. But for now, the Tigers’ once-comfortable lead appears to be fading fast.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.