Clemson remains in the running for one of its top quarterback targets in the 2028 recruiting class.
Four-star quarterback Trace Hawkins of Calhoun, Georgia, announced his final six schools on Tuesday, with Clemson joining LSU, Kentucky, Virginia Tech, Duke and Vanderbilt.
The Tigers have been heavily involved in Hawkins’ recruitment for months. He first visited Clemson for last season’s game against Duke before returning for the spring game and Spring Elite Day. Hawkins was back on campus again in early June to compete at Dabo Swinney’s high school camp, where he earned a scholarship offer later that month after impressing the coaching staff.
Clemson has positioned itself as one of the top contenders in Hawkins’ recruitment alongside LSU. Both programs have built strong relationships with the talented signal caller, who plans to take a few more visits this fall before narrowing his focus even further.
While Hawkins is hoping to make his college decision before the end of the upcoming season, he has not set a firm commitment date. One of his expected fall visits is to Baton Rouge for LSU’s season opener, assuming those plans remain unchanged.
ESPN analyst believes former Clemson star set to breakout this season
📸 Dale Zanine, Dale Zanine-Imagn Images https://t.co/IrY93b4qWOpic.twitter.com/Jye63LNGTj
— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) July 22, 2026
Hawkins is coming off a strong sophomore season at Calhoun, throwing for 2,442 yards and 24 touchdowns while being intercepted just three times. He also added three rushing touchdowns. According to 247Sports, Hawkins is rated as the No. 16 quarterback in the 2028 recruiting class.
#AGTG
Where is home???@Hayesfawcett3pic.twitter.com/443JmFvfCl— Trace Hawkins (@TraceHawkins_16) July 21, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson makes the cut for elite high priority 2028 quarterback target
