No. 1 Player in America Commits to Clemson Tigers Football, Over Auburn, LSU, and Georgia
In a major recruiting coup for Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers, the No. 1 overall player in the 2025 class, five-star defensive end Elijah “EJ” Thompson, has officially committed to Clemson, choosing the Tigers over powerhouse programs Auburn, LSU, and Georgia.
Thompson, a 6-foot-6, 255-pound edge rusher from Buford High School in Georgia, made his announcement Tuesday afternoon in a nationally televised ceremony. The highly anticipated decision caps off months of intense recruitment and speculation, with Clemson emerging as the victor in one of the most hotly contested recruiting battles in recent memory.
“This has been a long journey, and I want to thank every coach who believed in me,” Thompson said during the announcement. “At the end of the day, Clemson felt like home. The culture, the coaching staff, and the vision they have for me made it clear. I’m 100% committed to being a Tiger.”
Thompson’s commitment instantly vaults Clemson’s 2025 recruiting class into the national spotlight. Known for his explosive speed, strength off the edge, and football IQ, Thompson has drawn comparisons to former NFL stars like Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney. He recorded 19 sacks and 27 tackles for loss in his junior season and was a nightmare for opposing offenses all year.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney responded to the commitment on social media with excitement, posting, “Welcome to the Clemson family, EJ! The best want to be the best, and that’s what Clemson is all about.”
Thompson had recently taken official visits to all four finalist schools, and while Auburn and LSU made late pushes, Clemson’s consistent presence and defensive development track record proved decisive. Georgia, his home-state team and a frequent favorite for top-tier talent, was considered the frontrunner early in the process, but insiders say Thompson was drawn to Clemson’s atmosphere and emphasis on character and growth, both on and off the field.
Recruiting analysts are already calling this one of the biggest defensive commitments in Clemson history. Thompson joins an already strong 2025 class that includes several top-100 players and a growing number of elite defensive prospects.
“This is a game-changer,” said recruiting expert Mike Farrell. “Getting the No. 1 player—especially one in the Southeast—sends a message to the rest of college football that Clemson is back to dominating the recruiting trail.”
With Thompson now on board, Clemson’s future on defense looks brighter than ever. The Tigers are poised to return to championship form, and landing the top player in the country only strengthens that case.