CLEMSON, SC – Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers just secured a massive win on the recruiting trail. Four-star wide receiver Connor Salmin, one of the most sought-after pass-catchers in the 2026 recruiting class, has officially committed to Clemson, leaving powerhouse programs Notre Dame and Penn State empty-handed.
The announcement, made Saturday evening, marks a significant recruiting victory for the Tigers, who continue to reload their offense with elite talent. Salmin’s decision came after months of speculation, with Notre Dame and Penn State pushing hard to land the 6-foot-1 playmaker from The Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland.
Who is Connor Salmin? The Explosive Weapon Headed to Clemson
Salmin is no ordinary wide receiver—he’s a dynamic, game-changing talent with a rare blend of speed, precise route-running, and exceptional hands. Ranked as the No. 5 overall player in Maryland and the No. 19 wide receiver in the nation, according to 247Sports’ Composite Rankings, he had college scouts buzzing from the moment he stepped onto the high school stage.
“Salmin is the kind of player who can stretch defenses, win one-on-one battles, and turn short gains into explosive plays,” said a 247Sports analyst. “Clemson just landed a serious playmaker.”
Notre Dame and Penn State were both heavily invested in Salmin’s recruitment, seeing him as a potential centerpiece for their future offenses. But ultimately, Clemson’s winning culture, offensive scheme, and ability to develop NFL-ready receivers sealed the deal.
Why Clemson? The Factors Behind Salmin’s Decision
While Notre Dame and Penn State presented strong cases, Salmin ultimately saw Clemson as the best place to elevate his game. Several key factors played into his commitment:
- Proven Wide Receiver Development – Clemson has produced elite NFL receivers such as DeAndre Hopkins, Tee Higgins, Hunter Renfrow, and Justyn Ross. The program has a strong track record of turning talented high school players into top-tier pros.
- Offensive Scheme Fit – The Tigers run an aggressive passing attack that allows playmakers to flourish in open space—a system perfectly suited for Salmin’s strengths.
- Winning Pedigree – With two national championships under Swinney and consistent playoff contention, Clemson remains one of college football’s premier destinations.
“I wanted to go somewhere that pushes me to be the best,” Salmin said following his commitment. “Clemson felt like home, and I know I’ll be developed at the highest level.”
Where Do Notre Dame and Penn State Go From Here?
For Notre Dame, missing out on Salmin is a tough pill to swallow, especially after their 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game appearance. However, Marcus Freeman has already secured elite talent in the 2025 class, including four-star wideouts Antavious Richardson and Elijah Burress.
Meanwhile, Penn State’s struggles at wide receiver continue. After a disappointing Orange Bowl loss to Notre Dame, where no Penn State wide receiver recorded a catch, James Franklin was hoping to land Salmin as a marquee addition to his offense. With Salmin choosing Clemson, Penn State will have to double down on its transfer portal efforts and look elsewhere in the 2026 class.
BREAKING: Four-Star WR Connor Salmin has Committed to Clemson, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’1 195 WR from Purcellville, VA chose the Tigers over Notre Dame & Penn State
“All Glory to God. ALL IN!”https://t.co/E4lgNmJZAg pic.twitter.com/1Zt9XbzyK3
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) March 9, 2025
What’s Next for Clemson and Salmin?
With his commitment in place, Salmin is expected to become one of the faces of Clemson’s 2026 recruiting class. If his high school dominance is any indication, the Tigers may have just landed their next great playmaker—one who could terrorize ACC defenses for years to come.
For Notre Dame and Penn State, this recruitment battle may be over, but the fight to reload their wide receiver corps is far from finished.
One thing is certain: Connor Salmin just made Clemson’s future a whole lot brighter.
