—
Leo Delaney Commits to Clemson Football, Chooses Dabo Swinney Over Michigan and Penn State
In a major recruiting win for the Clemson Tigers, four-star linebacker Leo Delaney has officially committed to head coach Dabo Swinney, turning down offers from traditional Big Ten powers Michigan and Penn State. Delaney, one of the top-ranked defensive prospects in the 2026 class, announced his decision Monday morning via a video posted to social media.
Hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound Delaney is widely praised for his speed, versatility, and football instincts. A dominant presence at both inside and outside linebacker, he tallied 115 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 4 forced fumbles in his junior season — earning first-team All-State honors and cementing his place among the top 50 recruits in the nation.
“Clemson just felt like home,” Delaney said in his announcement. “Coach Swinney, Coach Wes Goodwin, the whole staff — they believed in me from day one. They’ve got a vision for how I fit in their defense, and I’m ready to be a part of something special.”
Delaney’s commitment fills a key need for Clemson’s 2026 recruiting class, which now ranks in the top 10 nationally. With several veteran linebackers expected to graduate or declare for the NFL, Delaney could compete for playing time early in his college career. His speed and ability to drop into coverage make him a natural fit for Clemson’s hybrid linebacker roles in their aggressive, attacking defense.
Head coach Dabo Swinney called Delaney “a game-changing player and an even better young man,” praising both his on-field ability and character off the field.
“We’re building something big here at Clemson, and Leo is exactly the kind of athlete and leader who can help us get back to the top,” Swinney said.
The decision comes as a disappointment to both Michigan and Penn State, who were considered strong contenders throughout Delaney’s recruitment. Both schools had made personal pitches in recent weeks, including official visits and in-home meetings with coaches. Ultimately, though, Clemson’s culture and player development track record helped seal the deal.
Delaney becomes one of the marquee names in Clemson’s 2026 class — and another big win for a program intent on returning to College Football Playoff contention.
