“They keep it real” - 3-star QB Tait Reynolds heaps praise on Dabo Swinney’s Clemson following anticipated commitment

Clemson University’s football program landed a significant commitment from Tait Reynolds, a 3-star quarterback from Queen Creek, Arizona. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound athlete—who is the first commitment for Clemson's 2026 class—announced his decision on Sunday via social media.

Reynolds emphasized the genuine nature of head coach Dabo Swinney as a major influence in his commitment.

"They keep it real and it's just a family out at Clemson. I love everything about it. It's a cool environment and they care,” Reynolds said.

According to 247Sports, Reynolds—who was committed to Arizona State—received 28 football program offers including his main options: Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and some ACC teams like Boston College, Duke, Florida State, Miami, and NC State.

Despite strong interest from west coast schools like Brigham Young and Utah, Reynolds opted to pursue his college career on the other side of the country. Expressing his excitement, he wrote:

“So blessed for the opportunity to play not just one, but two sports that I love at the next level. Beyond excited to announce my commitment to Clemson.”

He also praised Swinney's authenticity and Clemson's welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, he commended offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and the entire coaching staff:

"Coach Swinney is awesome and super down to earth, and I really gravitated toward him," Reynolds told 247Sports."The whole staff was great. On my first visit there I felt like a celebrity, really. They all cared that I was there and there was a great vibe. I love those guys. They feel I fit in perfectly with their offense."

Authenticity sets Clemson apart for 3-Star QB Tait Reynolds

In a June interview with Sports Illustrated, Reynolds shared what made Clemson University stand out.

“Just the way they treat people honestly and not just because I’m a recruit or something. They want me to go to school. It’s just everybody that was there. They treated me awesome. Just genuine. They know how to act and how to treat people and they’re real about it,” he said.

He received high praise from 247Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins, who observed him at the Elite 11 Regional in Los Angeles. Biggins highlighted Reynolds' strong arm and playmaking ability.

"He has the ability to get the ball down the field," Biggins noted.

"He can run around and make plays with his legs and looks more like a fullback than a quarterback when he's running zone read or gets loose in the secondary. He's a tough kid who will stand in the pocket and take a shot to deliver the football and doesn't shy away from contact as a runner."

During his sophomore season at Queen Creek, Reynolds passed for 1,808 yards and 11 touchdowns, adding 631 rushing yards and 17 scores. Additionally, as an outfielder, he led Queen Creek to the 2024 Class 6A state baseball championship.