Clemson Offers Top Defensive End Prospect Desmond Malpress

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Clemson has extended an offer to four-star defensive end Desmond Malpress from Atlantic Coast High School in Florida. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound prospect is ranked as the No. 68 overall player and No. 9 edge rusher in the 2026 recruiting class according to the 247 Composite Rankings. Malpress has close to 20 offers from top programs including Florida State, Miami, Louisville, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Why it matters

Defensive end is a key position of need for Clemson in the 2026 recruiting class, and landing elite edge rushers like Malpress will be crucial to maintaining the Tigers' defensive dominance. Malpress' offer comes just a day after another top 2026 defensive end, Santana Harvey, also announced a Clemson offer.

The details

Malpress recorded 6.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in just six games during the 2025 high school season. The highly-touted prospect recently attended a Junior Day event at Florida State, one of the many top programs that have already offered him a scholarship.

• Malpress announced the Clemson offer via social media on February 4, 2026.
• Clemson offered Malpress one day after extending an offer to another top 2026 defensive end, Santana Harvey, on February 3, 2026.

What’s next

Malpress will likely take an official visit to Clemson in the coming months as the Tigers look to solidify his commitment. Clemson coaches will also continue evaluating and offering other elite defensive end prospects to build depth at the position for the 2026 class.