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Irmo OT Nate Carson Visits Top Schools, Favors Tennessee
The elite offensive tackle prospect has seen Clemson, South Carolina, and Georgia this spring, with more visits planned.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:33am
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Nate Carson, a highly sought-after offensive tackle prospect from Irmo, South Carolina, has been busy visiting some of the top college football programs in the country this spring. The 6'5", 315-pound lineman has already checked out Clemson, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Georgia, with plans to see Tennessee and Texas A&M in the coming weeks. While Carson has been impressed by what he's seen at each school, he currently has the Tennessee Volunteers as his top choice, citing the program's early interest and the opportunity to learn from potential first-round draft pick David Sanders.
Why it matters
Nate Carson is considered one of the top offensive tackle recruits in the 2027 class, and his commitment will be a major coup for whichever program is able to land him. As an in-state prospect, both Clemson and South Carolina are heavily pursuing Carson, but his strong interest in Tennessee could be a sign that the Volunteers are poised to make a big splash in South Carolina recruiting.
The details
Carson's visits have included Clemson's Elite Retreat on March 7th, South Carolina's major talent gathering on March 21st, and a trip to Athens to see the University of Georgia last weekend. The Irmo standout was impressed by what he saw at each stop, praising Clemson's offensive line development, South Carolina's coaching staff, and Georgia's dominant defensive line. However, it is Tennessee that currently holds the edge, with Carson citing the Volunteers' early recruitment efforts and the chance to learn from potential first-round pick David Sanders.
- Carson visited Clemson on March 7th for the Elite Retreat.
- Carson visited South Carolina on March 21st for the program's major talent gathering.
- Carson visited Georgia last weekend.
The players
Nate Carson
A highly recruited 6'5", 315-pound offensive tackle prospect from Irmo, South Carolina.
David Sanders
A Tennessee offensive lineman who is expected to be a first-round NFL draft pick.
Matt Luke
Clemson's offensive line coach, known for his ability to develop NFL-caliber linemen.
Dabo Swinney
The head coach of the Clemson Tigers football program.
Shane Beamer
The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks football program.
What they’re saying
“They got me there early in the morning for all the meetings. I did everything. I was there from morning to almost night. Coach Smooth (Jason Smith) had me doing a lot of stuff. Not training, but walking through a lot of stuff. He was telling me things I need to know, like some of the stuff that I did in my workouts and some of the stuff I need to work on.”
— Nate Carson, Offensive Tackle Prospect
“They are telling me it's home. Coach Beamer told me that he wants me to start this '27 O-line class off with a commit. I'm doing it July 3rd. I don't know where yet, but I know South Carolina has definitely got a chance.”
— Nate Carson, Offensive Tackle Prospect
“The development that coach Matt Luke does and the history he has with putting O-linemen into the NFL, that's amazing. Clemson, in general, is a winning program. I know they had that little fluke season this year. Me and Dabo (Swinney) talked a lot, and I love what I'm hearing. The things that they can do for me outside of football, that's what gives them a plus, because I know that after football I'll always have something to do.”
— Nate Carson, Offensive Tackle Prospect
“I love Tennessee. I love what Tennessee can do. That's my top five right there...Georgia, Tennessee, Clemson, Texas A&M, and South Carolina.”
— Nate Carson, Offensive Tackle Prospect
“It's a big lead, honestly. They just showed from the start that they want me. David Sanders, he's going to be there. If I go there, I can learn from him. He's going to be going to the draft and should be a first-rounder. I can learn from him. Take what he tells me and make it into my own craft. We talk every time I come down.”
— Nate Carson, Offensive Tackle Prospect
What’s next
Carson plans to visit Tennessee and Texas A&M later this spring, and he will return to South Carolina for an official visit on June 19th. He has official visits set with Clemson on May 29th, Texas A&M on June 5th, and Tennessee on June 12th. Carson is still working on finalizing an official visit date with Georgia.
The takeaway
Nate Carson's recruitment has become a battle between some of the top college football programs in the Southeast, with Tennessee currently holding the edge. The Volunteers' early pursuit of Carson and the opportunity to learn from a potential first-round draft pick have made a strong impression, but Clemson, South Carolina, and others remain in the mix. Whichever school lands this elite offensive tackle prospect will be getting a game-changing addition to their 2027 recruiting class.
