CLEMSON – Braden Wilmes has been on Clemson’s recruiting radar for months.

The 3-star offensive lineman (Lawrence Free State, KS) visited Clemson for the Tigers’ 66-20 win over App State in the home-opener. It was his first time taking in a game at Clemson since he was three years old.

Since the beginning of the contact period in June, Wilmes’ relationship with offensive line coach Matt Luke has only grown stronger. Assistant offensive line coach Carson Cramer has also been involved and last week Clemson’s offensive line coach called with an official offer from the Tigers. It is an offer the high school junior has been hoping to get.

“I was extremely excited,” Wilmes told The Clemson Insider. “And still am.”

Despite going to high school in Kansas, Wilmes does have a connection to the Clemson program. His mother is a graduate and he is a lifelong fan.

“She was very excited and happy for me,” he added.

Wilmes currently holds offers from Arkansas, Florida State, Duke, Iowa, Iowa State, Wisconsin and Nebraska, among others.

On top of his visit to Clemson, the 6-foot-8, 285-pound recruit has also taken game day visits to Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, Kansas State and Nebraska.

“I plan on making it back to Clemson this year,” Wilmes said. “Whether it is a junior day or bowl game practice, I have not finalized it yet.”

While the offer from Clemson was a big one, Wilmes still hasn’t firmed up any timeline when it comes to making a decision.

“I do not have any date set for now,” Wilmes said. “When I know everything I need to know and can make the most informed decision is when I will announce my decision.”

At the same time, having the offer from Clemson has put the Tigers squarely in the mix.

“Clemson is very high on the list,” said Wilmes. “I am excited to learn more about the program to compare it with other schools.

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