One of the fast-rising quarterbacks for the 2026 recruiting cycle visited Clemson last month and already has a return date in mind. Cam O’Hara (6-2, 180) out of Union (KY) Cooper is viewed as one of the top prospects in the state of Kentucky for the 2026 class.
Last season, he threw for 3,561 yards and 49 touchdowns with just seven interceptions to help guide his team to a 12-3 record and a spot in the 5A state title game.
He’s collected early scholarship offers from Austin Peay, Kentucky, Miami of Ohio, Tennessee State, and Western Kentucky. He recently visited Louisville and has also made stops at Clemson and Purdue.
O’Hara checked out the Tigers during spring practice so that he could spend time with the coaching staff. He camped at Clemson last summer, where he threw for offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, but wanted to make the return visit to get a glimpse of what a practice is like.
“I love their culture. It’s so positive. It’s all about winning. Winning in life and on the field,” O’Hara exclaimed. They have a strong reputation for their academics and sports programs, especially football. Coach (Dabo) Swinney definitely was inspiring when he spoke in the team meeting. He’s the type of coach I want to play for.”
He also detailed the two members of the staff who have given him the most attention.
“Coach Riley and offensive assistant Paul Tyson,” O’Hara said. “They told me to just keep working. It’s what I can control right now. And they want to build a relationship with me. And so far, it’s a great connection.”
Getting to watch practice was a treat for the Kentucky quarterback.
“I got to see what type of offense they run, how plays are called, and what type of coaching style Coach Riley has,” he revealed. “But I can definitely see me playing in that type of offense just based on how everything is ran and how smooth everything is. He’s (Riley) an awesome guy, really a laid-back guy, and he had nothing but good remarks from me and my parents.”
Clemson doesn’t dispense offers to rising juniors until after their sophomore year of high school is complete. O’Hara has plans to return to Swinney’s high school camp in June to once again throw and work out in front of the Tigers’ head coach and Riley, and picking up an offer would be the highlight.
“For me to get an offer from Clemson would be amazing just because of how I can see myself being in that room and being able to compete at that high of a level,” he said. “And I’ll definitely be back in June for camp, and just hope to show them how I throw in person and go from there.”