One of the top quarterbacks in the state is set to return to Clemson next month.
2026 QB Josiah Oxendine (Dillon) will camp at Clemson on June 4, marking his first visit to campus since visiting for the Florida State game last season.
While Dillon has a long tradition of winning at the highest level, the Wildcats employ a run-heavy offense. Oxendine has excelled in the system and being the team-first guys that he is, the quarterback doesn’t mind the offense relying on his legs more so than his arm.
However, once he gets to camp, he wants to show off that arm a little, and prove that he is also capable of getting it done through the air.
“I think I’m a better thrower than I am a runner.,” Oxendine told The Clemson Insider. “I want to show that I can really warm up, show that the ball spins out of my hand. Once we get to drills, show that I have accuracy. That I can get out of the pocket and throw on the run as well. One on ones is where I really elevate myself with my ball placement. Let’s say 20 seconds left and it’s one on one in the end zone, our guy versus their guy, you need your quarterback to put the ball where it needs to be and that is what I want to accomplish.”
Clemson, Tennessee, App State, Virginia Tech and Florida State are some of the schools that Oxendine is hearing the most from, with the Volunteers having already offered.
When Oxendine compares Clemson to other schools, though, there are multiple things that set the Tigers apart.
“Dabo Swinney, especially his philosophy. I love how he’s not in the portal,” Oxendine said. “If you’re coming to Clemson, you’re coming to stay at Clemson. I like that aspect of it. He’s also a person of faith, which I am as well, believing in Christ as my Lord and Savior. And he’s looking for winners. I believe I fit that player he’s looking for.”
The talented quarterback also respects Clemson’s methodical approach to the recruiting process.
“I respect it,” Oxendine said. “I appreciate them actually for looking for two years of varsity starting football. I mean they’re very cautious with their decision and I think I would be too if I was put in their shoes. Because their jobs are on the line. They’re very cautious and I respect that.”
Tennessee, Florida State, Alabama, Duke, App State, Virginia Tech and Coastal Carolina are other camps Oxendine is planning to attend this summer as he continues to work on improving his stock. And if an offer from the Tigers were to come at some point, it is one that would absolutely stand out.
“That would be special,” he said. “To know what they stand for and how difficult is to get an offer from them, that would really hold a special place in my heart actually.”
Oxendine is hoping to be committed by the end of the year or early next year, although that timeline is not set in stone. He would like to be committed early, though, so he can help recruit the rest of the class.
“I feel like at the quarterback position, I should be one of the first people to commit,” Oxendine said. “I feel that I will have a good relationship with the college that I would be committing to at that time.”
While he navigates the grueling process, there are some very specific things he is looking for in a school, and his faith will play a large role in any decision. He is also looking for a school with strong academics and one with just as strong of a culture.
“First and foremost my religion Christianity. I don’t want to go to a school that’s not allowing me to develop my Christianity,” Oxendine said. “Second is definitely academics. The number one goal for me is to make sure I get a great education. You’re not going to be able to play football forever. I believe in education to be able to get a job down the line.”
“Also how they treat my family, as well as my friends and people I work with. Like my quarterback trainer, coach Ramon Robinson. And then of course, football. That’s always, always a big goal. How the atmosphere is at games. How the coaches treat every single player on the team, are they showing favoritism. Then lastly, of course, a winner. I want to be a part of the national championship game.”
Photo courtesy of Josiah Oxendine
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