SALT LAKE CITY—Utah basketball and head coach Alex Jensen landed a key piece for their future this week, with 2026 point guard Styles Clemmons announcing his commitment to the Runnin’ Utes.
A highly-touted point guard, Clemmons chose the Runnin’ Utes over schools such as Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, Seton Hall, and VCU. He is the first commitment in Utah’s 2026 class.
110%..see you soon Salt Lake #GOUTES❤️ pic.twitter.com/zcfqm8ihck
— STYLES CLEMMONS (@ClemmonsStyles) September 16, 2025
Who is Styles Clemmons?
Class of 2026 four-star guard Styles Clemmons has committed to Utah, he announced on X on Tuesday. Clemmons is a 6-foot-2, 175-pound guard from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and earned around ten offers during his recruitment. He is also set to spend his final year of high school with Overtime Elite.
Clemmons saw his stock rise after a terrific summer with Boo Williams on the EYBL circuit. He averaged 11.3 points per game and 2.9 assists per game over the course of the summer for his squad.
He is widely known for his incredible athleticism and his vertical jump. Very recently, Clemmons was videotaped recording a 43″ inch vertical at an Overtime Elite practice.
Utah Basketball is building momentum
This commitment marks an early recruiting victory for Jensen, who continues to shape Utah’s identity in his first year leading the program. With a development-first philosophy and NBA-influenced approach, Jensen has been clear that rebuilding Utah’s brand in the Big 12 starts with landing players who fit both the culture and the long-term vision. Clemmons appears to be exactly that.
For Utah, securing Clemmons is about more than just adding another scholarship name to the board. The Runnin’ Utes are in a very competitive conference and every recruiting battle matters. Landing a four-star prospect from the East Coast shows Jensen and the staff’s commitment to recruiting talent all over the country.
Equally important, Clemmons brings athleticism to a roster that Jensen has emphasized in his initial roster construction. Utah has built some wing stability, especially with a deep forward rotation; the interior spots remain crucial to elevating the Runnin’ Utes.
The fit with Alex Jensen and the Runnin’ Utes
Jensen has been adamant that Utah won’t chase shortcuts. In his own words earlier this year, his staff’s focus is “on player development, building habits, and preparing guys for the next level.” Clemmons fits that mold—a prospect whose upside can be unlocked in a system that values toughness, defense, and efficient offensive play.
For Clemmons, Utah offers opportunity. Rather than waiting his turn at a crowded blue-blood program, he’ll enter a situation where Jensen has shown he’ll play younger guys if they can handle the responsibility. It’s the type of setting that can accelerate growth if Clemmons proves ready.
The commitment is only step one. Jensen and staff have plenty of work to do to continue rebuilding the program. For Utah fans, though, this is another reason to be optimistic. Recruiting momentum matters, and adding Clemmons signals that Jensen’s vision is resonating with prospects across the country.
Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts The Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to break down the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.
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