Clemson announced that top receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. will miss the remainder of the season due to a back injury sustained during Saturday’s game against SMU.
The injury represents a significant loss for Dabo Swinney’s team, which dropped to 3-4 following the loss. The record marks one of Swinney’s worst starts during his tenure at Clemson.
Wesco was transported to a hospital in Greenville, South Carolina after what Swinney described as a “very serious” back injury. The head coach didn’t provide additional details about the specific nature of the injury.
“It was a very, very scary injury, and the doctors did an amazing job,” Swinney told reporters.
The injury occurred during a punt return when Wesco was tackled and went upside down, with the crown of his helmet bouncing off the turf.
Swinney confirmed that Wesco was released from the hospital Monday.
He expressed relief that the injury wasn’t more severe.
“The doctors are very confident he’ll make a full recovery. Definitely something that’ll keep him out the rest of this season, but thankful that all indications are he’s going to be okay.”
Wesco leads Clemson with 31 catches for 537 yards and six touchdowns this season. He was projected as one of the top receivers in early 2027 NFL Draft projections.
