Bryant Wesco Jr. is ready to take it to the next level

There is something different about Bryant Wesco Jr. On the football field, he's different. Despite playing in only six games last season, the wide receiver caught 31 passes for 537 yards and six touchdowns.

With a fresh perspective, he enters Clemson's 2026 preseason camp. Wesco is fully participating in fall practices after a spinal injury in 2025 threatened his playing career.

Last October, Wesco was tackled on a punt return against SMU and landed awkwardly on his head and neck. He was able to walk off the field on his own. Fellow receiver T.J. Moore said he didn't realize how serious the injury was at first. It was determined that Wesco would not be able to participate in the season after he was taken to the hospital.

It was briefly discussed whether Wesco would play football again. In November, he had surgery and couldn't do any physical activity for a month. Over time, he gradually increased the weight of the weights as he lifted again with 10-pound weights. He was cleared six months later.

During the spring, Clemson's staff limited him to individual drills and routes on air, but now he has no restrictions heading into the Tigers' game against LSU Sept. 5.

A tough early season schedule awaits the Tigers with a trip to LSU, a Friday night game against California, and a home game against national championship runner-up Miami. Wesco has been named to the preseason All-ACC team for his junior season despite missing time.

The storms Clemson and Wesco face as they look to bounce back from a 7-6 record should also pass eventually.