RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesClemson receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. (12) is one of the top returning talents on the Tigers’ roster in 2026. Could he be an NFL draft pick in 2027? File/Clemson Athletics/Provided
CLEMSON — Iron sharpens iron, and Clemson’s wide receivers enter fall camp the sharpest of the Tigers’ position groups.
Despite losing Antonio Williams to the NFL draft, Clemson’s pass catchers generated plenty of buzz in the leadup to fall practices beginning Aug. 6 . It’s not because of a shiny transfer signing — the vast depth of receiver talent is built from retained players and a crop of talented freshmen that are battle-tested after spring ball.
Juniors T.J. Moore and Bryant Wesco Jr. look to be Clemson’s leading duo in Chad Morris’ passing attack.
While Moore has taken the first reps at fall camp so far, Wesco has had more of the preseason spotlight, earning a spot on the All-ACC preseason team . He was on his way to an all-conference level season before suffering a spine injury against SMU last October. Wesco has been a full participant in fall practice.
"It feels great, but it’s not easy at all. No conditioning can set you up for fall camp,” Wesco said. “I never knew how much I’d miss getting hit. … It's a blessing to get back out here and be able to play the sport again, even though some people don't get to after that injury.”
Clemson also returns Tristan Smith. He was granted a fifth season of eligibility by a South Carolina judge in June.
“I was nervous. I was scared,” Smith said. “I took a nap during my free time. I woke up, I had an email in my phone. It was like, ‘The winners are gonna win,’ from my lawyer. I just broke down in tears.”
Four stars Naeem Burroughs, Connor Salmin and Gordon Sellars III headline the five freshmen wideouts. All three already look like college-level athletes in drills and should have a chance to contribute in Morris’ high-tempo offense . They’re also battle-tested, having to go up against Clemson’s defense in increased reps during the spring with Wesco and Moore limited while recovering from injury.
“They weren't very good in spring. … They were having to go with the ones, and they weren't ready to go with the ones,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “Ashton (Hampton) had a field day in the spring. I almost had to take him out of practice. Felt sorry for those guys.”
Swinney said it should benefit the younger group to have Moore, Wesco and Smith back in front of them.
Hampton, Clemson’s leading cornerback, said it was true to an extent that he feasted on the freshmen during spring, but he made sure to give the group their props.
“They never back down. They're all elite playmakers, and and their time's gonna come,” he said.
He also said getting reps against the group every day will make Clemson’s defense better after defensive coordinator Tom Allen’s unit finished 120th nationally in passing defense last season.
“Every single practice is a game rep because every single guy's name is going to be, in my opinion, an NFL receiver,” Hampton said. “It's just a nonstop battle.”
Virtually no one will be surprised if Clemson’s receivers make a big impact in 2026. But don’t be surprised if the Tigers’ defense comes ready for its toughest matchups because of the battles unfolding in camp right now.
“I do think we’re special, but we still got some growing to do,” Moore said. “Eventually, we are gonna make a name for ourselves.”
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