Clemson star receiver Bryant Wesco is ready to go after neck injury

Bryant Wesco Jr. spent months waiting to do the things that once felt routine.

Run routes. Make cuts. Compete against Clemson football’s defensive backs. Even take a hit.

Now, after a frightening injury ended his 2025 season, the Clemson receiver is finally back on the field and preparing for another year.

“It feels great,” Wesco said. “I’m just so happy to get back out here, go up against the defense and, even more than anything, just be able to run routes again.”

There is even one part of football Wesco never expected to miss.

“I never knew how much I missed getting hit until I wasn’t getting hit anymore,” Wesco said.

Wesco suffered a severe spinal contusion during Clemson’s October loss to SMU after taking a low hit and landing awkwardly. He initially got back to his feet, but the injury ultimately ended his sophomore season.

“It was heartbreaking, seeing where we were and the season we were having,” Wesco said. “Finding out that you’re not going to be able to play six or seven more games in general was just heartbreaking in itself.

“I was just sad that I wasn’t going to be able to play again.”

The injury stopped what had been a huge year for the former five-star recruit. Wesco had 31 receptions for 537 yards and six touchdowns through Clemson’s first six games and had emerged as one of the ACC’s top receiving threats.

More importantly, it created uncertainty about his football future.

Wesco said a doctor asked whether he still wanted to play after the injury. Walking away crossed his mind briefly, but his answer didn’t change.

“It was a thought,” Wesco said. “Not much thought behind it, but just a doctor asking if that’s something I wanted to do. I was like, ‘No, I want to keep playing football.’ So that’s just what I pursued.”

Wesco underwent surgery in November and began a lengthy recovery. His workload slowly increased over the following months before doctors eventually cleared him to return.

“I just had to approach it day by day, knowing that each day is going to get closer to the day I want to get to,” Wesco said. “It’ll pass eventually. That’s how I handle everything. It’ll pass eventually.”

Wesco couldn’t fully participate during Clemson’s spring practices, forcing him to contribute differently.

Known as one of the quieter players on the roster, he made an effort to become more vocal and help younger teammates while he waited for his opportunity to return.

“I knew that deep down I had another role to fill,” Wesco said. “I had to become a verbal leader, even though that’s not really me. Especially this spring, I took it upon myself that’s where I’m going to step up this year — just be more verbal and help the younger guys.”

Once Wesco was able to resume more extensive receiver work, he focused on regaining the quickness and explosiveness that made him so dangerous during his first two seasons.

“It felt like it was all coming back,” he said. “I had to get my twitches back.”

Now he’s back with Clemson for fall camp and isn’t concerned about taking contact again.

“I feel like I’m ready for it now,” Wesco said. “The injury itself isn’t something that could reoccur just by anything. It’s kind of a freak-accident type of thing. It’s not really anything that I’m too worried about happening again.”

His return gives new offensive coordinator Chad Morris one of Clemson’s most proven weapons.

Through 19 career games, Wesco has 72 receptions for 1,245 yards and 11 touchdowns. He reached 1,000 receiving yards in his 15th game, joining Sammy Watkins, Artavis Scott and Justyn Ross among the fastest Clemson players to reach the mark.

Former Clemson cornerback signs free agent deal with new NFL team 📸 Bob Donnan, Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports https://t.co/kmfYnXYdVm pic.twitter.com/O8J3V6yO23

— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) August 10, 2026 Wesco believes Morris will find plenty of ways to get the ball into the hands of Clemson’s top playmakers.

“He’ll get the ball to his playmakers any way he can,” Wesco said. “Just like any great offensive coordinator would. If they’ve got a player, they’re going to try to get him the ball. Whether it’s down the field, handing it off to him or a screen, it doesn’t matter.”

For Wesco, though, being back on the field already represents a victory.

“It’s a blessing to get back out here and be able to play this sport again,” Wesco said, “because some people don’t get to after that injury.”

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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson star receiver Bryant Wesco is ready to go after neck injury

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