When Bryant Wesco Jr. hauled in his first touchdown of Clemson’s ACC Championship victory, it wasn’t just another highlight—it was a culmination of growth, belief, and determination. A freshman who barely saw the field in the season opener against Georgia, Wesco has transformed into a key playmaker on a Clemson team now bound for the College Football Playoff.
“It was basically just like a scramble play,” Wesco said of his touchdown. “All the defenders saw Cade [Klubnik] running, came down, and he just made a great read and dumped it over the top. I was wide open.”
That play was a snapshot of Clemson’s season—improvisation meeting preparation, talent rising to the occasion. For Wesco, the journey from Week 1 to now has been nothing short of surreal.
A Long Road Back
“You think back on the Georgia game and where this team was,” Wesco reflected. “It’s crazy. Everybody’s made improvements all the way down the line—from the O-line to Cade growing up and the receivers stepping up. And the defense? They just balled out this game.”
Clemson’s early struggles could have derailed the season. A heartbreaking loss to South Carolina seemed to end their playoff hopes, but Wesco pointed to faith and resilience as the foundation for their resurgence.
“After that South Carolina game, you tend to think the worst,” he said. “But you’ve got to believe in God and trust that He has everything planned out. Shoutout to Syracuse for helping us get here. It’s been a great journey to see where we’ve ended up.”
The Rollercoaster Ride
The ACC Championship itself was a microcosm of Clemson’s season. The Tigers raced to a 21-point lead in the first quarter, setting a tone that carried through the game.
“Momentum was huge,” Wesco said. “We stressed keeping the energy up, keeping everyone pumped and ready. We didn’t falter, didn’t give up. We kept going until the end.”
Still, SMU didn’t go quietly. After tying the game late, Clemson needed every bit of its poise to set up a game-winning field goal.
“I knew Nolan [Hauser] was going to make it,” Wesco said confidently. “He’s going to be one of the best kickers in the nation—I can call that right now. When it went in, I just rushed the field as fast as I could. It got way too crowded, but that moment? That’s one for the books.”
A Team Effort
Wesco was quick to credit his teammates for the victory, particularly Adam Randall, whose electrifying kickoff return set up Clemson’s final drive.
“Adam’s one of those guys who just wants to help the team however he can,” Wesco said. “Whether it’s special teams or offense, he steps up when we need him the most. He’s a leader, and he showed it tonight.”
Wesco also reflected on his own growth, recounting a pivotal moment on his second touchdown where he maintained his balance despite being shoved from behind.
“I’ve been working on my balance—ankle rehab, prehab, standing on one foot,” he said with a grin. “When he hit me, I was shocked, but I stayed up and got to the touchdown. That’s all that mattered.”
Looking Ahead
As Clemson turns its attention to the College Football Playoff, Wesco believes this team is ready to make a statement.
“Everybody counts us out because we play in the ACC, but we don’t listen to any of that,” he said. “The ceiling for us? All the way to the top.”
For Wesco, who began the season as a little-used freshman, the journey has been nothing short of remarkable. His emergence as a playmaker is emblematic of a Clemson team that has fought its way back into contention, proving doubters wrong at every turn.
“All we can do is keep our heads down, keep working, and keep winning,” Wesco said. “Because when we do that, nothing can stop us.”