The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame announced today that Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown has been named as the recipient of the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy, presented annually to the state of South Carolina’s most outstanding collegiate football player.
Brown’s selection for the 2025 season marks the seventh time a Clemson player has earned the honor since the award’s inception as the SC Collegiate Player of the Year Award in 2013 and its subsequent naming as the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy in 2016. Previous recipients include quarterback Tajh Boyd (2013), defensive end Vic Beasley (2014), quarterback Deshaun Watson (2015 and 2016), running back Travis Etienne (2018) and quarterback Trevor Lawrence (2019).
More information from the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame is included below.
Greenville, S.C. — March 5, 2026 — The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame (SCFHOF) proudly announces that Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy, presented annually to the state of South Carolina’s most outstanding collegiate football player.
Brown will be formally honored by the SCFHOF and national wealth management leader Ellison Kibler Merrill Lynch during the 13th Annual SCFHOF Enshrinement Ceremony at Hotel Hartness on April 16, 2026.
From the moment he arrived at Clemson University as a member of the 2024 freshman class, Brown made an immediate and lasting impact. As a true freshman, he became just the fourth Clemson player to earn ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors since the award’s inception in 2007.
During the 2025 season, Brown elevated his performance to national prominence. He earned first-team All-ACC recognition from the league, the Associated Press, and Phil Steele, while also being named a second-team CSC Academic All-American — becoming the first Clemson defensive player to receive Academic All-American honors since 2001.
Starting all 13 games in 2025, Brown led the Tigers with 107 total tackles, including 13.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. His stat line also featured a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and an interception. Among his standout performances was a dominant outing at No. 19 Louisville, where he recorded a team-high 11 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a pivotal late-game sack, earning ACC Linebacker of the Week honors. He also delivered a career-tying 15 tackles against Penn State, further solidifying his status as one of the nation’s premier defensive players.
Brown’s exceptional 2025 campaign reflects the excellence embodied by the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy and firmly establishes his place among Clemson’s defensive greats. As he prepares for his junior season, the SCFHOF proudly recognizes his leadership, performance, and contributions to collegiate football in South Carolina.
Established in 2016, the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy is named in honor of Heisman Trophy winners Felix Blanchard and George Rogers and is awarded annually to South Carolina’s most outstanding collegiate football player.
For more information about the 13th Annual SCFHOF Enshrinement Ceremony or the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy, please contact Mike Foster or visit scfootballhof.org.About: The SCFHOF is a 501(c)(3) “For Impact” organization. Our mission is to honor South Carolina football leaders and provide a bridge for South Carolina students to be in the Top 10 nationally in college and career readiness by December 31, 2030 (ranked 43rd nationally in 2019 by U.S. News & World Report). SCFHOF recognizes, celebrates, and encourages excellence through all our programs! The SCFHOF invites you to play your role in this worthwhile legacy. Give today at scfootballhof.org. #SCTop10N2030
