Note: The following appears in the Virginia Tech football digital gameday guide, available HERE.
Bryant Wesco Jr. always has a calm demeanor on the field, even in the most crucial moments of a game. That cool, collected nature can be credited to his upbringing in Midlothian, Texas, where Wesco grew up in a family that emphasized discipline, high expectations and giving your best effort in everything you do.
With parents who competed in Division I track & field and a sister who played college soccer, athletics were a major part of his childhood. His family taught him that success meant maintaining a positive attitude, embracing challenges and holding himself to a high standard.
Wesco stood out both on the field and on the track during his time at Midlothian High School, where he finished with 136 catches for 2,353 yards and 37 touchdowns during his three varsity seasons. He was also a five-time All-American in the triple jump and registered personal bests of 6’2” in the high jump and times of 12.61 seconds and 27.47 seconds in the 100m and 200m, respectively.
As a five-star recruit, Wesco received offers from 28 programs, but Clemson stood out immediately. Beyond the opportunity to compete at the highest level of college football, the atmosphere surrounding the program and the people inside it made Clemson the pick.
“The people around it really made it feel like home. They bring you in, and you immediately feel like it’s another family.”
Wesco adjusted quickly as a result, and in his first start, he put on a show, complete with disappearing acts, circus catches and plenty of magic. He darted past the defense on a deep post route to catch a 76-yard touchdown against App State in 2024.
Two games later against Stanford, he hauled in a 70-yard reception. The freshman at the time delivered more highlights, as he blew by Stanford’s secondary again in the fourth quarter for a touchdown.
From an outside perspective, #12 looked like a veteran. However, he had different feelings.
“It was definitely a nerve-wracking beginning for me.”
Wesco credited his teammates and coaches for the early success.
“I didn't have as much confidence in myself before that, but the people around me helped me a lot. Having those guys around me helped me elevate myself and believe in myself, and once I was able to do that, it was awesome.”
As Wesco continued to establish himself on the offense, he found a reliable teammate in fellow wide receiver and classmate T.J. Moore. The two have grown alongside each other, building chemistry on the gridiron while developing a friendship that extends beyond football.
“He's a great friend and he’s a great guy, too. I want the best for him, and I'm happy for him if he has a good game.”
That team-first mentality embodies what Wesco is all about, and it became even more important when Wesco faced adversity during his sophomore season in 2025. In a mid-October game against SMU in 2025, a serious spinal injury forced Wesco to undergo surgery the next month and begin an eight-month rehabilitation program.
For a player accustomed to making an impact on Saturdays, watching from the sidelines was a difficult adjustment. Wesco had to shift his focus from what he could accomplish playing the game to how he could continue to contribute while he prepared to return.
“It was definitely hard knowing the season we were having and where we were headed. I had to find a new role. I had to find a role helping my teammates, helping the players the best I could, even if I wasn't on the field.”
That time allowed Wesco to develop his leadership skills, specifically vocally. The wideout usually opts to lead by example, but his time away from the on-field competition pushed him to find his voice and become more comfortable guiding others.
“I’m not really a vocal person, so I had to learn my voice and learn how to talk to people.”
The encouragement he provided pushed his teammates to get better and provided positive energy for himself as well, adding to a strong bond in the wide receiver room. After working through rehabilitation, Wesco returned at the beginning of the 2026 season with no restrictions.
“It was a blessing for me to be able to set foot on that field again and play with my teammates.”
Being back on the field with his teammates was especially meaningful after spending so much time away from the game, and Wesco worked to help the incoming freshmen feel a level of comfort in their first taste of action at the college level.
Wesco’s athleticism continues to make him a versatile contributor for Clemson at wide receiver and on special teams as a punt returner.
“I have great acceleration for my size, maybe a little bit more twitchy than others would think I'd be.”
The 6’2” receiver’s full repertoire was on display during the Tigers' Sept. 25 game at California, where he used some magic on the way to a 65-yard punt return touchdown that helped lift the Tigers past the Golden Bears.
Wesco is just as interesting off the field. He enjoys spending time with his teammates and his cat (LJ) during his free time.
Wesco also has a different kind of magic up his sleeve. He enjoys performing card tricks and learning magic, a hobby that offers a glimpse into another side of the third-year wide receiver.
For Wesco, the goal extends beyond the catches, touchdowns and highlight-reel plays. He wants to leave a lasting positive impression on Clemson, not only as a great football player, but as a great teammate, leader and person.
For the Texas native, the real magic of his game is found in the early mornings watching film, the extra hours after practice and the bond that he and his teammates share. That preparation and effort helps Wesco shine on gameday.