On Tuesday, Clemson Football announced that redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Hevin Brown-Shuler is expected to miss the 2026 season amid treatment and recovery after recently being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.
During an interview with Chase Justice of WYFF News 4, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney went into more detail about Brown-Shuler’s diagnosis and health outlook.
“It’s going to be a long year for him, there’s no question about it,” Swinney said. “But he’s got great doctors, he’s got an amazing family, and he’s got a great spirit. This isn’t what he was looking for. He’s the classic kid who’s ready to take that next step. He redshirted. He got to play some as a redshirt freshman last year. Made some real strides.”
Swinney noted that Brown-Shuler began undergoing treatment Wednesday, and that he’s in “a good spot” mentally.
“Did some good things in the spring game, and you go through your exit meetings, and hey, here we go, we’ve got our plan. And then all of a sudden, on a training day, he’s just not feeling right,” Swinney said.
“Our doctors did a great job of saying, ‘Hey, we need to figure something out here,’ and they found it. That’s devastating news, but for that type of news, again, we’re very optimistic, and we’re thankful for the doctors. But his mind is in a good spot. He actually starts treatments [Wednesday].”
Brown-Shuler committed to Clemson in April 2023 as a four-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting class according to multiple recruiting services. He was ranked as a top-150 national prospect and the country’s sixth-best defensive tackle by Rivals.
Brown-Shuler – a four-time all-region and all-state honoree at Pace Academy in Atlanta — enrolled at Clemson in the summer of 2024. He redshirted his first season at Clemson in 2024, while recording five tackles in 49 defensive snaps over four games. As a redshirt freshman in 2025, he played 57 defensive snaps and registered one tackle across three games.
Swinney hopes that when the 2027 season rolls around, Brown-Shuler will be healthy and back on the field as “one of the great comeback stories in college football.”
“We’ll put our arms around him, and we’re going to be right there with him every step of the way as he goes through this journey,” Swinney said. “Hopefully, this time next year, everything goes well – he’ll be one of the great comeback stories in college football.”
Brown-Shuler shared the following message when Clemson announced his Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis:
“Recently, after doctors discovered a mass in my chest, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. While this news was difficult to receive, I am grateful that the prognosis is very good, and I am approaching this challenge with optimism and determination.
“I have already experienced incredible care and support from the Clemson community and my Pace community. Because of the people around me, I have been connected with outstanding doctors and have received exceptional medical care, for which I am deeply thankful.
“I know there is a long journey ahead, but I am encouraged by the outlook and surrounded by tremendous support from family, friends, teammates and my communities. I appreciate everyone’s prayers, encouragement and respect for privacy as I focus on treatment and recovery.
“Thank you for your continued kindness and support. I can’t wait to run down that hill and touch Howard’s Rock again for the 2027 football season.”