CLEMSON – With just over four minutes to play in the third quarter, wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr., returned a California punt 65-yards for a touchdown to put Clemson up 17-10 over the Bears.

At the start of the second half, Cal drove down the field and kicked a field goal deep in Tiger territory, tying the game 10-10. On the next defensive possession, Clemson buried the Bears deep in their own territory on the opposite side of the field, forcing Cal to punt for the third time on the night.

Wesco, who suffered a season-ending injury on a return against SMU last year, lined up to receive the punt, as the Tigers’ primary returner this year. As the ball was in the air, he ran towards it, building momentum and speed as he gained possession on Clemson’s 38-yard line.

The junior made three Cal defenders miss and cornerback Ashton Hampton delivered a late block as the wideout cruised in for his first touchdown of the 2026 season, the 12th of his career and his first on special teams. With arms outstretched, the Tigers evened the Bears with a score made not by the offense.

The 65-yard return is the first punt return touchdown in eight years, since Amari Rodgers raced in the end zone in 2018 against Boston College. 

It marked the fifth return play of 20 or more yards that Cal has allowed so far this season through three games.

–photo courtesy of Clemson Athletic Communications