Clemson Athlete to Miss 2026 Season after Blood Cancer Diagnosis; Dabo Swinney Issues Statement

Bad news for Dabo Swinney’s Clemson, as a rising redshirt sophomore DT Hevin Brown-Shuler may not see the field this season following his medical diagnosis of blood cancer. His absence leaves Clemson thinned out on the interior D-line, while head coach Dabo Swinney prioritized the 6-foot-3, 315-pound DT’s long-term health over football.

“The Clemson Family and the entire college football world are with Hevin as he begins treatment this month. As a program, we’ll wrap our arms around him and his family as he steps away from football temporarily to focus on his health. Hevin, his family and the amazing medical teams that are caring for him will be in our prayers,” wrote Swinney in a statement on May 19, 2026.

He was a highly touted 4-star prospect coming into the class of 2024. He logged 106 defensive snaps across his first 2 seasons with the Tigers. Now, a pause in his football journey as doctors discovered a mass in Brown-Shuler’s chest, which was subsequently identified as Hodgkin lymphoma.

Despite the challenging period, Brown-Shuler released an optimistic statement via Clemson Athletics, noting that his medical prognosis is “very good” and that he intends to return to the field for the 2027 football season.

Clemson defensive tackle Hevin Brown-Shuler will miss the 2026 season as he begins treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma.

Quotes from Brown-Shuler and Dabo Swinney: pic.twitter.com/oJDaFys2g6

— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) May 19, 2026

“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,” wrote Shuler in his message.

“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 can’t wait to run down that hill and touch Howard’s Rock again for the 2027 football season.”

This is a developing story…

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