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.
The Blanchard-Rogers Trophy is presented by Ellison Kibler Merrill Lynch. Photo courtesy of Clemson Athletics. The following video was created by Prominence Media. Pictures and Video in the presentation was provided by Clemson Athletics.