For Immediate Media Release
Greenville, S.C. — March 5, 2026 — The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame (SCFHOF)
proudly announces that Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown has been selected as the
recipient of the 2025 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy, presented annually to the state of South
Carolina’s most outstanding collegiate football player.
Brown will be formally honored by the SCFHOF and national wealth management leader
Ellison Kibler Merrill Lynch during the 13th Annual SCFHOF Enshrinement Ceremony at
Hotel Hartness on April 16, 2026.
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.
Established in 2016, the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy is named in honor of Heisman Trophy
winners Felix Blanchard and George Rogers and is awarded annually to South Carolina’s
most outstanding collegiate football player.
For more information about the 13th Annual SCFHOF Enshrinement Ceremony or the
Blanchard-Rogers Trophy, please contact Mike Foster or visit scfootballhof.org.
About: The SCFHOF is a 501(c)(3) “For Impact” organization. Our mission is to honor South
Carolina football leaders and provide a bridge for South Carolina students to be in the Top
10 nationally in college and career readiness by December 31, 2030 (ranked 43rd nationally
in 2019 by U.S. News & World Report). SCFHOF recognizes, celebrates, and encourages
excellence through all our programs! The SCFHOF invites you to play your role in this
worthwhile legacy. Give today at scfootballhof.org. #SCTop10N2030