23 Clemson Football Players Test Positive for COVID-19

This week, Clemson University Athletics announced that 23 football players and 5 other student-athletes have tested positive for COVID-19.  It is unclear what sports the other athletes are involved with, but the athletic department has asked anyone who may have come in close contact with those who tested positive to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.

According to early reports from Jeff Kallin, Associate Athletic Director for Clemson, most cases have been asymptomatic and none have required anyone to be hospitalized.  Kallin said the University is still urging students and staff members to follow CDC guidelines concerning face coverings and social distancing. 

This adds to a growing trend among college football programs in recent weeks of having multiple players test positive for COVID-19 upon returning to campus.  Clemson, who allowed players to return to campus on June 1st, falls into the same boat as many other programs including Houston, Alabama, and Texas who have had multiple players test positive shortly after returning to school.

As for this season, the outlook following players' return to campus is grim thus far, but the NCAA has yet to make a definitive statement regarding the 2020 college football season.