Clemson top defensive tackle suspended after disorderly conduct

Clemson will be without one of the more experienced pieces of its defensive tackle rotation for an indefinite amount of time.

Head coach Dabo Swinney announced Saturday that senior defensive tackle Vic Burley has been suspended from the football program following an early-morning arrest by the Clemson University Police Department for disorderly conduct.

“Earlier today, I was made aware of defensive tackle Vic Burley’s arrest by the Clemson University Police Department for disorderly conduct early Saturday morning. I have made the decision to suspend Vic from our football team indefinitely. We are extremely disappointed by his actions and decisions.”

The suspension comes at an unfortunate time for Burley, who had only recently returned to action after an injury sidelined him for much of preseason camp. The former five-star prospect was able to participate in Clemson’s second and final scrimmage Thursday, with Swinney noting afterward that Burley had shown some flashes.

Entering his fourth season with the Tigers, Burley was expected to take on a bigger role along the defensive front in 2026. He played sparingly during his first two years before becoming a more regular part of the rotation last season.

Burley appeared in all 13 games and logged 175 defensive snaps, finishing the year with 15 tackles, half a tackle for loss and one pass breakup.

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His absence now creates another question for Clemson along the interior of the defensive line with the Sept. 5 season opener at LSU approaching.

Amare Adams, Andy Burburija and Markus Strong are among the defensive tackles Clemson will be leaning on, while Champ Thompson is another name who could see his opportunity increase with Burley unavailable.

There is currently no timetable for Burley’s return to the team.

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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson top defensive tackle suspended after disorderly conduct