COVID-19 has now reached college football's top-ranked team and Heisman Trophy frontrunner as Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence has tested positive for the virus and will miss Saturday's game against Boston College, at least.
“Trevor has authorized us this evening to announce that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now in isolation. He is doing well with mild symptoms but will not be available for this week’s game against Boston College," Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said in a statement. "While we certainly will miss Trevor, this is an opportunity for other guys to step up and we’re excited about competing against a very good BC team on Saturday."
NFL.com's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport were the first to report the news.
According to multiple reports, Lawrence's positive test took place on Wednesday, potentially allowing him to return for Clemson's Nov. 7 road matchup with No. 4 Notre Dame. The ACC's protocol only requires to sit out for 10 days, not 21 days like the Big Ten. However, it's uncertain whether he would be cleared in time to make the trip to South Bend, as Nov. 7 would be the first day he could return.
In Lawrence's absence, Clemson will likely turn to true freshman quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. The top-rated quarterback in the 2020 recruiting class, Uiagalelei has appeared in all five of Clemson's games this season, completing 12 of 19 passes for 102 yards along with eight carries for 32 yards and two touchdowns.
