CLEMSON — Clemson held its first scrimmage of camp on Saturday inside Memorial Stadium.

From a competitive standpoint, Dabo Swinney was more than pleased with what he saw on both sides of the ball.

“Very competitive. It was good to see the defense — they had a couple of scores early,” the head coach said after the scrimmage. “Strozier had a big play. Tink had a big play, kind of set the tone early in the day.”

Outside of one interception that was returned for a touchdown, Swinney liked what he saw from starting quarterback Cade Klubnik.

“Really good. He had a good day,” Swinney said. “He had the one early, but bounced right back and made some big plays. Had a really good first and goal on the nine session, made a couple of elite throws.”

Backup Chris Vizzina also had an interception, but overall, Swinney is happy with the progress the third-year quarterback is making.

“I think the biggest negative from Cade and CV was they both had a negative play in the end zone that really can’t happen,” Swinney said. “Cade… we took a sack on first down. Can not happen. And CV had a penalty where the ref said all 11 weren’t set. So if all 11 aren’t set, that is on the quarterback.”

Brendan Strozier and Misun “Tink” Kelley were on the receiving end of the interceptions.

Klubnik, who is entering his senior season, is considered one of the favorites to win the Heisman in 2026. After throwing for more than 3,600 yards, with 36 touchdowns and just six interceptions last year, the expectations are high entering the season-opening matchup against LSU on August 30.

Vizzina is entering his third season with the program, and second as Klubnik’s backup. While he has only had 34 career pass attempts, the staff has been happy with how he is coming along.

And while the first scrimmage on Saturday wasn’t perfect, it was a good first step for both quarterbacks, as the Tigers inch closer to that big season opener.

“He and CV really were solid. Obviously, the pick, but I am going to put that more on the defensive execution,” Swinney said. “That is one of those things that Cade will have to learn from.”