With Clemson senior quarterback Cade Klubnik set to move on after the 2025 season, as his college eligibility expires, the Tigers will have a new starting signal-caller in 2026.

The big question many have wondered is whether Clemson will replace Klubnik internally, or look for a transfer portal QB to come in and compete for the starting job.

Former Clemson standout offensive lineman and current ACC Network analyst Eric Mac Lain is among those who are intrigued to see what the Tigers do at the QB position going forward into next season.

“The other interesting thing is the quarterback situation, for what’s next,” Mac Lain said during ACC Network’s ACC Huddle: CFP & Bowl Selection Special on Sunday, after it was announced that Clemson will face Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York on Dec. 27 (noon, ABC).

“I like those guys that are on there [QBs on the roster]. I like them personally. I know a lot of them. I’m interested to see what they do. Do they feel confident in moving forward, or do they need to go get a guy [from the portal]? And I would probably go get a guy, anyway – competition makes everybody better. One way or the other – either that guy’s going to be better, or you’re going to play better to make sure it’s your job.”

Clemson signed a pair of quarterbacks in its 2026 recruiting class – three-stars Tait Reynolds and Brock Bradley – to go with Chris Denson, who will be a redshirt freshman next year, and Christopher Vizzina, who will be a redshirt junior.    

During his signing day press conference on Dec. 3, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was asked directly if he anticipates taking a quarterback from the transfer portal to compete in 2026.

“We just signed two to come compete, and we got Denson here to compete,” Swinney said. “And we got [Vizzina], who’s really only played one true game from a start standpoint, who’s here to compete. We only offered two quarterbacks in his class – him and Arch Manning. That was the only two we offered, and we beat a lot of people to get [Vizzina]. And this kid’s done his part, and he’s been waiting his time, and now’s his time.

“Now, he’s gotta win the job. Obviously he’s kind of where you start, but you’ve got to win it. Same thing with Denson. Denson didn’t come here just to stand on the sideline. He came here to compete. So, let’s go compete.”

The transfer portal officially opens on Jan. 2 and runs through Jan. 16.

Swinney was also asked if circumstances could change between now and when the portal opens to where the Tigers would potentially consider taking a portal quarterback.

“Who knows,” Swinney said. “Guys may change your decision. We could have somebody leave. I have no idea. I don’t speculate on that. All I can go focus on is what’s here, and we just signed two great quarterbacks, and we’ve got two on this roster that all of them wanna be the guy.”