Senior Christopher Vizzina came into the 2026 season as Clemson’s starting quarterback and started each of the first two games, but was sharing game reps with freshman Tait Reynolds.

However, head coach Dabo Swinney named Reynolds the starter moving forward following the Week 2 win over Georgia Southern. Vizzina also suffered a left elbow injury in that same game, and due to that injury, had not fully practiced until just recently.

Swinney said before the North Carolina game in Week 3 that Reynolds earned the job based on his performance in the Georgia Southern game and not because Vizzina got injured in that contest.

Earlier this week, Swinney said there “definitely” would have been an ongoing quarterback competition between Vizzina and Reynolds, if Vizzina hadn’t gotten injured.

“I think there definitely would have been a battle,” Swinney said Tuesday.

On Wednesday evening, during his final media availability ahead of Saturday’s game at Florida State, Swinney was further pressed on the Tigers’ quarterback situation.

Swinney was asked if Reynolds is starting because he’s earned the opportunity, or because Vizzina has been hurt, or if it’s a combination of both those things.

“Well, it’s both,” Swinney said Wednesday. “Obviously, again, as I said, CV couldn’t go back in the game [vs. Georgia Southern in Week 2]. So [Reynolds] got extended play time, and with the extended time, we saw some things that OK, hey, look, this kid, we felt like he had kind of taken the next step based on where we were with the body of work that we had at the time. And then with CV out for the North Carolina game [in Week 3], [Reynolds] got a whole full game, and [did a] great job, and got better as the game went. And so, CV not really able to play against Cal [in Week 4]. Another game on the road.

“So, the kid [Reynolds] has just kind of grown and has created some separation. A lot of that separation is because CV hasn’t been able to practice. But now he’s back and he’s working, but Tait’s the starter. If something changes, we’ll all know it.”

Swinney then offered praise for Reynolds, who has appeared in all seven games this season, starting the last five.

“Tait’s doing a great job, man,” Swinney said Wednesday. “This kid, I don’t think people really understand how talented he is. But at some point, they will. He’s got a bright future. Really fortunate that we have him.”

While Vizzina has made a lot of progress in his recovery, he has yet to see any game action since suffering the injury.

However, Swinney confirmed Wednesday that Vizzina is set to be Clemson’s No. 2 quarterback behind Reynolds for Saturday’s game at Florida State.

Swinney said Tuesday that Vizzina is “still not 100%, but he’s the closest he’s been.”

“I thought he got off to a good start last week, and he’s just gotten a little bit better,” Swinney said Tuesday. “So, it’s good to have him back where he can compete.”

Vizzina competed 14-of-23 passes (60.9%) for 102 yards with one touchdown pass and two interceptions across the two games he’s played in this season.

Reynolds has completed 120-of-180 passes (66.7%) for 1,096 yards with one touchdown pass and three interceptions, while also rushing for 164 yards and a touchdown.

Saturday’s Clemson-Florida State matchup at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Fla., is set to kick off at 7 p.m. and will be televised on ACC Network.