CLEMSON – No position is more important than quarterback in football, and it can be argued that the backup is just as important.

For the Clemson Tigers, that situation is in flux heading into the offseason. The first key domino was backup quarterback Hunter Helms entering the transfer portal. He was the second option in 2023, appearing in four games, but now that’s gone.

The other veteran quarterback in the program, Paul Tyson, is in his last year of eligibility for Clemson, so that takes out another option. He played in two games this season, his lone touchdown coming against Charleston Southern. That leaves the two older voices in the quarterback room gone.

All that’s left is two scholarship quarterbacks in the program. It’s the starter in Cade Klubnik and freshman Christopher Vizzina, who appeared in two games but didn’t attempt a pass. Injuries plagued the Tigers this season, but imagine what any issues for Klubnik could cause Clemson next season.

Another name to mention is Trent Pearman. He joined as a walk-on in 2022 and came in as a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in South Carolina. Pearman also son of Director of Football Scouting Danny Pearman, and he could end up on scholarship next season given what he displayed in high school.

That leads to the recruiting trail. Dabo Swinney and the staff missed out on a quarterback in the 2024 class. The last time that happened was the 2019 class and Trevor Lawrence was playing quarterback at the time. Swinney described Vizzina as the Tigers’ 2024 quarterback commitment before the season because he’s just spending the year in the system, but his name could be called with little experience.

Good news is Clemson secured the position in 2025 with four-star Blake Hebert, but that doesn’t solve the current issue. As the transfer portal dominoes fall, it’s virtually necessary for the Tigers to kick the tires. Even if it’s someone who likely won’t play, Clemson needs insurance because entering a season with two scholarship quarterbacks is asking for trouble.