CLEMSON — While all the fuss the last few days has been about Clemson’s offensive coordinator role, the Tigers have more concerns heading into the offseason than just coaching.

What is more important than a new offensive coordinator? How about a new quarterback?

Clemson needs one.

Clemson signed a pair of quarterbacks in its 2026 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.  

The four they have in the quarterback room right now will not be the answer to start the 2026 season. Maybe in the future one will, but not in September. They definitely will not be the answer when they head to Baton Rouge, La., to face LSU on Sept. 5.

Getting a proven quarterback from the transfer portal, which opens on Jan. 2, needs to be an area of importance for the Tigers. In this day-and-age of football, at any level, having a good quarterback is the key to any success.

Think about it this way, if Clemson losses to LSU for a second straight year, it means that Tigers room for error is marginal at best. If Clemson loses even one conference game, coupled with the LSU loss, their chances of making the College Football Playoff would be slim.

It’s important to remember, Clemson will play eight ACC games this season, while 12 ACC teams play nine conference games. This means if the Tigers lose one game in conference play, it is likely done in the ACC Championship race.

I know, Swinney says the Tigers are not going to be looking for a quarterback in the portal.

“We just signed two to come compete, and we got Denson here to compete,” he 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.”

What if the circumstances change?

“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.”

One thing is certain, what Swinney decides to do at quarterback will be the most important decision he makes this offseason. It might be the most important decision he makes at this point in his career.