CLEMSON — Gideon Davidson said something very interesting when asked about Clemson’s quarterback situation following Friday’s practice at the Smart Family Media Center.
The running back said all five quarterbacks have looked good and that the competition to be the Tigers’ new starting quarterback has been great through the first six practices. However, Davidson mentioned something about the competition that was very interesting to note.
“I think it is going to be split up, honestly,” he said. “The reps and stuff. I am just excited to see what they can do.”
The question becomes which of the quarterbacks, if and when the reps do get split up, will get the most.
One logical guess is Christopher Vizzina will get the most, based on what offensive coordinator Chad Morris and head coach Dabo Swinney have said after recent practices. They both have discussed Vizzina’s leadership and how the team has gravitated towards him.
“He has definitely stepped up his leadership for sure, especially with knowing he is in a really high-level role,” Davidson said. “He has definitely taken command of the offense and taken command of meetings, and I definitely have seen a difference in his leadership.”
This past season, Vizzina appeared in five games, completing 63.4 percent of his passes for 406 yards and four touchdowns with one interception, while also rushing for 41 yards on 25 carries. He made his first career start vs. SMU at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 18, as Cade Klubnik missed the contest after suffering a sprained ankle in the Tigers’ game at Boston College one week earlier.
In the 35-24 loss to SMU, Vizzina completed 29-of-42 passes for 317 yards with three touchdowns for a pass efficiency rating of 156.0. He did not throw an interception, though he fumbled twice and lost one of them.
Along with Vizzina, other quarterbacks on Clemson’s 2026 roster include Chris Denson, who will be a redshirt freshman this coming season, and former walk-on Trent Pearman, who will be a redshirt senior. Clemson also signed a pair of quarterbacks in its 2026 recruiting class – four-star Tait Reynolds and three-star Brock Bradley.
Clemson will practice again on Saturday, but that practice will be closed to the public. The Tigers will host their annual Orange & White Spring Game on March 28 at Memorial Stadium.