Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney says true freshman starting quarterback Tait Reynolds has grown significantly across multiple areas over his six games of experience since being thrown into the fire.

Ahead of Saturday’s game vs. Virginia Tech, Swinney identified several key aspects of Reynolds’ development and growth since his first career start against North Carolina on Sept. 19.

Swinney noted that Reynolds has grown in his understanding of pass protections and understanding “hot” reads when facing pressure.

“The game is slowing down for him,” Swinney said. “I think he’s grown with his protections and understanding that, understanding his hots. He’s played six games, and he’s kind of been in the fire a little bit. I think he’s grown.”

Another point of growth that Swinney highlighted from last weekend’s game vs. Charleston Southern was his ability to use his legs productively without taking negative plays.

In addition to rushing seven times for 40 yards, Reynolds completed 17-of-26 passes for 127 yards, while not taking any sacks – a big improvement from his first few starts. While the offensive line has had its struggles, there have been some sacks that Reynolds probably could have done better to avoid.

Meanwhile, ball security has been an issue for Reynolds at times, and Swinney pointed out that he did fumble against last week (which he recovered) and must eliminate putting the ball on the ground.

“You saw some growth with him running the ball last week. That’s his best game, and productive there. Didn’t take any sacks,” Swinney said. “That was some growth last week, as he’s taken a few sacks. He still had a ball, one he put on the ground. He was better, but we gotta eliminate that.”

Swinney added that Reynolds “made some really good deep-ball throws” against Charleston Southern that unfortunately weren’t reeled in by his receivers.

“We should have had some conversions on those,” Swinney said.

Swinney also likes Reynolds’ maturation in terms of his overall command of the offense and leadership traits.

Swinney acknowledged that Reynolds still has a “long way to go,” but Clemson’s head coach is certainly very high on the freshman’s trajectory and future.

“So, he’s grown in a lot of ways,” Swinney said. “But just his understanding of what we’re doing, just his command, his leadership — he’s grown in a lot of ways in six games. Long way to go, but he’s coming.”

Reynolds took over Clemson’s starting QB job ahead of the Week 3 matchup vs. North Carolina, replacing senior Christopher Vizzina, who started the first two games of the 2026 campaign.

In six games this season (four starts), Reynolds has completed 100-of-154 passes (64.9%) for 943 yards with one touchdown pass and three interceptions, while adding 101 rushing yards.

Reynolds and the Tigers (4-2, 2-1 ACC) are getting set to host Virginia Tech (5-2, 2-2) at Memorial Stadium on Saturday (7 p.m., ESPN).