Clemson is gearing up to start spring practices. This means that the competition for the Tigers’ starting quarterback spot will also be ramping up. It’s been a while since Dabo Swinney had a true race for the position. He’s typically had a successor who is prepared to take over. After struggling to find consistency with the likes of DJ Uiagalelei and Cade Klubnik, handing the position to the next guy up looks to be the wrong move.
Finishing last season 7-6 also forced Swinney and his staff to change how they approach their roster management. Entering the 2025 season, it was almost a no-brainer who the starting quarterback after Klubnik would be. However, after how poorly last season went, the position is going to be tougher to earn.
Current Front Runner
Christopher Vizzina has been the next man up to be the Tigers’ starting quarterback since he arrived on campus. The rising redshirt junior has been the backup for Cade Klubnik the past two years. He was a former top-50 recruit, and only one of two quarterbacks Clemson offered in the class of 2023.
Vizzina has played sparingly over his first few years in the program. He’s completed 61% of his passes for 596 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception in his career so far. The talent can be seen in his minimal appearances, but he plays timidly at times. It makes it hard for him to truly make a huge impact on a game, especially when he is not getting many reps…