Clemson Faces Quarterback Crossroads Heading Into 2026: Will the Tigers Turn to the Portal or Trust Their Own?
As Clemson football turns the page on a challenging season, the biggest question looming over Death Valley is clear: Who takes over under center in 2026?
With senior quarterback Cade Klubnik set to graduate after three years as the Tigers’ starter, head coach Dabo Swinney is staring down a pivotal decision. Will Clemson dip into the transfer portal for a proven arm, or will they stay in-house and trust the talent already on the roster?
Swinney addressed the quarterback situation publicly for the first time during Wednesday’s early signing day press conference, and while he didn’t commit to a specific direction, his comments gave us a window into the program’s mindset.
A Thin but Intriguing QB Room
Clemson’s current quarterback group features redshirt sophomore Christopher Vizzina, who has been Klubnik’s backup since 2023, and true freshman Chris Denson, a late riser who’s already shown flashes of playmaking ability. On signing day, the Tigers added two more names to the mix: three-star quarterbacks Tait Reynolds out of Arizona and Brock Bradley from Alabama.
Reynolds is ranked as the No. 27 QB in the 2026 class, while Bradley comes in at No.
That gives Clemson four scholarship quarterbacks heading into the spring. But the real question is whether any of them are ready to lead a program with championship expectations.
Swinney didn’t tip his hand when asked directly about pursuing a transfer quarterback.
“We just signed two to come compete, and we’ve got Denson here to compete, and we’ve got CV, who’s really only played one true game from a start standpoint, who’s here to compete,” Swinney said.
That’s a vote of confidence in the current group - but it’s far from a definitive "no" on the portal.
Is It Vizzina’s Time?
If there’s a favorite in the clubhouse, it’s Vizzina. The former top-100 recruit has been patiently waiting his turn and got his first real taste of starting action this season against Duke when Klubnik was sidelined with an ankle injury.
Vizzina threw for 317 yards, three touchdowns, and no picks in that game - though he did lose a fumble. The numbers were solid, and the arm talent was evident, but the performance wasn’t without its rough edges.
Swinney made it clear the staff still believes in Vizzina’s upside.
“We only offered two quarterbacks in his class - him and Arch Manning,” Swinney said. “Those were the only two we offered, and we beat a lot of people to get him.
This kid’s done his part, and he’s been waiting his time. Now it’s his time.
Now he’s gotta win the job.”
That last part is key: he’s gotta win the job. The opportunity is there, but it won’t be handed to him.
Don’t Sleep on Denson
Then there’s Chris Denson. The true freshman flipped from Coastal Carolina and has already made a splash in limited action.
In a recent win over FCS Furman, Denson lit up the fourth quarter with a 22-yard touchdown pass and 106 rushing yards, including a touchdown on the ground. It was a small sample, but it showed what kind of dynamic dual-threat ability he brings to the table.
Swinney clearly sees Denson as more than just a developmental project.
“Denson didn’t come here to just stand on the sideline,” he said. “He came here to compete. So, let’s go compete.”
Reynolds Skipping Baseball to Chase QB1
Tait Reynolds, one of the two newly signed recruits, is a two-sport athlete who plans to play baseball at Clemson. But he’s putting that on hold for now. According to Swinney, Reynolds is skipping baseball his first semester because he wants to give himself every chance to compete for the starting quarterback job.
That kind of commitment - from a high school signee, no less - speaks volumes about the competitive fire in this room.
Portal Possibilities Still Linger
While Swinney didn’t come out and say Clemson will pursue a transfer quarterback, he also didn’t close the door. With Klubnik moving on, and the Tigers coming off a 7-5 season - their worst since 2010 - the pressure is on to get this decision right. And with LSU waiting in Week 1 of 2026, on the road in Baton Rouge no less, the margin for error is razor-thin.
Swinney acknowledged that roster dynamics could still shift.
“Who knows? Guys may change your decision.
We could have somebody leave. I mean, we have no idea,” he said.
“All I can focus on is what’s here.”
That’s a pragmatic approach, especially considering Clemson’s likely increased activity in the portal this offseason. With several key departures expected due to graduation and NFL declarations, the Tigers are already evaluating transfer options at multiple positions. Whether quarterback becomes one of them may depend on how the current group performs in spring ball - or whether another high-upside arm becomes available.
It’s worth remembering that Clemson faced a similar decision after Klubnik’s rocky first year as starter in 2023. Swinney stayed the course, rolled with Klubnik, and was rewarded with a strong 2024 campaign and a trip to the College Football Playoff.
So yes, the Tigers have been here before. But this time, the stakes feel a little different. The quarterback room is younger, less proven, and the schedule doesn’t offer much room to ease into things.
For now, Swinney is betting on competition - and he’s got four quarterbacks on campus ready to battle it out. Whether that group grows to five in January remains to be seen.
One thing’s for sure: Clemson’s quarterback situation is about to take center stage, and how it plays out could define the next chapter of the Dabo Swinney era.