Clemson Eyes Transfer Portal for Next Starting Quarterback as Klubnik Era Nears End
As Clemson football turns the page on the Cade Klubnik era, the Tigers are staring down one of the most pivotal offseasons of the Dabo Swinney era. Klubnik, the team’s starter for three seasons, is moving on after 2025, and the quarterback room he leaves behind is long on potential but short on experience. That reality could push Clemson into the transfer portal in search of a proven signal-caller to lead the offense in 2026.
Klubnik’s Departure Leaves a Void
There’s no sugarcoating it-Klubnik’s exit leaves a major question mark under center. Behind him, Clemson has a trio of quarterbacks with little to no starting experience: Christopher Vizzina, who’s made just one start over three years; Chris Denson, who hasn’t seen the field yet; and former walk-on Trent Pearman, also still waiting on his first snap. The Tigers did bring in two freshmen in the 2026 class-Brock Bradley and Tait Reynolds-but neither is expected to be ready to take the reins immediately.
So, the Tigers may have no choice but to look outward.
Transfer Portal Targets to Watch
The portal officially opens Jan. 2, but several quarterbacks have already announced their intentions to transfer. Among the names that could be on Clemson’s radar is DJ Lagway, the former five-star recruit out of Florida.
Clemson was a finalist for Lagway back in the 2024 recruiting cycle, and while his 2025 season with the Gators was rocky-he led the SEC with 14 interceptions and Florida stumbled to a 4-8 record-there’s still plenty of upside. A change of scenery and a return to a program he once seriously considered might be the reset he needs.
He has two years of eligibility left.
Then there’s Brendan Sorsby, the Cincinnati transfer who brings both experience and production. Sorsby spent time at Indiana before transferring to Cincinnati, and over four seasons, he’s thrown for more than 7,000 yards, 60 touchdowns, and just 18 interceptions.
Add in 1,200 rushing yards, and you’ve got a dual-threat QB who could bring immediate stability and firepower to a Clemson offense that struggled to find consistency this past season. He’s got one year of eligibility remaining.
If the Tigers miss on those two, there are other names to watch: Colton Joseph (Old Dominion), Tayven Jackson (Central Florida), AJ Swann (App State), and Jadyn Davis (Michigan) are all potential options. Dylan Raiola, the former Nebraska quarterback, is a longshot but still worth keeping an eye on.
A History of Portal Passivity-But That Could Change
Since 2021, Clemson has dipped into the portal for quarterbacks just twice-Hunter Johnson in 2022 and Paul Tyson in 2023-but neither saw the field as a starter. That trend could shift this offseason, especially after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
This past season was Clemson’s second-worst under Swinney’s full 17-year tenure. The Tigers missed the College Football Playoff for the fourth time in five years and didn’t make it to the ACC title game, despite being the preseason favorite.
The offense, expected to be a strength with Klubnik, a veteran line, and dynamic skill players, instead regressed. Clemson averaged just 28.7 points per game-61st in the FBS-down from 34.7 points (18th) the year before.
Offensive Weapons Still in Place
Despite the quarterback uncertainty, the Tigers won’t be short on playmakers in 2026. Running back Gideon Davidson returns, and the receiving corps is stacked with **Bryant Wesco Jr.
**, T.J. Moore, and incoming freshman Naeem Burroughs.
At tight end, Olsen Patt-Henry and Christian Bentancur provide reliable targets. The offensive line will have a new look, but the skill positions remain loaded-whoever takes over at quarterback will have talent around him.
Is Vizzina Ready to Take Over?
If Clemson doesn’t land a transfer, the likely next man up is Christopher Vizzina. He entered 2025 as the presumed heir to Klubnik, but his limited action left questions unanswered. In his first three appearances-mostly in mop-up duty-he completed just 50% of his passes for 37 yards and an interception, while adding 21 rushing yards on seven carries.
His lone start came against SMU when Klubnik was sidelined with an injury. Vizzina showed flashes of what made him a highly touted recruit, shaking off a shaky first half to finish with 317 passing yards and three touchdowns on 69% completions.
But the momentum didn’t carry over. In his next outing against Furman, the offense sputtered again, and he managed just 52 passing yards and one touchdown on 9-of-15 attempts.
One More Shot in the Pinstripe Bowl?
Vizzina may get another shot to show what he can do later this month. Clemson (7-5) faces Penn State (6-6) in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on Dec.
- Klubnik is expected to play, but Swinney hasn’t ruled out giving his depth quarterbacks some reps.
“We're just going to go win the game. That's all we're going to do,” Swinney said on Dec.
- “Just trying to get an eighth win.”
Whether Vizzina gets meaningful snaps in that game could be telling. But regardless of what happens in the Bronx, Clemson’s quarterback situation is far from settled-and the portal could be the key to unlocking the next chapter of the Tigers’ offense.