Clemson fans got a glimpse of the future on Saturday as the Tigers showcased their quarterback prospects in the annual Orange vs. White spring game. With Cade Klubnik, the three-year starter, preparing for the NFL Draft, the spotlight shifted to his potential successors.
The game featured five quarterbacks, but much of the buzz centered around redshirt junior Christopher Vizzina and true freshmen Tait Reynolds and Brock Bradley. The Orange team, loaded with Clemson's first-team offense and defense, secured a 23-3 victory over the White team, primarily composed of backups.
Vizzina, a former top 100 recruit from Alabama, seems poised to take over the reins. Offensive coordinator Chad Morris expressed confidence, calling Vizzina “our guy” as spring practice wraps up. While head coach Dabo Swinney has described Vizzina as having the "pole position" in the QB battle, he hasn't officially named him the starter yet.
Vizzina led the Orange team on four drives, connecting with freshman Gordon Sellars III for a touchdown on a back-shoulder throw. After a shaky start, missing his first two passes, he completed 10 of 18 for 95 yards.
Meanwhile, Reynolds, the first Clemson signee from Arizona since 1991, brought a dual-threat dynamic to the field. The former two-sport standout showed promise with a crisp out route to Juju Preston but also faced challenges, like taking a couple of sacks.
Swinney, providing in-game commentary, offered guidance to Reynolds after a first-down miscue. Reynolds rebounded by scoring a touchdown on a subsequent play, finishing 6 of 8 for 68 yards.
Bradley, another mid-year enrollee, had limited action, while Chris Denson and former walk-on Trent Pearman also saw playing time, with Pearman scoring a touchdown.
This spring game was Clemson’s last public showcase until the 2026 season opener against LSU in Baton Rouge on September 5. Although the team will scrimmage during fall camp, the next full crowd won't gather until then.
Sellars had a notable performance, bouncing back from an early mistake to snag three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown. Morris had praised the freshman earlier in the week, highlighting his impressive high school career at Providence Day in Charlotte.
Slot receiver Tyler Brown reminded everyone of his capabilities, collecting five catches for 47 yards and a touchdown. After a standout freshman year in 2023, Brown looks ready to be a key player in Morris’ offense.
Running back Jarvis Green, who missed the entire 2025 season due to foot surgery, returned to action for the White team, carrying the ball four times for 11 yards. Gideon Davidson led all running backs with 80 yards, while SMU transfer Chris Johnson Jr. added 16 yards on eight carries.
Defensively, the Orange team was dominant, racking up nine sacks. Colorado transfer defensive end London Merritt and veteran tackle Vic Burley each recorded 2.5 sacks, showcasing a formidable pass rush.
As Clemson moves forward, the pieces are falling into place for what promises to be an exciting 2026 season.