- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,151,979
- Reaction score
- 59
Clemson football is heading into a new era at quarterback in 2026, and it will look different after several seasons of stability under Cade Klubnik.
With Klubnik moving on after more than three years as the starter, the offense now belongs to Christopher Vizzina. He’s been waiting for this opportunity, spending the last two seasons as the primary backup and stepping in once last year when Clemson needed him.
That outing offered a glimpse of what he can do. In extended action against SMU, Vizzina threw for over 300 yards and accounted for three touchdowns. If that version shows up consistently, Clemson’s offense may not take much of a step back.
There’s also an interesting shift in recruiting background. Vizzina wasn’t labeled as a five-star prospect coming out of high school, making him the first Clemson quarterback in that position to open a season as QB1 since Kelly Bryant in 2018. Even so, he was still viewed as one of the better quarterbacks in his class and arrived with solid expectations.
Nationally, Vizzina is entering the season somewhat under the radar. He landed in the mid-40s in CBS Sports recent set of Power 4 quarterback rankings and sits outside the top tier in the ACC. That could change quickly depending on how he performs early. The young quarterback ended up at No. 44.
And those early tests won’t be easy.
Clemson opens the season on the road at LSU, where it will face one of the top-rated quarterbacks in the country. Not long after that, Miami comes to Death Valley with another highly regarded signal-caller leading the way. Both matchups will give a clearer picture of where Vizzina stands against elite competition.
Later in the year, the regular season wraps up against South Carolina, which also features a quarterback capable of making plays with both his arm and legs. That game could carry added weight depending on how the season unfolds.
Looking across Clemson’s schedule, several opposing quarterbacks rank ahead of Vizzina going into the year. That includes names from Miami, LSU, and others throughout the ACC. It sets up a season where Clemson’s new starter will have multiple chances to prove he belongs in that group, or even climb past it.
For now, the spotlight shifts to Vizzina as he steps into the role full-time. Clemson didn’t go outside the program to find its next quarterback, choosing instead to trust the player it has been developing.
Now it’s about seeing if that patience pays off.
Follow us @Clemson_Wire on X and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson’s Christopher Vizzina low on CBS Sports quarterback rankings
Continue reading...
With Klubnik moving on after more than three years as the starter, the offense now belongs to Christopher Vizzina. He’s been waiting for this opportunity, spending the last two seasons as the primary backup and stepping in once last year when Clemson needed him.
That outing offered a glimpse of what he can do. In extended action against SMU, Vizzina threw for over 300 yards and accounted for three touchdowns. If that version shows up consistently, Clemson’s offense may not take much of a step back.
There’s also an interesting shift in recruiting background. Vizzina wasn’t labeled as a five-star prospect coming out of high school, making him the first Clemson quarterback in that position to open a season as QB1 since Kelly Bryant in 2018. Even so, he was still viewed as one of the better quarterbacks in his class and arrived with solid expectations.
Nationally, Vizzina is entering the season somewhat under the radar. He landed in the mid-40s in CBS Sports recent set of Power 4 quarterback rankings and sits outside the top tier in the ACC. That could change quickly depending on how he performs early. The young quarterback ended up at No. 44.
And those early tests won’t be easy.
Clemson opens the season on the road at LSU, where it will face one of the top-rated quarterbacks in the country. Not long after that, Miami comes to Death Valley with another highly regarded signal-caller leading the way. Both matchups will give a clearer picture of where Vizzina stands against elite competition.
Later in the year, the regular season wraps up against South Carolina, which also features a quarterback capable of making plays with both his arm and legs. That game could carry added weight depending on how the season unfolds.
Looking across Clemson’s schedule, several opposing quarterbacks rank ahead of Vizzina going into the year. That includes names from Miami, LSU, and others throughout the ACC. It sets up a season where Clemson’s new starter will have multiple chances to prove he belongs in that group, or even climb past it.
For now, the spotlight shifts to Vizzina as he steps into the role full-time. Clemson didn’t go outside the program to find its next quarterback, choosing instead to trust the player it has been developing.
Now it’s about seeing if that patience pays off.
Follow us @Clemson_Wire on X and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson’s Christopher Vizzina low on CBS Sports quarterback rankings
Continue reading...
