Clemson’s post–Cade Klubnik era hasn’t even begun, but the debate over how the Tigers should identify their next starting quarterback is already center stage. With Klubnik set to exit after the 2025 season, Clemson faces a pivotal choice: trust its young room or dip into the increasingly influential transfer portal.
Mac Lain: “I’d probably go get a guy”
Former Clemson offensive lineman and current ACC Network analyst Eric Mac Lain didn’t hide his curiosity about the Tigers’ approach.
“The other interesting thing is the quarterback situation, for what’s next,” Mac Lain said during ACC Network’s ACC Huddle: CFP & Bowl Selection Special. He added that he likes the quarterbacks already on the roster but believes competition should dictate the direction.
“I’m interested to see what they do. Do they feel confident in moving forward, or do they need to go get a guy? And I would probably go get a guy, anyway — competition makes everybody better.”
Clemson enters 2026 with redshirt junior Christopher Vizzina, redshirt freshman Chris Denson, and a pair of incoming signees — three-stars Tait Reynolds and Brock Bradley. All four are expected to participate in the spring battle.
Swinney backs his room — but leaves a door cracked
During Clemson’s early-signing-day press conference on Dec. 3, head coach Dabo Swinney was asked directly whether he anticipates adding a transfer quarterback. His answer leaned firmly toward the players already in place.
“We just signed two to come compete, and we got Denson here to compete,” Swinney said. “And we’ve got Vizzina… who’s really only played one true game from a start standpoint. This kid’s done his part, and he’s been waiting his time, and now’s his time.”
But Swinney stressed that nothing is guaranteed.
“Now, he’s gotta win the job. Obviously he’s kind of where you start, but you’ve got to win it. Same thing with Denson. Denson didn’t come here just to stand on the sideline. He came here to compete. So, let’s go compete.”
Portal uncertainty looms over January window
The transfer portal window opens Jan. 2–16, and Swinney acknowledged that roster movement or unexpected departures could shift Clemson’s plans.
“Who knows,” he said. “Guys may change your decision. We could have somebody leave. I have no idea. I don’t speculate on that. All I can focus on is what’s here… and we’ve got two on this roster that all of them wanna be the guy.”
For now, Clemson insists it has a four-man competition ready to launch in the spring. Whether that group grows by one more name will depend on what happens before mid-January — and how confident Swinney feels when the portal dust settles.