Clemson QB Vizzina Emerges as Heisman Longshot

Quarterback faces long odds but has talent around him to potentially defy expectations.

Feb. 17, 2026 at 4:07pm

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Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina has emerged as a longshot to win the 2026 Heisman Trophy, with FanDuel Sportsbook listing him at +12500 odds. While Vizzina has never been in the Heisman conversation before, recent history has shown unlikely candidates can win the prestigious award, such as Colorado's Travis Hunter in 2024 and Indiana's Fernando Mendoza in 2025. Vizzina has a talented supporting cast of skill position players and the hiring of offensive coordinator Chad Morris, who favors an aggressive downfield passing attack, could play to Vizzina's strengths.

Why it matters

Clemson has never had a Heisman Trophy winner, despite producing elite quarterbacks like Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence in recent years. Vizzina represents the next potential star QB for the Tigers, and if he can defy his long preseason odds, it would be a landmark achievement for the program.

The details

Vizzina is listed at +12500 to win the Heisman, putting him in the same range as other notable longshots like UCLA's Nico Iamaleava (+10000), NC State's CJ Bailey (+10000) and Georgia Tech's Alberto Mendoza (+12500). However, recent history has shown that long preseason odds don't necessarily mean a player is out of the Heisman race, as both Travis Hunter and Fernando Mendoza won the award in the last two seasons despite opening with odds around 60-1. Vizzina will have the benefit of playing with a talented supporting cast, including receivers T.J. Moore, Bryant Wesco Jr. and Gideon Davidson, as well as the arrival of new offensive coordinator Chad Morris, who favors an aggressive downfield passing attack.

  • Clemson opens the 2026 season against LSU on September 2.
  • The Tigers host Miami on October 3.
  • Clemson faces in-state rival South Carolina on November 29.

The players

Christopher Vizzina

Clemson's expected starting quarterback for the 2026 season, looking to become the first Heisman Trophy winner in program history.

Chad Morris

Clemson's new offensive coordinator, known for his aggressive downfield passing attack, which could play to Vizzina's strengths.

Darian Mensah

Miami's quarterback, listed at +1500 to win the Heisman, who Clemson will face on October 3.

LaNorris Sellers

South Carolina's quarterback, listed at +3000 to win the Heisman, who Clemson will face on November 29.

Sam Leavitt

LSU's quarterback, listed at +1600 to win the Heisman, who Clemson will face in their season opener on September 2.

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What’s next

If Vizzina wins the starting job, he will look to build chemistry with his talented receiving corps during the offseason and prove the oddsmakers wrong by emerging as a legitimate Heisman contender in 2026.

The takeaway

Clemson's quest for its first Heisman Trophy winner rests on the shoulders of Christopher Vizzina, a longshot who has the talent and supporting cast to potentially defy expectations and join the ranks of recent unlikely Heisman winners.