Clemson's QB Battle Heats Up With Vizzina as Favorite

Veteran QB Christopher Vizzina leads the competition, but redshirt freshman Chris Denson could make a push for the starting job.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 7:07pm

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Clemson's quarterback battle is heating up as the 2026 season approaches, with veteran QB Christopher Vizzina emerging as the favorite to replace Cade Klubnik. However, redshirt freshman Chris Denson's dual-threat abilities could make the competition difficult to close out, especially with head coach Dabo Swinney's job security a concern after a disappointing 7-6 season in 2025.

Why it matters

Clemson's quarterback play has been inconsistent in recent years, with both DJ Uiagalelei and Cade Klubnik struggling at times. The outcome of this quarterback battle could have significant implications for the Tigers' success in the 2026 season, as well as Dabo Swinney's future as head coach.

The details

Christopher Vizzina, a former four-star recruit and the No. 8 QB in the 2023 class, has the early lead in the competition. He saw significant playing time in 2025 after Klubnik battled injuries and ineffectiveness, throwing for 406 yards and 4 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Chris Denson, a three-star recruit, showed promise in limited action last season, running for 106 yards and throwing for 22 yards and a touchdown against Furman.

  • Vizzina threw 34 passes as a reserve in 2024.
  • Vizzina took over as the starting QB in 2025 after Klubnik's struggles.
  • Denson ran for 106 yards and threw for 22 yards and a touchdown against Furman in 2025.

The players

Christopher Vizzina

A veteran quarterback who was a four-star recruit in the 2023 class and is the favorite to replace Cade Klubnik as Clemson's starting QB.

Chris Denson

A redshirt freshman quarterback with dual-threat abilities, who could challenge Vizzina for the starting job.

Dabo Swinney

The head coach of the Clemson Tigers, whose job security has become a concern after a disappointing 7-6 season in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Vizzina is the favorite, but in light of Clemson's recent struggles and a warming hot seat under coach Dabo Swinney, making the right call at QB is imperative.”

— David Kenyon, Bleacher Report Analyst

“Denson's dual threat ability could make the situation difficult to close out.”

— David Kenyon, Bleacher Report Analyst

What’s next

Clemson's quarterback battle will continue through fall camp, with Vizzina and Denson competing for the starting job. Dabo Swinney's job security could be a factor in the decision, as the Tigers look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.

The takeaway

Clemson's quarterback competition is a crucial storyline heading into the 2026 season, as the Tigers look to find stability at the position and potentially save Dabo Swinney's job. The battle between the experienced Vizzina and the dual-threat Denson will be one to watch closely.