Christopher Vizzina named Clemson starting quarterback for LSU opener

Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina has been named the starter for the Tigers' 2026 season opener against No. 11 LSU. A 6-foot-4 senior from Birmingham, Alabama, Vizzina enters the role after several years of waiting behind previous starters, including NFL draft pick Cade Klubnik.

Vizzina, a former top-50 recruit, has appeared in 14 career games with one previous start, recording 596 passing yards, four touchdowns, and 109 rushing yards. Unlike many players in the current transfer portal era, Vizzina remained at Clemson to pursue the starting position.

Head coach Dabo Swinney has indicated that Vizzina must perform well to maintain the starting role, as freshman Tait Reynolds serves as the primary backup. The upcoming game against LSU follows a difficult season for Clemson, which saw the team finish with a 7-6 record and a seventh-place tie in the Atlantic Coast Conference.