Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney had some surprising words for his team's struggling quarterback.
Most assumed that Christopher Vizzina and Chris Denson would be competing for the Clemson Tigers' starting quarterback role entering the spring, but it certainly has not turned out that way.
Freshman Tait Reynolds has surpassed Denson on the depth chart, and head coach Dabo Swinney recently said it wasn't close.
So what does this mean for Denson? Is his future at Clemson doomed? Or is there a chance that the redshirt freshman eventually plays for the Tigers?
Swinney touched on the subject this week, and while he acknowledged Denson's talent, it doesn't seem like Denson will be under center anytime soon ... if at all.
"He is physically as gifted as anybody we've got, but just not where he needs to be from a passing game standpoint to compete like he needs to," Swinney said. "If he stays at quarterback, because I think he is a guy that has a decision to make, he will play for us. He will have a role. He is too talented. We will definitely have a role for him, but he will help our football team no matter what."
Clemson Tigers quarterback Chris Denson. Credit: Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.Sounds like Swinney is open to Denson changing his position to utilize his athleticism, because clearly, Swinney does not feel that the Plant City, Fl. native is a capable passer at the moment.
Denson threw just four passes during his debut campaign at Clemson in 2025, completing all four of them for 22 yards and a touchdown. He also carried the ball seven times for 108 yards and a score.
Vizzina made one start last season against SMU, going 29-for-42 with 317 yards and three touchdowns. Swinney made it clear after 2025 that Vizzina was in the driver's seat to take over for Cade Klubnik as the team's new starting quarterback, but there were some who felt Denson could challenge him.
There is no question that Denson has talent, but with Swinney's job potentially on the line heading into 2026, he needs to ensure that he has the best setup possible under center.
So apparently, Denson will be on the outside looking in going into the new campaign. But Swinney did say that Clemson would have a role for Denson, so it will be interesting to see how that manifests.
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