Clemson Tigers Could Poach Alabama QB in Transfer Portal

I don't care how many times Dabo Swinney raves about Tait Reynolds: it's clear the Clemson Tigers' quarterback situation is not settled heading into 2027.

Reynolds has certainly shown some flashes during his freshman campaign, but overall, he has struggled, throwing for just 1,446 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions in nine games and seven starts.

He has finished with under 200 passing yards four games in a row, and while he knows how to use his legs, it's clear he is more than a work in progress when it comes to actually airing it out.

As a result, Clemson could actually look to the transfer portal for an answer under center this winter, and the Alabama Crimson Tide could have an answer for the Tigers in junior quarterback Austin Mack.

A former five-star recruit, Mack arrived at Washington in 2023, redshirted his freshman campaign and then transferred over to Alabama — following Kalen DeBoer — in 2024.

He was expected to finally land the Crimson Tide's starting quarterback job heading into 2026, but he lost out to Keelon Russell in training camp, making him an obvious transfer candidate as he prepares to enter his final year of eligibility.

It would be a shock if Mack didn't enter the portal, so Clemson should already be preparing a pursuit of the Loomis, Ca. native this January.

Mack has only thrown 39 passes thus far in his collegiate career, so he hasn't really gotten much of an opportunity. But he is an impressive talent.

Standing 6-foot-6 with fantastic arm strength, Mack has the exact physical archetype you would want out of a signal-caller. He isn't the most athletic quarterback in the world, but he compensates for that with his arm talent.

The Tigers should unquestionably have Mack on their radar. Reynolds has not proven he can be the long-term answer, and Clemson does not have any other legitimate solutions on its roster.

Of course, whether or not Swinney — who is notoriously stubborn — decides to pivot and explore other options in the transfer portal remains to be seen.

Much of that will surely depend on how Reynolds finishes out the year. The Tigers have three regular-season games remaining, and they have clinched a bowl game, so barring a wild ACC Championship Game appearance, Reynolds will get four more tries.

If he continues to struggle, Swinney should absolutely turn his attention to the portal — and Mack should be near the top of his list.