This Clemson Tigers quarterback might be better off entering the transfer portal.
The Clemson Tigers are searching for a solution under center following the departure of Cade Klubnik, who manned the quarterback position for three straight seasons between 2023 and 2025.
Clemson entered the spring knowing that Christopher Vizzina was the frontrunner to take the reins, but Chris Denson appeared to be a serious challenger.
Well, until head coach Dabo Swinney flat out said that he wasn't.
Swinney recently stated that freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds was No. 2 on the depth chart and that it wasn't close. He also said that Denson just isn't good enough of a passer right now and hinted at a potential position change.
It seems pretty clear that Swinney is not too high on Denson as a signal-caller, even though he has made it clear that he values his athleticism.
So what should Denson do?
Well, the redshirt freshman has no choice but to remain at Clemson through 2026, but afterward, entering the transfer portal seems like a realistic possibility.
Yes, Denson can try to switch positions, much like Adam Randall successfully switched from wide receiver to running back. But moving off of quarterback is a different animal.
Clemson Tigers quarterback Chris Denson. Credit: Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.I'm not so sure Denson will be so quick to give up on taking snaps, so he may prefer to take his chances elsewhere after next season.
Surely, there would be some teams interested in Denson, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound youngster who has played all of one year with the Tigers.
In 2025, Denson went 4-for-4 with 22 yards and a touchdown while also carrying the ball seven times for 108 yards and a score. So technically, he hasn't thrown a single incomplete pass yet. But that's obviously a ridiculously small sample size.
Swinney and offensive coordinator Chad Morris are watching Denson in practice every day, so they are seeing things that we aren't. Evidently, Denson is not even close to ready to start at quarterback for Clemson ... but perhaps another team would feel differently?
Vizzina will almost surely be the Tigers' starting signal-caller in 2026, and based on everything Swinney has said this spring, it appears that Reynolds is in line to follow him (Vizzina has two years of eligibility remaining).
That leaves Denson in a rather tough spot, and at this point, no one could blame the Plant City, Fl. for deciding that he wants to play for a different school in 2027.
Clemson Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Clemson Tigers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.