Clemson Tigers true freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds is taking over for Christopher Vizzina against the LSU Tigers.
Clemson Tigers true freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds is taking over for Christopher Vizzina in the Week 1 matchup against the LSU Tigers.
Clemson trails 31-3 at the half, and Vizzina and the offense struggled mightily. Vizzina completed six of 11 passes for 51 yards and an interception. The offense did not get going under Vizzina, prompting head coach Dabo Swinney to make a change at quarterback and insert Reynolds at the end of the half.
Reynolds didn't fare much better, completing one of two passes for seven yards. If the true freshman remains in the game for the second half, he will look to give the Tigers a spark to make it a closer game against LSU.
Clemson also needs to establish the run game, but they haven't been able to get anything going with Gideon Davidson rushing for eight yards on five carries and Chris Johnson Jr. rushing for negative two yards on two carries.
With inexperience at quarterback, it was important for the Tigers to establish the run game, but given their struggles, the offense hasn't been able to move the chains at all. With a major deficit, Clemson can't afford to lean on the rushing attack to get back in the game.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectDespite all of the changes the Tigers made this offseason, with Swinney bringing in Chad Morris as the offensive coordinator and Rich Bisaccia as the special teams coordinator, they are still far off from being a contender.
Swinney was also more aggressive in using the transfer portal to add more talent to the roster, but it hasn't helped them close the gap on a top team like LSU.
The quarterback battle in the offseason was between Vizzina and Reynolds, and through one half, both quarterbacks have appeared in the game. If this is a sign of things to come, the starting quarterback could be a weekly question mark, with Swinney deciding who has the hot hand.
If Reynolds plays well in the second half against LSU, he will prove his value and establish himself as the starter moving forward for the rest of the 2026 season.
