At one time, LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin wanted Clemson Tigers quarterback Christopher Vizzina.
Christopher Vizzina will be opening the 2026 campaign as the Clemson Tigers' starting quarterback, and he will be facing the LSU Tigers in the season opener.
Why is this extra significant for Vizzina? Because he will be battling the head coach that nearly stole him from Clemson a few years ago: Lane Kiffin.
Now in his first season at LSU, Kiffin was coaching Ole Miss when he recruited Vizzina back in March 2022. In fact, the Rebels were the first team the former four-star signal-caller visited, and Kiffin made him an offer.
Kiffin also had offers out to Arch Manning, Nico Iamaleava and Dante Moore at the time, so clearly, he valued Vizzina very highly.
Now, with Kiffin set to see Vizzina for the first time since then, the LSU coach dropped some blunt remarks on the redshirt junior.
“I remember (Vizzina) from high school, actually watched him work out,” Kiffin said. “Really talented, really throws well on the move.”
Kiffin is probably happy that he now has Sam Leavitt under center in Baton Rouge, particularly considering that Leavitt already proved himself at Arizona State. But perhaps Vizzina can show Kiffin what he's missing this Saturday.
Vizzina beat out true freshman Tait Reynolds for the starting job in fall camp, and while things appeared a bit dicey for Vizzina early on, it seems pretty clear that he impressed Dabo Swinney as the summer progressed.
The 21-year-old actually made one start last year, going 29-for-43 with 313 yards and three touchdowns in a loss to SMU last October.
Otherwise, Vizzina has very limited experience, having completed 64 of 105 passes for 596 yards, four touchdowns and one interception since arriving at Clemson in 2023.
Many have criticized the Tigers' decision for not going after a quarterback in the transfer portal over the winter, but clearly, Clemson appears to have faith in Vizzina.
We're about to find out if the Tigers' belief in the Birmingham, Al. native will end up rewarding them ... or if it will come back to bite them.
Clemson will face LSU in Baton Rouge this Saturday. Clemson lost to LSU at home in its season opener last season.
