Tait Reynolds' Job is Still in Trouble Before Clemson-Syracuse Game

Clemson Tigers quarterback Tait Reynolds had something of a breakout performance last weekend against Florida State, throwing a couple of touchdown passes and punching in a 79-yard rushing score.

But while Reynolds definitely showed signs of improvement, there is no question that he still needs to get better moving forward.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney hinted at Reynolds potentially losing his job to Christopher Vizzina if he didn't turn things around just before the Florida State game, but just because he took a step forward does not automatically mean he is out of the woods.

And I don't necessarily mean Reynolds could get supplanted by Vizzina, but I absolutely think that Reynolds is still auditioning for 2027.

Reynolds has not done nearly enough to establish himself as the Tigers' clear starter for next fall, but he has four regular-season games left to state his case.

That starts against Syracuse this Saturday.

The Orange are not pushovers. They have won two straight games and defeated SMU last week. They aren't particularly good defensively, ranking in the middle of the ACC in that category, so Reynolds will have an opportunity to show out.

Of course, Clemson will be down running back Gideon Davidson and could be without wide receiver Tyler Brown as well, so Reynolds may have to improvise.

But that could be exactly what he needs.

Reynolds was already baptized by fire earlier this season when he was handed the starting quarterback job as a true freshman, but now he's had enough experience where this shouldn't be all that new anymore.

Swinney has made it clear that he thinks the team's quarterback situation is fine, but that could just be coach speak. I'm not sure how you could watch Reynolds this year and think that he should be the guaranteed job next season.

Reynolds has shown flashes. There's no question. But they have been very brief moments in between stretches of subpar play.

Even last Saturday against the Seminoles, he failed to reach 200 yards passing, and he has been under 200 yards for three straight games.

Reynolds has a big arm, he's athletic and he's poised. He has talent. But there is also a reason why he was a three-star recruit who wasn't heavily recruited.

The 19-year-old has an opportunity to end the season on a terrific run here. If he does, you can pencil him in as Clemson's starter for opening day next fall.

If he doesn't? Swinney should absolutely explore the transfer portal for other options.