Clemson fans not given a lot of hope, starting QB named tier 4 and 'just OK'

Rubbing the Rock · Jul 22, 2026 13:48 · 2 min read

Clemson fans not given a lot of hope, starting QB named Tier 4 and 'just OK'. — Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) after the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Vizzina gets no respect.

Clemson’s expected starting quarterback, Christopher Vizzina, drew some lukewarm reviews from an anonymous ACC staffer this week, but that’s nothing new for a Tiger signal-caller stepping into the spotlight.

Vizzina heads into fall camp as the clear frontrunner in Clemson’s quarterback race after patiently waiting his turn behind Cade Klubnik. Now, he’s finally set to take the reins of the Tigers’ offense, though at least one ACC staffer is still holding out on the hype.

“He’s just OK,” that ACC staffer said of Vizzina, . “Obviously, another year and him finally being the guy and getting more reps isn’t gonna hurt him. But he didn’t do anything where I’m like, ‘Oh my, I’m scared of him.’”

That take came as part of The Athletic’s annual quarterback tier rankings, which stack up all 138 projected FBS starters before the season. Vizzina landed at No. 53 overall, placing him in Tier 4 among the nation’s quarterbacks.

“Some of the stars of tomorrow, like inexperienced QBs who coaches believe in but lack a proven resume, and there are also veterans who are looking to redeem themselves and journeymen looking to make the most of their last stops,” The Athletic wrote, describing Tier 4.

Along with Vizzina, other ACC quarterbacks in Tier 4 include Syracuse’s Steve Angeli (ranked No. 44 overall), Virginia Tech’s Ethan Grunkemeyer (No. 45), Virginia’s Beau Pribula (No. 46), Wake Forest’s Gio Lopez (No. 48), Louisville’s Lincoln Kienholz (No. 54) and Duke’s Walker Eget (No. 56).

Vizzina sits in what Dabo Swinney calls the 'pole position' heading into fall camp and will open atop the depth chart. True freshman Tait Reynolds turned heads in the spring and has kept the heat on through summer workouts. Reynolds will get his shot to push for the job when camp kicks off.

Now in his fourth season in orange, Vizzina has connected on 61 percent of his throws for 596 yards, four touchdowns and just one interception across 14 career games. He’s chipped in 109 rushing yards and a touchdown on 38 carries as well.“It’s rare these days to see a quarterback wait three years for a starting opportunity, but Vizzina is poised to get his chance this fall — if he holds off freshman Tait Reynolds,” The Athletic wrote. “Vizzina is inexperienced but looks the part and can move a bit. He’ll be tutored by new-but-familiar OC Chad Morris, who will try to get the Clemson offense back to an elite level.”