Clemson OC Garrett Riley on QB Christopher Vizzina’s future
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Quarterback discussion never really cools off at Clemson, and with another offseason approaching, the focus is once again shifting toward what comes next at the position that shapes everything else. As roster decisions stack up, the long-term answer under center remains one of the biggest questions facing the program.
Internally, Christopher Vizzina has become the primary name tied to that conversation. The redshirt sophomore saw action in five games during the 2025 season and made one start, providing the coaching staff with at least some real-game material to evaluate. That start came against SMU, where Vizzina was efficient and comfortable, completing nearly 70 percent of his passes for 317 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover. The level of competition is part of the context, but the performance still mattered because it offered something more concrete than practice reps alone.
Vizzina also logged extended snaps against Furman, finishing 9-of-15 for 52 yards with a touchdown. While those numbers were more modest, the staff has continued to emphasize the value of live experience, especially for a young quarterback still early in his development. Even so, the limited body of work naturally raises questions, particularly as proven quarterbacks continue to enter the transfer portal around the country.
During bowl media availability, offensive coordinator Garrett Riley shed light on how the Tigers approach those evaluations. Rather than focusing solely on statistics, Riley pointed to growth, consistency, and how a quarterback handles the demands of the position over time. From Clemson’s perspective, the SMU start served as a confidence-building moment and a reference point Vizzina can draw from moving forward.
Garrett Riley had high expectations for Clemson freshman Juju Preston https://t.co/lIGrz7JluRpic.twitter.com/FW5jguaQ8P— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) December 20, 2025
As the season winds down, the staff plans to take a broader look at how much progress has truly been made. Riley believes Vizzina has matured and improved behind the scenes, but no final decisions have been locked in. Whether that development leads to him taking the first snap of the 2026 opener in Baton Rouge against LSU will become clearer as the offseason unfolds after the bowl game.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Garrett Riley on if QB Christopher Vizzina has earned his place
