The Tigers have already dealt with one quarterback injury this season, so who would Clemson turn to if freshman starter Tait Reynolds gets hurt?
According to head coach Dabo Swinney, fifth-year quarterback and former walk-on Trent Pearman would currently be the first player off the bench.
Christopher Vizzina has returned to practice and is available after suffering a left elbow injury against Georgia Southern, but he has not completely recovered.
More from Dabo on backup QB situation: Vizzina "can throw, but he's still not 100% on his left arm. ... It's really more just the range of motion, kind of getting that back fully." Vizzina has been practicing and is available, but Pearman (a former walk-on) would be first up https://t.co/CSiiwuS0bk
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) September 30, 2026
“He
can throw, but he’s still not 100% on his left arm,” Swinney said.
Swinney explained that Vizzina’s primary limitation is his range of motion as he works toward returning to full strength. Although Vizzina could play if needed, Pearman would currently receive the first opportunity behind Reynolds.
Vizzina opened the season as Clemson’s starter beforeinjuring his non-throwing elbowagainst Georgia Southern. Reynolds replaced him and has since started Clemson’s victories over North Carolina and California.
Where Clemson’s freshman starter lands in ESPN’s Power 4 QB rankings
— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) September 30, 2026
📸 Ashley Tumlin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect https://t.co/8gHyJWUOou pic.twitter.com/WqhJVjgI5G
Reynolds is the main guy for now but Trent Pearman is waiting behind him, and who knows, after that maybe Chris Denson could be next in line after that, and we could perhaps see him throwing again in the quarterback position.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Who would Clemson turn to if Tait Reynolds gets hurt against Miami?
