Clemson’s Quarterback Future: Dabo Swinney Signals Shift After ‘Average’ Cade Klubnik Performance. Clemson Tigers head football coach Dabo Swinney is never one to hold back his thoughts, and his recent assessment of starting quarterback Cade Klubnik’s performance in the team’s first spring scrimmage at Memorial Stadium was no exception. His blunt critique has sparked discussions about the Tigers’ quarterback future.
Swinney’s Honest Take on Klubnik
When asked about Klubnik’s showing, Swinney didn’t sugarcoat his response, labeling it as “pretty average.”
“I didn’t think Cade had a good day today. I thought he was very average,” Swinney said, per the Greenville News. “I think he checked out. I think he’s already gone to Cabo or something. I do not think he was ready to go today, and maybe it is because he didn’t think he was going to get a lot of reps. So, I did not think he had his best day. He was not very focused.”
While the criticism may seem harsh, there is an important context—Klubnik saw limited playing time during the scrimmage, as Clemson’s coaching staff placed a heavy emphasis on backup quarterback Christopher Vizzina.
A Rising Star in Vizzina?
Unlike Klubnik, Vizzina appeared to make a strong impression. The sophomore quarterback received significant reps with the starting unit, a clear indication that Swinney and his staff are actively developing him for the future.
“CV did some good stuff. He took his first drive down and scored,” Swinney said. “Now, that was the benefit of a real stupid penalty by one of our DBs. He got an unsportsmanlike (penalty), so that gave them new life, and they went down and scored. It was good to see CV take advantage.”
Swinney’s praise for Vizzina, combined with his critique of Klubnik, adds weight to the speculation that the Tigers’ coaching staff is preparing for an eventual quarterback transition.
The Implications for Clemson’s Future
While Klubnik remains the presumed starter heading into the 2025 season, his underwhelming scrimmage performance—and Vizzina’s growth—could lead to increased pressure in the quarterback room. Swinney’s comments suggest that Clemson is laying the groundwork for a potential shift in leadership at the position.
Klubnik, who has faced both high expectations and scrutiny during his time at Clemson, now finds himself needing to prove his consistency and focus. Meanwhile, Vizzina is steadily positioning himself as a viable successor.
What’s Next?
As the Tigers move through the offseason, all eyes will be on the quarterback competition. Will Klubnik respond to Swinney’s challenge and solidify his hold on the starting job? Or will Vizzina continue to close the gap, potentially forcing a change under center?
One thing is clear: Clemson’s quarterback situation is shaping up to be one of the team’s most intriguing storylines, and Swinney is making sure the next man up is ready when the time comes.
Stay tuned for more updates as Clemson’s offseason unfolds!
