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Dabo Swinney stands by Clemson's decision to pass on a transfer quarterback

The Clemson coach said he had no regret about the decision after Christopher Vizzina's injury put freshman Tait Reynolds into a larger role.

NewsJaws DeskEditorial desk

Published 28 Oct 2026, 12:38 GMT2 min read

Clemson Tigers players run onto the field at the start of a game. — File photograph of Clemson Tigers players running onto the field at the start of a game on September 24, 2006. Clemson Tigers football running down the hill — Jim Ferguson (resized and converted to WebP). CC BY 2.0.Image source Image licence: CC BY 2.0

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Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said at a news conference on Tuesday, October 27, that he did not regret passing on a transfer quarterback, even after an injury to opening starter Christopher Vizzina left freshman Tait Reynolds leading an offense struggling to pass the ball.

Asked whether the quarterback room would benefit from an experienced transfer, Swinney said: ‘You live with the decisions you make. You do what you think is right. Sometimes it doesn't work out the way you want but I don't have any regret when it comes to that.’ Tiger Illustrated published the exchange in an abbreviated transcript of his news conference. His answer was also reported by 247Sports.

How Vizzina's injury changed Clemson's quarterback plans

Swinney said Clemson had expected more veteran presence at quarterback. The team had not planned for Vizzina to be hurt early in its second game and then be unavailable, he said. According to 247Sports, Vizzina fractured his elbow and Reynolds took over. Clemson Wire reported that Vizzina had started the season opener against LSU; the injury in the following game accelerated Reynolds' move into a larger role.

By the time of 247Sports' report, Reynolds had made the first five starts of his college career, going 3-2. The outlet described Clemson's passing offense as near the bottom of many statistical categories. Clemson Wire reported that Reynolds had thrown one touchdown pass and three interceptions, while averaging 156.6 passing yards per game. It put Clemson's scoring average at 21.4 points per game.

Who starts for Clemson against Florida State?

Swinney said Vizzina was back and available, although Tiger Illustrated's transcript records him saying the quarterback was still not fully recovered. Reynolds remained the starter, Swinney said: he had earned the opportunity, but needed to play well. Swinney said a change would become apparent if one was made; he did not announce one at the news conference.

The remarks came as Clemson prepared to face Florida State on Saturday night, according to Tiger Illustrated. Swinney acknowledged that he had expected the team to be better entering the season and that it had faced challenges he had not anticipated. Those difficulties frame his defense of the transfer decision, but his comments leave Reynolds in charge for now.