Home / Sports / Clemson Backup QB Vizzina Steps Up as Starter Klubnik Sidelined with Ankle Injury
Clemson Backup QB Vizzina Steps Up as Starter Klubnik Sidelined with Ankle Injury
18 Oct
Summary
- Clemson QB Cade Klubnik injured his ankle, ruled out for game
- Backup Christopher Vizzina makes first career start
- Vizzina has limited playing experience, but Clemson confident in him
On October 18, 2025, Clemson's starting quarterback Cade Klubnik was unable to play in the Tigers' game against SMU due to an ankle injury he sustained the previous week. Klubnik, who has been Clemson's starter since 2023, was listed as "questionable" in the injury report earlier in the week, and was ultimately ruled out as a "game-time decision."
In Klubnik's absence, redshirt sophomore Christopher Vizzina made his first career start for the Tigers. Vizzina had replaced Klubnik in the fourth quarter of last week's game, but went just 1-of-3 passing with an interception. For the season, Vizzina is 7-of-14 passing for 37 yards and no touchdowns.
Despite Vizzina's limited game experience, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney expressed confidence in the young quarterback, stating that he has had "a ton of work" with the first-team offense in both the spring and preseason. The coaching staff has intentionally put strain on Vizzina in certain situations to prepare him for this opportunity.
The loss of Klubnik is a significant blow for a Clemson team that has already suffered three losses this season, the most since 2014. However, Vizzina's performance in this game could provide valuable insight into the Tigers' future at the quarterback position, as he is seen as the potential heir to Klubnik.
