Travis Bell/Sideline Carolina
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina is expected to miss Saturday’s game against North Carolina after suffering a non-throwing elbow injury in the Tigers’ 22-7 win over Georgia Southern.
Vizzina is considered week-to-week and is expected to miss one to two weeks, according to reports. That would also put his availability for Clemson’s Sept. 25 matchup at California in question.
Freshman Tait Reynolds is expected to make his first career start against North Carolina in Vizzina’s absence.
Vizzina Injured Against Georgia Southern
Vizzina left Saturday’s victory after completing 4 of 7 passes for 19 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
He threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Moore on Clemson’s second possession before being replaced by Reynolds on the following series.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said at halftime that Vizzina had initially planned to return but could not feel his left arm.
Vizzina entered the season as Clemson’s starting quarterback after seeing limited action during his first two collegiate seasons. Through the first two games of the 2026 season, he completed 14 of 23 passes for 102 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions while adding four rushing yards.
Reynolds Set for First Career Start
Reynolds stepped in against Georgia Southern and delivered Clemson’s most extensive quarterback performance of the season.
The freshman completed 16 of 27 passes for 178 yards and guided the Tigers on five scoring drives. He also saw action in Clemson’s season-opening loss to LSU.
Through two games, Reynolds has completed 60.6% of his passes for 200 yards. He is still searching for his first collegiate touchdown pass.
Reynolds acknowledged that he still has plenty to improve after his performance against Georgia Southern.
“There are mistakes that we all made, and personally I made a lot,” Reynolds said. “But at the end of the day you can grow from it and get better from it.”
Clemson Faces Early ACC Test
Clemson enters its ACC opener against North Carolina at 1-1 after splitting its first two games.
The Tigers opened the season with a 51-10 loss to LSU before responding with the victory over Georgia Southern.
North Carolina enters Saturday’s matchup at 2-0 after defeating TCU and East Tennessee State. Clemson will host the Tar Heels before traveling to California on Sept. 25.
With Vizzina sidelined, Reynolds will take over an offense facing an important early-season test. His performance against North Carolina could determine how Clemson manages the quarterback position while its starter works his way back from the elbow injury.
