rewrite this title Deadspin | ACC notebook: Dabo Swinney trusts Clemson’s QB options

Clemson didn’t bring a quarterback to ACC media days, but the Tigers’ most important position battle still followed Dabo Swinney to Charlotte on Thursday.

Christopher Vizzina remains the favorite to replace Cade Klubnik, though Swinney stopped short of formally ending a competition that also includes true freshman Tait Reynolds.

Vizzina has waited three seasons for the opportunity, appearing in 14 games while attempting 105 passes. His only start came against SMU last November, when he completed 29 of 42 passes for 317 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-24 loss.

Clemson could have pursued a more experienced option through the transfer portal after Klubnik left for the NFL. Instead, Swinney trusted the quarterbacks already in the program.

“We all know the magnitude of these decisions. We’re not stupid,” Swinney said. “But that’s why we didn’t go get the big shiny object out of the portal. We believe in (Vizzina). But we also believe in Tait. He’s a high-level dude, now. He’s special.”

Both Vizzina and Reynolds remain largely untested at the college level, leaving Swinney willing to let the competition play out before naming an opening-day starter.

“Neither one of them have great experience, so at the end of the day, if CV’s 1, he’ll run out there first,” Swinney said. “If Tait’s 1, he’ll run out there first. We just have to go through the process and see how it all works out.”

The eventual winner will not receive much time to settle in. Clemson, coming off a 7-6 season, opens Sept. 5 at LSU.

–Virginia Tech wins offseason, awaits games

James Franklin arrived at Virginia Tech with a proven rebuilding record, an active approach to roster construction and no shortage of confidence.

According to the Hokies’ new coach, the first phase of the rebuild has gone about as well as possible.

“I think I would describe it as I think we have won the offseason,” Franklin said. “We’ve had a great offseason in terms of implementing our standards and our expectations and our culture.”

Virginia Tech is attempting to recover from a 3-9 season, its worst record since 1992, and has not won more than seven games since 2019. Franklin said the Hokies are bigger, stronger and faster, with enough depth to compete, but understands those improvements must translate once the season begins.

Franklin also acknowledged that winning the offseason does not count in the standings.

“All that’s great. That sounds great in a press conference, it’s a good sound bite,” Franklin said. “The reality is we have to make sure all that translates to the season.”

His unconventional decision to retain former Hokies head coach Brent Pry as defensive coordinator has helped ease the transition. Franklin credited Pry’s familiarity with the school and community while saying the program must balance its history with the demands of modern college football.

The Hokies open against VMI on Sept. 5.

–Louisville embraces demanding path

Jeff Brohm won’t need to convince Louisville that every week matters.

The Cardinals are set to face 11 Power Four opponents, starting with a neutral-site game against Ole Miss in Nashville on Sept. 6. Brohm stated that this tough schedule gives Louisville a chance to prove it belongs among the top teams in the nation.

“We think that’s what college football’s all about,” Brohm said. “That will challenge our football team. Definitely what fans want to see, players and coaches want to prepare for.”

Ohio State transfer Lincoln Kienholz is expected to direct the offense after spending three seasons in a crowded quarterback room with the Buckeyes. Brohm praised Kienholz’s mobility, ability to extend plays and willingness to wait for his opportunity.

“We’re really excited about Lincoln. I think when you look for quarterback play, you look for guys, in my opinion, that are hungry first, that are willing to put in the work,” Brohm said. “I think he brings us some dimensions and skills that we have not had before. He’s a great athlete. He can run. He can extend plays. He can throw on the run. And he enjoys doing that.”

Louisville has won at least nine games in each of Brohm’s first three seasons, but its ACC record has declined each year. Brohm said greater consistency, particularly in close conference games, will determine whether the Cardinals can return to the ACC championship game.

–Field Level Media