Clemson · ACCClemson gives Christopher Vizzina the LSU assignment
The one-start quarterback opens against Lane Kiffin, who recruited him at Ole Miss, as Clemson bets on development over the transfer portal.
SEP 2, 2026
The Pate State · Editorial IllustrationVizzina’s Clemson experience entering LSU
Passing line in his lone Clemson start against SMU
Passing yards in that lone Clemson start
01 · The NewsClemson Gives Vizzina the LSU Assignment
Clemson has handed Christopher Vizzina its starting quarterback job for Saturday, Sept. 5, sending the one-start passer into a road opener at LSU and a reunion with Lane Kiffin, who recruited him at Ole Miss in 2022.
Kiffin remembered the evaluation when asked about Vizzina.
“I remember (Vizzina) from high school, actually watched him work out,” Kiffin said. “Really talented, really throws well on the move.”
Vizzina beat true freshman Tait Reynolds in fall camp after Clemson did not pursue a quarterback through the transfer portal over the winter. He made his lone Clemson start against SMU last October, completing 29 of 43 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns. LSU will counter with Sam Leavitt, a more proven quarterback after his time at Arizona State.
Ole Miss offered Vizzina in March 2022, when Kiffin coached there. The LSU coach personally watched Vizzina work out in high school and specifically praised his ability to throw on the move; Saturday gives him his first game look at the quarterback he once pursued.
Vizzina has completed 64 of 105 passes for 596 yards, four touchdowns and one interception since arriving at Clemson in 2023, numbers that underscore how much of the Tigers’ passing production rests on his first extended opportunity. Clemson went 7-6 overall and 4-4 in the ACC last season; LSU also went 7-6, finishing 3-5 in the SEC. Clemson lost to LSU at home in last season’s opener.
The rematch kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET in Baton Rouge. Clemson’s decision now rests with Vizzina.
02 · The StakesA First Test With Playoff Stakes
The decision puts Clemson’s quarterback plan and its playoff case on the same first test. Josh Pate’s preseason bracket places Clemson at No. 3 and LSU at No. 8, while the teams enter the matchup ranked No. 23 and No. 11, respectively, in the AFCA Coaches preseason poll and AP Top 25 for LSU. A difficult start in Baton Rouge could expose a quarterback problem for a Clemson team trying to build an early path back to the playoff.
03 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Can Vizzina match his SMU line?
His lone Clemson start produced 29 of 43 passing for 313 yards and three touchdowns.
Does Clemson’s quarterback plan hold up?
A difficult start in Baton Rouge could expose a quarterback problem for a Clemson team trying to build an early path back to the playoff.