What is Cade Klubnik’s Status?

Last week in the win against Boston College, quarterback Cade Klubnik suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter. Klubnik was then ruled out for the rest of that game. Early in the week, it was believed the injury would not keep Klubnik out of the ACC Championship rematch on Saturday. As gameday approached, though, the senior quarterback’s status for the game became questionable.

He did not practice on Monday and was limited for the rest of the week. It is unlikely he will be able to go today. Preparations have been made throughout the week in this case.

Who Steps In?

With Klubnik out, backup quarterback Christopher Vizzina will get his first start for the Tigers. Vizzina was a former 5-star recruit in the 2023 class. He redshirted his freshman year and became the full-time backup in 2024.

In his limited playing time last season, Vizzina completed 19 of his 34 pass attempts for 190 yards. He also ran the ball 13 times for 68 yards and a touchdown. The 6’4 210 210-pound quarterback has also seen a bit of action this season. In three appearances in 2025, Vizzina has completed 50% of his passes for 37 yards and one interception. Vizzina’s last outing was in the BC game after Klubnik left the game with his injury. He threw just three passes in that game and completed one.

The redshirt sophomore has many tools that Clemson fans have been excited to see on display in meaningful snaps. But, from the minimal snaps taken, it is hard to say if Vizzina is going to be ready for the moment. He has taken many more reps with the first-team this week in practice to prepare for this game, though.

Vizzina needs to rely on his athleticism and the weapons around him to make plays through the game. Vizzina will get his chance today to prove he is unquestionably the future quarterback for Clemson.

How Clemson Handles Business Without Klbunik

Without Klubnik this weekend, the run game will be incredibly important for Clemson. Moving the ball on the ground will help take pressure off Vizzina. Running the ball well, then working in some play action early on, should get Vizzina comfortable and help him get into a rhythm.

Offensive Coordinator Garrett Riley is going to have to get a bit creative against the fourth-best run defense in the ACC. He’s got to get his offense to stretch the field with some jet sweeps and other outside runs. This should keep outside defenders widened out from the box, then you let Adam Randall and Gideon Davidson run it between the tackles.

Make the defensive backs commit to the running game as well, to open up the passing game. Get the defensive backfield to step into the box with great play action fakes and see if Vizzzina can make the plays the defense gives him. We’ve talked about how undisciplined the Mustangs’ defensive backs’ eyes are. The Tigers should still be able to take advantage of that, even with more of a reliance on the ground game to help their first-time starter.