CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina is listed as a game-time decision for Saturday’s ACC opener against North Carolina at Memorial Stadium, following a late-week downgrade in his availability status.
Vizzina was initially listed as probable on Wednesday and Thursday before being downgraded to questionable Friday night. His status was shifted to a game-time decision ahead of Saturday’s noon kickoff on ESPN.
Quarterback Depth Chart Shifts
True freshman Tait Reynolds was listed as the starting quarterback on Monday’s depth chart release, with Vizzina designated as the backup. While Clemson did not list an official third-string signal-caller, former walk-on Trent Pearman remains the primary candidate behind Reynolds and Vizzina.
Vizzina began the 2026 season as Clemson’s primary starter before sharing snaps in Week 2 against Georgia Southern. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney reported that Vizzina suffered a non-throwing-arm injury during that contest, noting the senior felt numbness in the arm before exiting.
Through two games this season, Vizzina has completed 14 of 23 passes for 102 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Pearman enters Saturday having completed 4 of 10 career passes for 43 yards alongside 17 rushing yards on five attempts across 33 career snaps. He previously saw action late in Clemson’s 38-10 victory over North Carolina last season.
North Carolina Defensive Injury Note
On the opposing sideline, North Carolina confirmed that defensive lineman Melkhart Abou Jaoude will miss Saturday’s contest. Abou Jaoude, a key piece of the Tar Heels’ front seven, has registered 11.5 sacks over the past two seasons.
