Clemson football Orange and White Spring Game shows Tigers’ potential
Spring ball wrapped up in Death Valley on Saturday, but the biggest takeaway had little to do with the final score. Clemson football’s new-look quarterback room took center stage, and one newcomer made a strong early impression.
Freshman Tait Reynolds didn’t wait long to stand out. Rotating in early with both units, he showed command of the offense and looked comfortable running things. His best stretch came on a first-quarter drive where he guided a nine-play march that covered more than half the field. Later, he found the end zone himself, keeping the ball on a short run to finish off another scoring drive. He ended the day completing six of eight throws for 68 yards, adding a rushing touchdown to go with it. It’s early, but he looks like a clear option behind Christopher Vizzina heading into the summer.
Vizzina, meanwhile, delivered a steady performance. The redshirt junior mixed in several solid throws and connected for a touchdown on a well-placed fade to freshman receiver Gordon Sellars, who hauled it in with one hand near the sideline. Vizzina finished 10-of-18 for 95 yards, showing flashes while also missing a few opportunities downfield. Overall, it was the kind of outing you’d expect from a veteran still working through spring timing.
The rest of the quarterback group saw limited success. Chris Denson didn’t enter until after halftime and struggled to generate much offense, finishing with just a couple of completions and taking a sack. Clemson rotated multiple quarterbacks throughout the day, but the top two clearly separated themselves.
As for the game itself, the Orange squad controlled things from start to finish. With a deeper group on both sides, they had the advantage early and never let up in a 23-3 win. The offense featured a mix of established names and young playmakers, while the defense consistently disrupted the White team’s rhythm.
Pressure was a major factor all afternoon. Clemson’s defenses combined for double-digit sacks, making it tough for either offense to settle in. The White team, in particular, had no answer up front and finished with negative rushing yards. On the other side, running back Gideon Davidson provided a spark, breaking off several strong runs and finishing with 80 yards, including a long gain that helped flip field position.
There were also some lighter moments thanks to Dabo Swinney, who stayed heavily involved throughout the scrimmage. With a microphone in hand, he coached in real time, pointed out mistakes, and even circled back to retry a missed field goal late in the game. Kicker Nolan Hauser had an uneven afternoon, missing from distance twice before closing things out with a long make to end the day.
A few young players also caught attention. Sellars showed flashes despite an early mistake, and transfer additions on defense brought noticeable size and athleticism. Tight end Christian Bentancur and receiver Tyler Brown were among the more consistent pass catchers, while the defense was led by a disruptive front that lived in the backfield.
The format moved quickly, with a running clock after the first quarter and a brief halftime, giving the whole event more of a controlled scrimmage feel than a full game.
Now the focus shifts ahead. Clemson will regroup over the summer before returning for fall camp, with the season opener set for early September on the road at LSU .
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson football’s Orange and White Spring Game 2026 recap
