Clemson football dropped five spots to No. 24 in USA TODAY Sports' post-spring top 25 rankings. Concerns include the absence of quarterback Cade Klubnik and reliance on newcomer Christopher Vizzina.
Key points
Clemson football dropped to No. 24 in rankings
Cade Klubnik is not on campus
Christopher Vizzina is acclimating to the starting role
Florida State and Houston are ranked above Clemson
Rankings reflect concerns from spring practice
Mentioned in this story
Dabo SwinneyCade KlubnikChristopher VizzinaUSA TODAY SportsPaul MyerbergErick Smith
Clemson TigersFlorida StateHouston Cougars
Spring practice concluded this month across college football, and national experts are reevaluating teams based on where they stood in January during the NCAA transfer portal window.
USA TODAY Sports is doing the same with its post-spring top 25 rankings this week, the first batch released by veteran college football reporter and analyst Paul Myerberg since his initial way-too-early rankings the day after the College Football Playoff National Championship.
The Clemson Tigers saw one of the biggest drops in USA TODAY's rankings. Dabo Swinney's team fell five spots to No. 24. The Tigers are ranked below No. 22 Florida State and one spot behind the Houston Cougars. Clemson edged Boise State for the second to last spot in the rankings.
Myerberg and analyst Erick Smith outlined their concerns for Clemson as it heads into the summer.
"No Cade Klubnik on campus and no quarterback from the transfer portal means this spring was all about giving time to Christopher Vizzina to get acclimated to the starting role with new offensive coordinator Chad Morris."
Vizzina made one start for Clemson in 2025 and looked serviceable in the Tigers' 35-24 loss to SMU on Oct. 18. He completed 29 of 42 passes for 317 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
He enters his redshirt junior season in 2026 having thrown 105 career passes for 596 yards, four touchdowns and one interception overall. Vizzina was a four-star recruit out of Briarwood Christian in Birmingham in the class of 2023. He chose the Tigers over in-state foe Auburn as well as in the SEC.
Q&A
Why did Clemson football drop in the rankings after spring practice?
Clemson dropped due to concerns about their quarterback situation and overall performance during spring practice.
Who is the new starting quarterback for Clemson football?
Christopher Vizzina is expected to take on the starting role as Cade Klubnik is not on campus.
What position did Clemson football rank in the USA TODAY Sports post-spring rankings?
Clemson football is currently ranked No. 24 in the USA TODAY Sports post-spring top 25 rankings.
Which teams are ranked above Clemson in the post-spring rankings?
Florida State is ranked No. 22 and Houston is one spot ahead of Clemson at No. 23.
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There's some good news for Clemson, though. For Myerberg and Smith, it starts with the returns of talented receivers Bryant Wesco and TJ Moore.
"Wesco and Moore look poised to have big seasons if Vizzina can deliver the ball. The portal brought in reinforcements for the defense -- notably lineman Markus Strong (Oklahoma) and defensive back Elliot Washington II (Penn State) -- to join a group led by standout linebacker Sammy Brown. But thereâs still overall questions about this rosterâs ability to push for a playoff spot."
Wesco suffered a season-ending back injury on a punt return in the Tigers' loss to SMU, but he expects to be healthy in 2026. Moore led all receivers with 837 yards while starting all 13 games. Both Wesco and Moore were highly coveted five-star recruits in the class of 2024.
The only team that fell further than Clemson in USA TODAY Sports' rankings from January was Texas Tech. The Red Raiders dropped eight spots to No. 15.
Florida State over Clemson football in ACC post-spring rankings?
As for what puts Florida State -- a program without a winning season since 2023 and a head coach on the hottest of seats in Mike Norvell -- ahead of Clemson in USA TODAY Sports' post-spring rankings, Myerberg wrote:
"The quarterback competition in the spring was won by Auburn transfer Ashton Daniels, settling one question. Others remain with the offensive line still unsettled after a wave of transfers. Things are more sorted on the defensive side of the ball with coordinator Tony White entering his second season. Daniel Lyons emerged as the leader on a young defensive line that has showed promise. Norvell has been positive about the linebacker group that welcomed transfer Chris Jones (Southern Mississippi). JaâBrilRawls is the standout in the secondary that has several returning pieces."
The Tigers finished the 2025 season 7-6 overall after a No. 4 preseason ranking in the AP Top 25 poll. Florida State suffered its second straight losing season with a 5-7 finish in 2025. Clemson defeated the Seminoles for the ninth time in the series' last 10 meetings, 24-10, on Nov. 8 in Death Valley.
Ranking 2026 ACC football teams after spring practice
Miami Hurricanes helmets sit on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Hurricanes helmets sit on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The ACC had four teams in the top 25 of USA TODAY Sports' post-spring rankings. Here's a look at which teams were ranked, and where.
Clemson running back Gideon Davidson (8) runs during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) after the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) gets ready to pass near running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) throws near running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) runs near Clemson linebacker Fletcher Cothran (50) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson wide receiver Naeem Burroughs(0) lines up for a play during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) runs during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson kicker Robert Gunn III (38) during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) gets ready to pass near running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown (47) hits Clemson receiver Clark Sanderson (20) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson offensive lineman Brayden Jacobs (74) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Brock Bradley (5) passes during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Brock Bradley (5) hands off to Clemson running back Max Wilson (34) during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Trent Pearman (14) passes during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson cornerback Marcell Gipson Jr (25) tackles Clemson receiver Tyler Brown (6) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson receiver Jalen Brown-Wallace (86) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson wide receiver Naeem Burroughs (0) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson offensive lineman Ronan O'Connell (77) and offensive lineman Harris Sewell (55) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson defensive end Patrick Swygert (97) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson linebacker Fletcher Cothran (50) and Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) greet each other after the coin toss before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson running back David Eziomume (24) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson receiver Tyler Brown (6) runs near Clemson cornerback Misun Kelley (10) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and receiver Clark Sanderson (20) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson wide receiver Gordon Sellars III (19) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) scores during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson offensive lineman Braden Wilmes (79) and Clemson defensive end Armon Mason (34) during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) listens to Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson running back Gideon Davidson (8) runs near wide receiver Gordon Sellars III (19) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson offensive lineman Elijah Thurmon (52) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson running back Gideon Davidson (8) runs during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson running back Gideon Davidson (8) runs during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) after the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) gets ready to pass near running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) throws near running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) runs near Clemson linebacker Fletcher Cothran (50) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
6 / 32
Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson wide receiver Naeem Burroughs(0) lines up for a play during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) runs during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson kicker Robert Gunn III (38) during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) gets ready to pass near running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown (47) hits Clemson receiver Clark Sanderson (20) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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ESPN makes predictions for Clemsonâs next man up after NFL Draft
Clemson offensive lineman Brayden Jacobs (74) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Brock Bradley (5) passes during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Brock Bradley (5) hands off to Clemson running back Max Wilson (34) during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Trent Pearman (14) passes during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson cornerback Marcell Gipson Jr (25) tackles Clemson receiver Tyler Brown (6) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson receiver Jalen Brown-Wallace (86) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson wide receiver Naeem Burroughs (0) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson offensive lineman Ronan O'Connell (77) and offensive lineman Harris Sewell (55) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson defensive end Patrick Swygert (97) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson linebacker Fletcher Cothran (50) and Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) greet each other after the coin toss before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson running back David Eziomume (24) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson receiver Tyler Brown (6) runs near Clemson cornerback Misun Kelley (10) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and receiver Clark Sanderson (20) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson wide receiver Gordon Sellars III (19) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) scores during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson offensive lineman Braden Wilmes (79) and Clemson defensive end Armon Mason (34) during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) listens to Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson running back Gideon Davidson (8) runs near wide receiver Gordon Sellars III (19) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson offensive lineman Elijah Thurmon (52) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
