Swinney Named Pearman as Backup for Miami Game
Dabo Swinney confirmed that Trent Pearman will serve as Clemson's immediate backup quarterback against Miami.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Do you believe coaches should prioritize player health over official depth chart rankings?
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney announced that Trent Pearman will serve as the immediate backup quarterback for the upcoming game against Miami. While Christopher Vizzina remains listed as the official No. 2 on the depth chart, he is currently managing a left elbow injury.
Why it matters
The team is adjusting its rotation to account for the health of Christopher Vizzina ahead of a high-stakes matchup against the fourth-ranked Hurricanes. Ensuring a healthy option is ready to take the field behind starter Tait Reynolds is a critical priority for the coaching staff.
Trent Pearman has logged 4-of-10 completions for 43 passing yards and 17 rushing yards in six career appearances. In high school, he achieved a 24-0 record with 6,555 total passing yards and 80 touchdowns.
The players
Dabo Swinney
Dabo Swinney serves as the head football coach at Clemson University.
Trent Pearman
Trent Pearman is a backup quarterback for Clemson who joined the team as a walk-on in 2022.
Christopher Vizzina
Christopher Vizzina is an official second-string quarterback for the team who is currently recovering from an elbow injury.
Tait Reynolds
Tait Reynolds has served as the starting quarterback for Clemson since Week 3 of the current season.
Miami Hurricanes
The Miami Hurricanes are a major college football program currently holding a top-five national ranking.
The details
Trent Pearman, a walk-on who joined the program in 2022, will be prepared to take over the offense should starter Tait Reynolds leave Saturday's game. Christopher Vizzina remains technically available to play if needed, despite his injury.
Timeline
Trent Pearman joined the program as a walk-on in 2022.
Dabo Swinney provided the latest update on the quarterback rotation on September 30, 2026.
Clemson hosts the Miami Hurricanes at Memorial Stadium on October 3, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Season Trajectory
The staff is prioritizing depth as they navigate a challenging stretch of the season against ranked opponents. This adjustment ensures the team remains competitive in the division standings while managing the health status of its roster during the pivotal October schedule.
The immediate consequence of this decision is that Trent Pearman will take the snaps if Tait Reynolds is sidelined during the Miami game. This shift impacts the team's offensive contingency plan as they face the fourth-ranked Hurricanes in a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
The takeaway
Maintaining depth at the quarterback position is a necessary strategy for teams dealing with in-season injury management. Fans and observers should look for how these rotation changes affect the team's ability to maintain offensive rhythm during high-pressure conference matchups.
Further reading
Find more coverage of the program in the Football section.
Live Poll
Do you believe coaches should prioritize player health over official depth chart rankings?
