Quarterback vacuum at ACC Kickoff
The annual ACC Kickoff in Charlotte will showcase Clemson’s rising stars, but the usual presence of a quarterback will be missing for the first time since 2019.
Linebacker Sammy Brown, defensive end Will Heldt and tight end Olsen Patt‑Henry are slated to appear, each bringing distinct storylines that could shape the Tigers’ outlook.
Brown, a 2025 ACC defensive rookie of the year, earned All‑America honors after a breakout season, while Heldt arrived from Purdue where he posted 46 tackles and 7.5 sacks in his inaugural year with the Tigers.
Patt‑Henry, a first‑year starter at tight end, caught 16 passes for 126 yards, hinting at a versatile weapon in Clemson’s offense.
Head coach Dabo Swinney, now in his 17th season, faces a pivotal decision at quarterback, with Christopher Vizzina and Tait Reynolds emerging as the leading candidates to fill the void.
The three‑day event, held at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown, also features other ACC programs such as Boston College, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Syracuse and Virginia Tech, underscoring its role in promoting the conference’s narrative.
Clemson hopes to rebound from a 7‑6 record in 2025 and restore its national standing, a goal that will be tested when the new faces take the stage in Charlotte.