The college football season kicks off with an exciting matchup as LSU welcomes the Clemson Tigers on Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. This game will feature two quarterbacks looking to make their mark: Clemson's Christopher Vizzina and LSU's Sam Leavitt.
Christopher Vizzina, a first-year starter for Clemson, has been with the program for three seasons, primarily serving as a backup to Cade Klubnik. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 210 pounds, Vizzina possesses the physical attributes desired in a quarterback. However, his performance in limited action during the 2025 season raises questions about his readiness to lead the Tigers.
In 2025, Vizzina's average depth of target was a modest 6.8 yards, indicating a conservative approach to passing. With the return of Chad Morris as offensive coordinator, who previously held the same role at Clemson in 2012, the offensive strategy remains uncertain. Morris has not called plays since his tenure at Auburn in 2020, leaving fans curious about how he will adapt to the current roster and Vizzina's skill set.
Vizzina's experience from last season includes appearances in four games, with one start against SMU, where he threw for 317 yards and three touchdowns, completing 69% of his passes. While those numbers are impressive, they came against one of the weaker pass defenses in the country. The pressure he faced during that game, with 21 pressures and five sacks, illustrates the challenges he may encounter against a more formidable opponent.
Another key statistic for Vizzina is his Turnover-Worthy Plays (TWP), which improved over the course of the season. He started with four TWPs in his first game against North Carolina and ended with none in his final appearance against Furman. This trend suggests a quarterback who is learning to manage risk effectively, finishing the season with just one interception. However, his lack of Big-Time Throws—only two in 71 attempts—raises concerns about his willingness to make aggressive plays downfield.
On the opposite sideline, LSU's Sam Leavitt is set to showcase his talents after a challenging season at Arizona State. Leavitt, who is returning from a Lisfranc injury that sidelined him for part of the previous season, has significant experience, having played in several high-stakes games. In 2024, he led a Big 12 Championship team, throwing for 2,800 yards and 24 touchdowns against just six interceptions.
Despite his success, Leavitt faced considerable adversity, including being pressured 143 times and sacked 19 times in 15 games during 2024. His performance in 2025, although limited to seven games, saw an increase in Big-Time Throws, totaling 18 compared to 13 in the previous year. However, he also recorded 12 Turnover-Worthy Plays in that span, highlighting the need for context regarding his offensive line's struggles and play-calling decisions.
Leavitt's PFF grade dropped from an impressive 90.1 in 2024 to 76.4 in 2025, a decline that reflects the overall system's issues rather than his individual performance. With a new coaching staff led by Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr., along with an influx of talent, Leavitt has the opportunity to redefine his career at LSU.
This upcoming game against Clemson is not just a chance for Leavitt to shine in front of the home crowd in Baton Rouge but also an opportunity to establish himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in college football. As both quarterbacks prepare for this pivotal matchup, fans will be eager to see how their respective journeys unfold on the field.
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