Getty Image / Don Juan Moore
We’ve seen this situation play out before at Clemson.
Back in 2017, Kelly Bryant took over as the starting quarterback for the Clemson Tigers after Deshaun Watson left for the NFL Draft. Bryant led the Tigers to the College Football Playoff, but fell short against Alabama in the semifinal. After that season, Clemson brought in a hugely hyped recruit at quarterback.
Bryant started the first 4 games in 2018 before being replaced by Trevor Lawrence who went on to have his own memorable Clemson carrier.
When Lawrence left Clemson for the draft, it left DJ Uiagalelei as the heir apparent at QB. In his first year as the starter, the team struggled and missed the Playoff. In the offseason, Clemson added the top quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class.
Through the first 7 games of the season, Uiagalelei showed a lot of improvement and led Clemson to an undefeated record, but there were a number of fans waiting to see him replaced by Cade Klubnik.
Today, Clemson struggled early in a pivotal home matchup against Syracuse. Uiagalelei threw a pair of interceptions in the game and the offense only produced 10 points in the first 2 and a half quarters.
After his second interception of the game, Uiagalelei was replaced by Klubnik with 4:44 left in the 3rd quarter and Clemson trailing 21-10.
Clemson replaces DJ Uiagalelei after rough performance against Syracuse
DJ Uiagalelei has been benched by Clemson and the No. 1 QB in the 2022 class, Cade Klubnik, has come into the game pic.twitter.com/DNMHACdEzT
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 22, 2022
Klubnik wasted no time making his mark, immediately leading Clemson on a scoring drive to get the Tigers within 5 points.
It is not clear yet if this will be a permanent change, but this is a major development for a team that is still very much in the hunt for a spot in the College Football Playoff.