Clemson Football QB Commit Tait Reynolds Shines at 2025 Elite 11 Finals
The Elite 11 Finals, widely regarded as the premier high school quarterback camp in the nation, once again showcased the country’s top young signal-callers in Los Angeles from June 17-19, 2025. Among the standout performers was Clemson’s 2026 quarterback commit, Tait Reynolds, a four-star prospect from Queen Creek, Arizona. Reynolds, who has been committed to the Tigers since July 2024, turned heads with his performance at the Elite 11 regionals and earned a coveted invitation to the finals, solidifying his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 recruiting class. Adding to the Clemson connection, current Tigers starting quarterback Cade Klubnik, the 2021 Elite 11 MVP, returned to the event as a counselor, mentoring the next wave of quarterback talent, including Reynolds.
Tait Reynolds’ Performance at the 2025 Elite 11 Finals
Tait Reynolds, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound pro-style quarterback, demonstrated why Clemson’s coaching staff, led by head coach Dabo Swinney and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, targeted him early in the recruiting process. At the Elite 11 regionals earlier this year, Reynolds was named one of the top performers by On3’s Charles Power, showcasing his accuracy, arm strength, and dual-threat capabilities. His performance earned him a spot among the 20 quarterbacks invited to the Elite 11 Finals at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, California.
During the finals, Reynolds continued to impress. On Night 2 of the event, he was noted for completing 17 of 20 passes during the Pro Day workout, displaying pinpoint accuracy and poise under pressure. His ability to compete against elite competition, including five-star prospects like Faizon Brandon (Tennessee commit) and Keisean Henderson (Houston commit), highlighted his potential as a future star for Clemson. While Reynolds is ranked as the No. 18 quarterback in the 2026 class by On3’s Industry Ranking, his performance at the Elite 11 Finals suggests he could climb higher as he continues to develop.
Reynolds’ junior season stats at Queen Creek High School further underscore his talent. He completed 62% of his passes for 2,238 yards, throwing 22 touchdowns against just five interceptions. As a dual-threat quarterback, he also rushed for 1,437 yards and 19 touchdowns, averaging 10.4 yards per carry. His versatility and athleticism make him an ideal fit for Clemson’s offensive system, which has thrived under mobile quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence and Deshaun Watson.
Reynolds’ invitation to the Elite 11 Finals was a testament to his rapid rise. After decommitting from Arizona State’s baseball program, he caught Clemson’s attention at the Dabo Swinney Camp in June 2024, earning an offer just three days later. His commitment to the Tigers followed shortly after, choosing Clemson over a host of Power Four programs, including Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Miami, Tennessee, and Florida State. Reynolds’ performance at the Elite 11 Finals, combined with his visit to Clemson for the Elite Retreat in January 2025, reinforces his status as a cornerstone of the Tigers’ 2026 recruiting class.
Cade Klubnik’s Role as a Counselor
Adding a layer of prestige to Clemson’s presence at the 2025 Elite 11 Finals was the participation of current starting quarterback Cade Klubnik as a camp counselor. Klubnik, a senior and 2025 Heisman Trophy contender, is no stranger to the Elite 11 stage. In 2021, he was named the event’s MVP, outshining a talented field that included Ohio State’s Quinn Ewers and Penn State’s Drew Allar. His experience as a competitor and now as a mentor underscores Clemson’s strong quarterback tradition.
Klubnik, who threw for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns in the 2024 season, returned to the Elite 11 to guide young quarterbacks, including Reynolds. His presence provided a unique opportunity for Reynolds to learn from a player who has navigated the pressures of being Clemson’s QB1. Klubnik’s mentorship focused on sharing insights from his own development, emphasizing leadership, decision-making, and the intangibles that separate good quarterbacks from great ones. Posts on X highlighted Klubnik’s involvement, with Clemson fan accounts like
@clemson_bias celebrating his role in mentoring the next generation, including their prized 2026 commit.
Klubnik’s journey from Elite 11 MVP to Clemson’s starting quarterback serves as an inspiration for Reynolds. With Klubnik entering his final season in 2025, Reynolds is positioned to compete for the starting role in the coming years, potentially as early as 2027, depending on the development of other quarterbacks in Clemson’s room, like Christopher Vizzina and Brock Bradley.
The Elite 11: A Legacy of Developing Elite Quarterbacks
Since its inception in 1999, the Elite 11 has been the gold standard for identifying and developing the nation’s top high school quarterbacks. Held annually, the event brings together 20 of the best prospects for three days of intense competition, advanced coaching, and holistic development. The finals feature a combination of on-field drills, classroom instruction, and seven-on-seven tournaments, culminating in the selection of an MVP and a final roster of 11 quarterbacks.
The Elite 11’s alumni list reads like a who’s who of college and NFL stars. Notable participants include Carson Palmer, Andrew Luck, Matthew Stafford, Tim Tebow, and more recently, Trevor Lawrence, C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, and Jayden Daniels. Clemson has a storied history with the event, with quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence, Deshaun Watson, Cade Klubnik, and Christopher Vizzina all participating. Watson and Lawrence went on to lead Clemson to national championships, while Klubnik earned MVP honors in 2021. Vizzina, a 2023 commit, was named to the Elite 11 roster in 2022, further cementing Clemson’s reputation for attracting top quarterback talent.
The Elite 11’s rigorous evaluation process, which includes 50% junior year film and 50% in-person performance, ensures that only the most promising quarterbacks earn recognition. The event’s ability to identify future stars is unmatched, with over a dozen of the top 20 quarterbacks in On3’s final rankings for recent classes having competed in the finals. For Reynolds, participating in the 2025 Elite 11 Finals was not only a chance to showcase his skills but also an opportunity to learn from elite coaches and compete against the best, preparing him for the challenges of college football.
Clemson’s Quarterback Future
Tait Reynolds’ performance at the 2025 Elite 11 Finals signals a bright future for Clemson’s quarterback position. With Cade Klubnik providing mentorship and a proven track record of success, Reynolds is in good hands as he prepares to join the Tigers. His dual-threat ability, combined with his Elite 11 experience, positions him as a potential successor to Klubnik, who has elevated Clemson’s offense in recent years.
Clemson’s quarterback room remains in strong shape, with Reynolds joined by three-star commit Brock Bradley in the 2026 class and Christopher Vizzina waiting in the wings. Coach Dabo Swinney’s ability to develop quarterbacks, from Tajh Boyd to Deshaun Watson to Trevor Lawrence, bodes well for Reynolds’ future. As he continues to refine his skills, his Elite 11 performance serves as a reminder that Clemson has secured another gem at the quarterback position.
The 2025 Elite 11 Finals not only highlighted Tait Reynolds’ potential but also reinforced Clemson’s legacy of producing elite quarterbacks. With Klubnik’s guidance and the program’s storied history, Reynolds is poised to carry the torch for the Tigers in the years to come.
