Clemson coach Dabo Swinney did not hesitate to name D.J. Uiagalelei as his starting quarterback on Saturday afternoon.

“DJ’s our starter,” Swinney told reporters after the Tigers’ spring game. “He’s not done anything to not be our starter.”

Uiagalelei has been in competition with incoming 5-star freshman Cade Klubnik, who had a nice day in his spring game debut on Saturday.

Last season, Uiagalelei started every game for the Tigers but wasn’t always effective. He finished the year with the worst passer efficiency of any ACC quarterback.

However, there were signs of growth from Uiagalelei at Clemson’s spring game on Saturday. His footwork appeared to be improved and he was more mobile than at certain times last year. He also made a couple nice downfield throws.

He finished 17-of-36 for 175 yards. He led one scoring drive, which Phil Mafah capped off with a rushing touchdown.

Klubnik will presumably have his chance to play this season if Uiagalelei struggles again. Unlike last year — when Clemson opened the season vs. Georgia — the Tigers have a relatively slow start to the 2022 campaign. The Tigers’ game vs. NC State on Oct. 1 is expected to be their first ranked matchup of the season.

Clemson faces Georgia Tech on Sept. 5.