Clemson's Swinney names Kelly Bryant starting QB

The quarterback battle at Clemson has come to an end, as head coach Dabo Swinney announced Monday that Kelly Bryant will be the Tigers' starting quarterback to open the season.

"We have named Kelly the starter. He's earned it," Swinney confirmed. "He's going to be our starter and we're excited about that ... It's been a really good spirited competition, but this part of the competition's over, and Kelly won it. It's just that simple."

Bryant had previously been in competition with redshirt freshman Zerrick Cooper and true freshman Hunter Johnson for the top spot. Swinney also confirmed Cooper will open as No. 2, while Johnson will open at No. 3.

Swinney previously stated on Aug. 15 that there was "no question" Bryant was atop the depth chart at that time. Bryant played sparingly over the past two seasons behind Deshaun Watson, completing 13-of-18 passes for 75 yards and a lone touchdown over that span.