Cade Klubnik’s rise from a doubted sophomore to a College Football Playoff quarterback has caught the eyes of NFL scouts and analysts alike.
Now, college football insider Todd McShay is making headlines by drawing a direct comparison between Clemson’s 43-touchdown star and Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix, calling Klubnik “a first-round quarterback all day long.”
Todd McShay’s Bold Comparison Suggests Klubnik Mirrors Bo Nix’s Traits, Trajectory
In his latest scouting report, Todd McShay didn’t mince words, writing, “I see a lot of Bo Nix in Cade Klubnik.” The parallels are more than skin deep.
McShay said, “Very similar frame, mobility, creativity, and arm elasticity. Both thrive in chaos but can also operate the offense on time. Klubnik made fewer critical errors in 2024 than Nix did during his final season at Auburn. I’m expecting 2025 to be for Klubnik what 2023 was for Nix in terms of development.”
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The numbers back up the hype. Klubnik finished 2024 with 3,639 passing yards and 36 TDs to just six interceptions. He had a 63.4% completion rate, adding 463 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground for the season.
McShay raves about Klubnik’s arm elasticity, saying, “His ball velocity, like Bo Nix’s, is underrated. Extends a lot of plays but does so with poise…calm in chaos. Embraces the storm. Highly competitive and tough, and he thrives under pressure.”
That calm under fire is a trait that defined Nix’s late college career and rookie NFL season, where he broke records and led the Broncos to the NFL playoffs. McShay believes Klubnik’s improvement from his early-career ups and downs is remarkable. He believes that his functional mobility and calmness in chaos are what separate him from other prospects.
From Doubt to First-Round Buzz as Klubnik’s Breakout Season Shapes What Comes Next
Klubnik’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. After a rocky sophomore year, he entered 2024 with questions about his five-star pedigree. But he silenced critics, leading Clemson to another ACC title and a College Football Playoff berth.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid noted that Klubnik consistently maintains his mechanics while keeping his eyes, feet, and throwing motion aligned while working through his progressions. This highlights his growth as a decision maker.
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Klubnik’s ability to deliver in big moments was on full display in the College Football Playoff, where he threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns against Texas. As McShay put it, “If he can build on a breakout 2024 campaign, he’ll be in the mix to be the first QB off the board next April.”
With Clemson returning its top receivers and Klubnik’s confidence at an all-time high, the stage is set for a Nix-like leap in 2025. NFL teams are already circling, and McShay’s early 2026 mock draft has Klubnik as a top-five pick. If he continues this trajectory, then the Bo Nix comparison might not just be apt—it could be prophetic.
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