Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik recently explained the standard for excellence that the program strives for.
Cade Klubnik Stands Tall
After waiting through the D.J. Uiagalelei era, Cade Klubnik firmly sits at the head of the table, leading the Clemson Tigers. The senior spoke to the Pure Athletes Podcast to discuss a multitude of topics, including what it means to be a Tiger.
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Klubnik’s journey towards the starting spot did not always go smoothly and the road still remains a bit bumpy. Yet, Clemson looks to remain primed for a run at the College Football Playoff.
After winning the ACC a year ago, the team wants a deeper run on their way to a championship.
Klubnik’s Early Ups and Downs
Klubnik’s first prolonged exposure to the game came late in 2022. Facing a competitive North Carolina team that sat in the midst of a collapse, he connected on 83.3% of his passes as the Tigers decimated the Tar Heels 39-10.
The Klubnik era had arrived and all seemed rosy. However, the Orange Bowl proved too much as the Tennessee Volunteers picked off two passes, rolling to a 31-14 victory.
Legendary film character Ferris Bueller hit the nail on the head, stating “life comes at your face.” When many players would slightly wilt from that humbling experience, Klubnik made it a point of emphasis to improve.
After a 4-4 start in 2023, the Tigers, for the first time in years, looked mortal. The media began to throw the proverbial dirt on their legacy, implying maybe Klubnik wasn’t the heir to Tahj Boyd, Deshaun Watson or Trevor Lawrence. However, five wins in a row, including a victory over Kentucky in the Gator Bowl, quieted doubt.
A Strong 2024 Season for Klubnik
Once again, Clemson started the season off with a loss. Last August, Georgia ran the Tigers completely over by a score of 34-3. Klubnik could not get any footing as the Bulldogs’ rush made execution difficult.
Yet, from that point on, the team ran off six-straight wins and their quarterback threw 20 touchdowns to just two interceptions.
Despite losing two of their last five games, the Tigers advanced to the ACC Championship game, facing SMU. With their CFP hopes on the line, Klubnik did not throw a pick and threw four touchdowns as Clemson held on for a 34-31 victory.
Although they lost to Texas in the first round of the CFP, Clemson left the nation with a thought for next season.
Looking Ahead to 2025
In the aforementioned podcast, Klubnik outlined what head coach Dabo Swinney expects out of his players.
Not too long ago, Clemson sat atop the college football world with two championships in a three-year span. Since then, while the team does boast three bowl wins and two CFP appearances, Swinney and Klubnik are striving towards one goal: the national title.
Regardless of if you arrived as a four or five-star recruit, if you don’t meet the standard, you will end up playing elsewhere. To the point that, in the midst of the transfer portal era, Clemson completely revised their recruitment process and are even paying their assistants some of the largest salaries in college football.
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Cade Klubnik truly wants to carry the mantle of his school and lead Clemson back to elite status. With a recent tradition of winning, he understands the task ahead. Beyond that, Swinney desperately wants to compete during the NIL era because if they don’t, Clemson will fall behind and probably never recover.
For all parties involved, 2025 will serve as a pivotal year.
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