Cade Klubnik’s arrival at Clemson generated high expectations, as he was seen as the next great quarterback in the school’s storied history. Now entering his fourth year, Klubnik remains at the top of his class, cementing his status as one of the best quarterbacks in college football. As he gears up for the 2025 season, the spotlight is on the challenges that lie ahead.
Cade Klubnik’s Consistent Success In This Season
Since joining Clemson, Klubnik has been positioned as the future of the Tigers’ football program. His background as a five-star recruit from Austin, Texas, set the stage for what was expected to be a highly successful college career. With comparisons to Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence, the bar was set high.
Klubnik’s status as the top QB from the 2022 recruiting class has remained intact, according to a recent ranking by The Athletic. Though Penn State’s Drew Allar was a competitor for the top spot, Klubnik’s performance over the last few seasons, including his leadership and production, earned him the No. 1 spot. The Athletic stated:
“There was some debate about Klubnik versus Drew Allar for the top spot, but Klubnik took a positive step forward this season.”
In the 2024 season, Klubnik’s numbers were exceptional. He passed for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. Along with his passing ability, he also contributed on the ground, rushing for 463 yards and seven scores.
His performances in both the ACC Championship and the College Football Playoff against Texas further demonstrated his ability to play under pressure. The Athletic mentioned that “Klubnik’s performance in that game was better than any Allar performance against an elite defense,” reinforcing his place at the top of the rankings.
Throughout his time at Clemson, Klubnik has shown considerable growth, both in his skills and leadership. His stats highlight his development: 659 completions on 1,040 attempts, 7,180 yards, 57 touchdowns, and just 18 interceptions over his first three seasons. His rushing ability has also been a major factor in his overall impact, with 784 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Klubnik’s versatility as both a passer and a runner has placed him in the top ranks of Clemson quarterbacks. His leadership on the field has been equally impressive, playing a major role in leading the Tigers to the ACC Championship in 2024.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has praised Klubnik’s growth, calling him “everything you want in a quarterback.” Swinney pointed out that in 2024, “What we saw in 2024 was a guy who took control of this team and led them to another ACC title.”
Klubnik’s ability to handle pressure and execute in big games has been one of his standout qualities. His consistent improvement and leadership have made him not just an elite quarterback, but also a key figure in the Tigers’ success. His presence on the field has set the standard for what is expected of a Clemson quarterback.
Klubnik Looking Ahead to 2025
As Klubnik enters the 2025 season, he will face new challenges that could test his abilities further. Clemson will once again be in the hunt for a national title, and with that comes a demanding schedule. One of the most anticipated games of the season will be against SMU on Oct. 18 at Death Valley.
SMU QB Kevin Jennings has been gaining attention as one of the top-rising quarterbacks in college football. Jennings, who entered the 2024 season ranked No. 95 in The Athletic’s quarterback rankings, saw a dramatic improvement, climbing to No. 4 after his impressive season.
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Taking over as SMU’s starting quarterback, he threw for 3,245 yards and 23 touchdowns, leading the Mustangs to the ACC Championship Game and a College Football Playoff appearance.
Despite a rough end to the season, where he threw three interceptions in a first-round loss to Penn State, Jennings’ rise has positioned him as one of the most intriguing quarterbacks heading into 2025.
Jennings’ rapid ascent makes the upcoming matchup between him and Klubnik a key moment in the season. This game could have major implications for both teams and will likely showcase the skills of two of the top quarterbacks in the country. While Klubnik has already established himself as one of the best, Jennings’ progress will make for an exciting and competitive showdown.
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