Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik enters the 2025 season viewed as a Heisman hopeful and a potential first-round NFL draft pick, with a premier test on the schedule against LSU on August 30 at Memorial Stadium.
After a tumultuous 2023 in which Clemson started 4-4, Klubnik faced intense scrutiny and questions about his future. He resisted the preseason adulation that followed and leaned on the guidance of Tajh Boyd, a former Clemson star quarterback who now serves in an assistant coaching role focused on quarterback development. Boyd has been a steadying influence, drawing on his own experiences under the same pressure Klubnik faced to offer perspective and support.
The rough patch in 2023 was personally challenging for Klubnik. He has said the period when fans urged for benching or a transfer was incredibly tough, sometimes keeping him from leaving his house. The turnaround began in the Gator Bowl, where Klubnik spearheaded a 68-yard, 12-play drive to seal a victory over Kentucky. That performance, and an honest postgame conversation with head coach Dabo Swinney, helped rekindle Klubnik’s confidence and set the tone for Clemson’s rebound in 2024.
Clemson responded with a marked offensive resurgence. The Tigers captured 10 wins, claimed the ACC title, and earned a return to the national spotlight by reaching the College Football Playoff. Offensively, Clemson averaged 34.7 points per game (18th nationally) and 451.9 yards per game (11th), a jump from 2023’s 29.8 points and 402.7 yards per game, underscoring Klubnik’s growing command. Klubnik’s own numbers reflected his development: 3,639 passing yards (10th nationally), 36 passing touchdowns (third), only six interceptions, and 463 rushing yards. His ability to extend plays with his legs and deliver explosive passes helped Clemson secure crucial wins against Virginia Tech, Pitt, and SMU, providing a blueprint for continued success in 2025.
Entering 2025, Klubnik is projected to be among the top players in college football and a potential top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He also stands in a position to surpass several of Tajh Boyd’s school records, including career completion percentage, completions, passing yards, and passing touchdowns, assuming he can stay healthy and productive through a full season. With a seasoned offense and a coaching staff that includes Boyd’s experienced mentorship, Clemson is seen as a strong ACC favorite and a legitimate national championship contender.
No. 6 Clemson’s first test of the season is set for August 30 (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC) against No. 9 LSU at Memorial Stadium, a game that will help set the tone for Klubnik’s Heisman bid and Clemson’s championship ambitions.
Additional insights and context:
– Tajh Boyd’s continued presence in the program as a mentor and developer of quarterbacks is highlighted as a key factor in Klubnik’s maturation, offering perspective from someone who has lived the highs and lows of Clemson’s spotlight.
– The Gator Bowl win is portrayed as a turning point, providing momentum and confidence that carried into the following year.
– If Klubnik maintains this level of performance and leadership, Clemson’s chances to repeat as ACC champions and push again for a national title appear improved, with a schedule that includes high-profile non-conference and ACC matchups.
Summary: The 2025 season positions Cade Klubnik as a marquee quarterback with Heisman potential, backed by a successful 2024 campaign and meaningful mentorship from Tajh Boyd. A challenging early test against LSU will gauge whether Klubnik can sustain growth and Clemson’s trajectory toward national relevance.
Helpful note: This piece emphasizes Klubnik’s resilience and growth, highlighting the impact of mentorship, a pivotal bowl-game performance, and the upward trajectory of Clemson’s offense as the program eyes continued success in 2025. A hopeful takeaway is that the combination of Klubnik’s development and Clemson’s experienced supporting cast could propel them back into national championship conversations.