Cade Klubnik is entering his third season as Clemson’s starting quarterback as the No. 4 Tigers aim to reestablish themselves as a national-title contender in 2025, while also drawing early buzz as a potential top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
NFL evaluators have not locked in Klubnik as a sure-fire first-rounder, but he’s being watched closely as he develops his game this season. He arrives with 28 career starts, a dual-threat profile that includes the ability to beat defenses with his legs off read-option looks, and a track record that includes 43 touchdowns to six interceptions last season, seven of those rushing scores. Klubnik led Clemson’s offense as the ACC’s top-returning passer last year, piling up 3,639 yards and 36 passing touchdowns, with 463 rushing yards and seven rushing TDs to boot.
There’s a strong sense, too, that Klubnik is one of the most solidified quarterback prospects entering 2025. Analysts have highlighted his accumulated experience, noting he’s already surpassed 1,000 career passing attempts and completed just under 64 percent of his throws last season. His athleticism is a clear asset, with nearly 500 rushing yards in 2024 and the ability to be a quarterbacks’ leader and processor for a loaded Clemson roster. A meaningful test looms early this season in a top-10 showdown, a game that could significantly impact his draft trajectory.
Clemson’s offense isn’t betting on just one target. Klubnik has a trusted option in wide receiver Antonio Williams, who figures to be a primary playmaker in the passing game as the quarterback continues to grow into more NFL-caliber throws downfield.
Looking ahead, the Tigers face a tough opening schedule with a marquee matchup against LSU that will test Klubnik’s ability to deliver accurate downfield passes while managing the pace of a fast, multi-faceted Clemson offense. If Klubnik can translate his college success into more consistent power throws and keep his decision-making clean, he could solidify himself as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 draft.
What to watch this season:
– Downfield accuracy and ball placement on tight windows.
– How Clemson leverages Klubnik’s dual-threat ability within the offense.
– Development of timing with Williams and Clemson’s other weapons.
– Ability to protect the ball in high-leverage moments and translate rush yards into sustained drives.
Overall, Klubnik enters a pivotal year with a chance to elevate Clemson back into national-title contention while boosting his NFL prospects through refined passing mechanics, leadership, and continued production. If he continues to progress, the 2025 season could be the stepping stone toward a prominent 2026 draft showing and a continued rise for Clemson on the national stage.
Additional notes and context:
– Clemson’s supporting cast, including a strong receiving corps and improved offensive line play, will be key to maximizing Klubnik’s decision-making and accuracy.
– Early-season tests will help gauge how much he has grown from his 2024 numbers and how quickly Clemson can translate that growth into consistent, explosive performances.