Cade Klubnik Makes Bold Claim as He Wholeheartedly Endorses Clemson

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dean Koutouratsas | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 4:22 PM ET

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, who has spent three seasons with the school is embracing what it means to be a Tiger.

Klubnik, 21, spoke with On3 podcast hosts Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman during an interview on Tuesday about the player and career development he’s undergone with Clemson.

“I think that I’m kind of the epitome of the word development,” he said. “When [I was] coming out of high school, I was waiting to go to a great culture, but overall, I want to leave the school better than when I got there.”

Klubnik struggled in his first two seasons under head coach Dabo Swinney. For instance, as a freshman in 2022-23, he appeared in 10 games and only threw for two touchdowns against three interceptions.

“You want to go somewhere that you’re going to develop,” Klubnik added. “I was good my freshman year.”

In his sophomore season in 2023-24, he appeared in all 13 of the Tigers' games and led them to a 9-3 record. He improved that season by throwing for 2,844 yards and 19 touchdowns against nine interceptions but struggled against ACC rivals such as Florida State, Miami, Duke and NC State.

However, the rough second season didn’t ruin Klubnik’s relationship with the Tigers and instead helped him evolve going into his junior season.

“I wasn’t very good my sophomore year, but I just stuck with it,” he continued. “And what Clemson’s done with me is develop me. They’ve got me better.”

In his third season under Swinney, Klubnik helped the Tigers go 10-4 and make the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoffs. He passed for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns against six interceptions last season.

Klubnik credits the Tigers for helping him develop and put together the strong third season.

“If I’m a quarterback and I want to get better, Clemson’s that place to do it,” he concluded. “They’re known for making players better. I feel like [it’s about] getting better and taking a stride every year.”

Following the impressive junior season, Klubnik plans to play his final season in Clemson before most likely declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft next winter.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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