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Cade Klubnik Stays at Clemson While Top QBs Jump to the Portal Why It Matters

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Lockett | Last updated Apr 15, 2025 12:00 PM ET

Clemson’s starting quarterback, Cade Klubnik, offered a measured yet candid response when asked this spring about the impact of the transfer portal on college football.

“Being able to stay here for three years has been a huge blessing,” Klubnik said. “Just seeing a lot of the guys I played with in Elite 11... I’ve seen some of those guys at three or four different schools now.”

In an era where top quarterbacks often treat the portal like free agency—chasing playing time, NIL deals, and new opportunities—Klubnik has stayed committed to Clemson. He’s grown within Garrett Riley’s system, weathered early struggles, and is now one of the few five-star quarterbacks in the country who hasn’t transferred.

That commitment matters at Clemson, a program that still values culture over convenience. Klubnik enters the 2025 season with full command of the offense and the trust of a locker room full of veterans. His ability to stay the course has paid off, and he is poised to lead the Tigers in a pivotal season.

Energetic and driven, Klubnik enters his senior year having completed 659-of-1,040 career passes for 7,180 yards, with 57 touchdowns and 18 interceptions across 2,137 career snaps in 37 games (28 starts). He also rushed for 784 yards and 13 touchdowns on 286 attempts.

By the time he finishes his career, Klubnik is set to rank in the top five in nearly every major passing category at Clemson, including passing touchdowns (fourth), passing yards (fourth), attempts (fourth), and completions (fifth). He also ranks fifth in career touchdown responsibility and sixth in total offense.

Klubnik is one of only 18 Clemson quarterbacks since World War II to win at least 15 games as a starter and is one of just three players in program history to be a two-time ACC Championship Game MVP.

His perspective is rare. He doesn’t criticize those who’ve left for other schools, but he recognizes the significance of remaining loyal to one program. His journey is a reminder that growth takes time—and sometimes, the best decision is to stay put.

In a college football landscape increasingly defined by transfers, Klubnik’s patience stands as a throwback to an earlier era, where loyalty and development were given more time to take root.

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

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