Cade Klubnik Takes Shot at Transfer Culture, Praises Arch Manning but Snubs Rival

But it’s not as if Klubnik intentionally left Sellers out because of the in-state rivalry. The Clemson quarterback was simply highlighting a few examples of players who have stayed patient, developed within one system, and waited their turn to start—or are still doing so.

Klubnik’s comments carry extra weight considering he’s lived what he preaches. Since arriving at Clemson in 2022, the former five-star has remained loyal to Dabo Swinney’s program, growing into one of the nation’s top returning signal callers. He’s expected to have a breakout 2025 season and lead the Tigers in a push for the College Football Playoff.

The broader message? Klubnik believes bouncing around from program to program can stunt a quarterback’s development and hurt their long-term NFL future.

“In college football nowadays, all these kids that hit the transfer portal more than once have development issues and won’t pan out in the NFL,” Klubnik told Nakos. “Staying and developing in one system still counts for something.”

That statement speaks volumes—not just about Klubnik’s own journey, but about who he left off his list. Sellers, who flipped from Syracuse to South Carolina out of high school and has rapidly gained hype in Columbia, didn’t get a mention. That may not have been accidental.

The four QBs Klubnik did highlight all have one thing in common: patience. Arch Manning sat behind Quinn Ewers for two years at Texas despite being one of the most heralded recruits in college football history. 

Nussmeier waited for his turn at LSU. Simpson has stayed at Alabama through several battles on the depth chart. And Allar stuck with Penn State even after offensive staff changes.

That kind of loyalty is becoming rare—but Klubnik made it clear that, in his eyes, it still matters.