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Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Aaron Beasley (24) sacks Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) during the first half of the 2022 Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. (Jasen Vinlove / USA TODAY Sports)

College Football Analyst Not Sold on Heisman Front-Runner

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Lentz | Last updated May 26, 2025 9:41 AM ET

The national spotlight continues to shine on Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik heading into 2025, but not everyone is sold just yet.

During an episode of On3’s Andy and Ari Show, college football analyst Clark Brooks expressed skepticism about Klubnik’s status as a top-tier quarterback, questioning whether the Tigers’ signal-caller is truly among the nation’s elite despite statistical improvement.

"For the unobserved, 33 is one spot outside of our impact five stars. That means I don't think he is going to be a first-round pick," Brooks said. “And while I may have whispered that part, I’m going to scream this one... He has had a negative interception-to-explosive-pass ratio. That matters.”

Brooks pointed to Clemson’s short-passing scheme as a limiting factor, arguing that it compresses the field and increases risk. Despite Klubnik pushing the ball downfield more often than most quarterbacks, Brooks noted a lack of consistent explosive plays in key moments.

That said, Brooks made a notable exception for Klubnik’s electric performance in Clemson’s December win over Texas. Facing the nation’s No. 1-ranked pass defense in his hometown of Austin, Klubnik passed for 336 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing what many believe is his true ceiling.

"That second half against Texas was as impressive of a performance as any passer had last season," Brooks admitted. "If he does that, yeah, he is a Top 5 pick. I just have seen more examples of him being disappointing than him being dominant. Sorry not sorry."

Statistically, Klubnik’s progression is hard to ignore. After ranking 102nd in PFF’s quarterback grades in 2023 (63.9), he rocketed to fifth in 2024 with an 87.7 grade and the fifth-most big-time throws in the FBS (28). ESPN also credited Klubnik with a nation-leading 16 touchdown passes of 20+ yards, averaging 16.6 yards per attempt on deep throws.

Even more encouraging? His turnover-worthy plays dropped from 18 to 13 year-over-year despite 30 more dropbacks, lowering his rate from 3.3% to 2.3%.

While Brooks stops short of putting Klubnik in the elite tier — at least for now — he’s bullish on Clemson’s overall prospects.

“Clemson's loaded," Brooks said. "That defensive line, probably one of the best in college football. Two really good linebackers. The secondary is really set up for success... If Klubnik is that second-half version of himself, Clemson is probably going undefeated and probably going to win the national title.”

Even with a tougher-than-usual ACC schedule, Brooks called the Tigers “super-talented” and said Clemson over 9.5 wins is “an easy buy.”

If Klubnik can turn flashes of brilliance into full-season consistency, Clemson’s title window could be wide open.

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

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