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Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney hugs senior quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) before kickoff with Furman University at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, SC, Saturday, November 22, 2025.

Emotional moment as Cade Klubnik breaks down in tears while discussing his time at Clemson

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Ajayi Olamilekan | Last updated Dec 27, 2025 8:46 PM ET

Clemson senior quarterback Cade Klubnik couldn’t hold back his emotions after what turned out to be the final game of his college career. The Tigers lost 22-10 to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, ending a four-year run that saw plenty of ups and downs for the former five-star recruit from Texas.

Klubnik finished the game 22-of-39 for 193 passing yards. He got sacked four times for a loss of 40 yards and recorded minus-13 rushing yards. When asked about what he was feeling after the game, Klubnik paused to collect himself before the emotions took over.

“I wanted to go out with a win,” Klubnik said, fighting back tears. “Just didn’t get it done.”

The scene was captured on video posted on X by Chapel Fowler. Coach Dabo Swinney stood beside his quarterback and gave him a supportive pat on the back as Klubnik struggled to finish his thought. After a long pause, he managed to say, “It’s been a good four years … yeah.”

Clemson senior QB Cade Klubnik chokes up as he finishes an answer about what emotions he’s feeling right now. After a long pause and a backslap from Dabo Swinney: “It’s been a good four years … yeah” pic.twitter.com/dYHoXiNBmM

— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) December 27, 2025

Quarterback leaves Clemson with school records and no regrets

Dec 27, 2025; Bronx, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) throws the ball during the first half of the 2025 Pinstripe Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Klubnik made history during his final game despite the loss. He broke Clemson legend Tajh Boyd’s all-time school record for completions with a 44-yard pass to T.J. Moore in the second quarter. Boyd had 901 completions during his career.

Klubnik entered the game with 894 and finished with 916. He also became the fourth quarterback in school history to surpass 10,000 career passing yards during the same quarter. He finishes third in Clemson history with 10,123 passing yards.

With 193 passing yards today against Penn State, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik becomes the fourth player in program history with 10,000 career pass yards pic.twitter.com/XoWwkTfYxj

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) December 27, 2025

The senior quarterback from Austin, Texas, led the Tigers to ACC titles in 2022 and 2024, earning MVP honors in both championship games. He’s one of only three two-time ACC Championship Game MVPs all-time. His final career record as a starter stands at 26-14 across 40 starts.

“I try to show up and be the same person and show up and fight and just push to be the best me that I can be, because I want to be the best Cade that I can be because of him,” Klubnik said of Swinney. “He saw something in me when I was in Austin, Texas, and I wanted to go fulfill that.”

Klubnik reflects on what his time at Clemson meant to him

Despite the disappointing finish, Klubnik expressed gratitude for his time as a Tiger. The former No. 1 ranked quarterback recruit from his class battled through injuries this season, including a sprained ankle that caused him to miss a game against SMU and a quad injury that limited his mobility in the final weeks.

“I feel like I’ve done everything I can to try to be the best that I can be, and I get to leave this place with a smile on my face because of that,” Klubnik said. “Sad that it’s over, but glad that it happened … I’m so thankful for it, and it’s been even better than I could have ever imagined.”

Klubnik is projected to be a middle-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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