Garrett Riley Reveals if Clemson Will Bench QB Cade Klubnik

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Kevin Matthew Borba | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 4:02 PM ET

Quarterback Cade Klubnik and the Clemson Tigers came into the season as the No. 4 team in the country, but following the team's 34-21 Week 4 loss to Syracuse, they have fallen to 1-3 on the season. After a career year in 2024 that saw him throw for 36 touchdowns and lead the Tigers to the College Football Playoff, Klubnik's regression has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 season.

Despite coming into the year as a surefire Heisman candidate and contender for the No. 1 overall pick in 2026, Klubnik is not the same player who led Clemson to an ACC title last season. Instead, he has thrown for 996 yards with six touchdowns and four interceptions, while also seeing his completion percentage drop from 63.4% a year ago to 60.1% this season.

With the team's season quickly unraveling and their playoff hopes fading, fans have demanded that changes be made. Head coach Dabo Swinney has been put on the hot seat by some fans despite leading the program to two titles, and some have even called for Klubnik to be benched.

When speaking to the media on Tuesday, Clemson offensive coordinator Garrett Riley was asked about the possibility of benching the senior quarterback, and according to Chapel Fowler of The State Newspaper, Riley shut it down immediately.

Clemson OC Garrett Riley says they "haven't been close" to making the decision to bench starting QB Cade Klubnik for backup QB Christopher Vizzina this year
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) September 23, 2025

If the Tigers were to turn away from Klubnik, waiting in the wings is former four-star recruit Christopher Vizzina, who threw for 190 yards last season in mop-up duty.

The Tigers will have a chance to get back in the win column on Saturday as they head to Chapel Hill to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels (2-2). The game is scheduled for Saturday at 12:00 p.m. ET and will air on ESPN.

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

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