Greg McElroy Says One Team’s Experience Could Change the National Title Picture

Cade Klubnik Gives Clemson a Proven Edge

That experience starts with quarterback Cade Klubnik, who is entering his third season as the Tigers starter. Klubnik threw 36 touchdown passes to just six interceptions last season and has logged 37 career games, giving Clemson one of the most battle-tested signal-callers in the country.

McElroy revealed that his confidence in Clemson goes even further. In his personal preseason rankings, he has the Tigers slotted at No. 1 overall — ahead of the usual SEC and Big Ten powerhouses.

“Clemson has the fewest question marks,” McElroy explained. “A lot of their best players last year were true freshmen and sophomores. Now that group has played multiple years together.

Klubnik is entering year three, and the ACC schedule is more gettable than what you’ll see in the SEC or Big Ten. If they stay healthy, Clemson could finish with the best record, the best seed, and ultimately be the number one team in college football this season.”

It’s a bold proclamation considering Clemson finished 10-4 last year, but with continuity at quarterback, a more portal-friendly roster, and an ACC slate that doesn’t include the week-to-week landmines of the SEC or Big Ten, McElroy sees a clear path.

The question now: is Clemson ready to reclaim the dominance that defined the Swinney era just a few years ago, or will those high expectations prove too heavy once again?