Heisman Hype Explodes: David Pollack Goes All in on Cade Klubnik for 2025

Pollack's confidence in Klubnik stems from the Tigers' returning firepower and Klubnik's explosive 2024 campaign. "Cade Klubnik has to be – again, Clemson’s team is going to be great," Pollack asserted. He then rattled off Klubnik's eye-popping junior year stats: 43 total touchdowns (36 passing, 7 rushing) and nearly 500 rushing yards (463).

But it's the supporting cast that truly fuels Pollack's prediction. "Guess who’s back [at Clemson] – everybody. The best wide receiving corps top to bottom in college football, top to bottom. I think they’ve got four guys that are going to play in the NFL, at least four guys that are going to play in the NFL.” With that kind of talent surrounding him, Klubnik is poised for another monstrous statistical season.

Pollack was particularly impressed by Klubnik's gutsy performance against a formidable Texas defense in the College Football Playoff first round. Despite a 38-24 loss, Klubnik carved up the Longhorns for 336 passing yards and three touchdowns – the most by any opposing player against Texas all last season. "He’s the only one that made that Texas defense look very average. He made big play after big play. Again, no running game,” Pollack highlighted, emphasizing Klubnik's ability to shine even when the chips were down.

Klubnik's 2024 numbers speak for themselves: he was one of only two quarterbacks nationally to throw for over 3,500 yards (3,639) and rush for over 400 (463). His 43 total touchdowns ranked second nationally, and his 36 passing touchdowns were third, all while throwing a remarkably low six interceptions.

Currently, DraftKings has Klubnik at +1000 odds to win the Heisman, putting him third behind LSU's Garrett Nussmeier (+900) and Texas's Arch Manning (+700). But Pollack isn't just predicting a Heisman trip; he's "all in" on Clemson for a national title.

"I just think another year of maturity. He put up the big numbers. He was very successful, and now, next on the list, I don’t think he goes backwards,” Pollack declared. “I think he showed you the explosive playmaking down the field. I don’t see how he’s not there [as a Heisman finalist]. I don’t see how Clemson’s not in the national championship picture this year. That’s why I’m all in, baby.”

With Pollack previously ranking Klubnik as the No. 1 returning quarterback among CFP-ranked teams, the stage is set for the former five-star prospect to not only pursue college football's most prestigious individual award but also lead Clemson back to the mountaintop.