Paul Finebaum Names Best College Football QB Without Hesitation

Cade Klubnik Overcomes Rocky Start to Career

While Klubnik has developed into a very good player, his career didn't start out great. The former five-star recruit struggled in his first year as the starter. He threw for 2,844 yards, 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2023. Clemson went 9-4, marking the program's fewest wins since 2010.

In an interview with Crissy Froyd at RG, Klubnik discussed his early career struggles, mentioning that many fans called for his replacement after his first year.

“Last year, when [I was at the Manning Passing Academy], I only got interviewed by two people,” Klubnik said. “I’m looking around, and there’s a crowd around everybody else. A year ago, everybody told me I sucked, and I didn’t get my approval from that, but I still heard it. That was definitely some fuel, and I think I’m still kind of living off that a little bit.” 

Last season, he made a strong comeback, throwing for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns and only six interceptions. That has led to him being one of the favorites for the Heisman.

Cade Klubnik Has Big Opportunity to Prove Paul Finebaum Right

Klubnik and Clemson will begin the season by facing the LSU Tigers and their star quarterback, Garrett Nussmeier. The quarterbacks are tied for the second-best odds to win the Heisman Trophy behind Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. This is why Finebaum believes Klubnik has a significant opportunity to demonstrate to the college football world that he is the best quarterback.

“Cade Klubnik is not a garbage quarterback,” Finebaum previously said of the Clemson Tigers signal-caller. “He’s one of the two best quarterbacks going into the season.”

He'll certainly get the opportunity to prove Finebaum right when Clemson kicks off the season against LSU at home on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.