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USA TODAY Sports Crowns Cade Klubnik College Football's NO. 1 QB Heading into 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Lentz | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 8:49 AM ET

CLEMSON, SC – Get ready for a seismic shift in the college football quarterback landscape! While the 2025 season remains on the horizon, a panel of USA TODAY Sports experts has dropped their definitive rankings of the top 25 quarterbacks, and the biggest surprise at the top will electrify Tiger Nation: Clemson's own Cade Klubnik has been crowned the No. 1 quarterback in the nation heading into 2025.

This isn't just one analyst's opinion; a five-member panel, including Paul Myerberg, Erick Smith, Eddie Timanus, Jordan Mendoza, and Blake Toppmeyer, collectively gave Klubnik the coveted top spot, putting him ahead of other elite signal-callers like Penn State's Drew Allar, LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers, and even Texas' highly anticipated first-year starter, Arch Manning.

The panel's rationale for Klubnik's ascent is simple but powerful: "In his second season at the controls, Klubnik’s progress from his first year restored the explosiveness to the Clemson offense that had been missing since the Tigers were playing for national championships. Now with even more weapons at his disposal, he should be front and center in the Heisman discussion as the team makes another title push."

Klubnik's 2024 campaign was a masterpiece of efficiency and impact. He ignited a resurgent Clemson program, throwing for a remarkable 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns. His stellar play directly fueled the Tigers' ninth ACC championship under legendary coach Dabo Swinney and, crucially, punched their ticket back to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2020 under the new 12-team format.

For a program that has never had a Heisman Trophy winner – despite iconic runs by Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence – 2025 could be the year that all changes. With Klubnik now recognized as the nation's premier quarterback, his Heisman stock is soaring.

The Tigers will immediately put their No. 1 QB to the test, opening the 2025 season with a prime-time heavyweight showdown against the LSU Tigers at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, August 30th, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

With a loaded roster, a Heisman-contending quarterback, and a clear path to the postseason, Cade Klubnik is poised to lead Clemson not just to another championship push, but potentially into the program's most historic season yet.

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

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