Entering the 2025 season, Cade Klubnik is considered one of the best players in college football.
The senior quarterback came to Clemson as a scrawny 175-pound five-star with an Elite 11 Finals MVP under his belt and expectations through the roof. It didn't take him long for his "welcome to college football" moment as he began his first season as QB1 with a 4-4 record and heard from just about everyone how he wasn't good enough to lead the program.
Klubnik went on to bounce back, lead Clemson to five straight wins to end the 2023 season and then he carried that momentum into 2024 where he accounted for over 4,000 total yards as well as 36 passing touchdowns to only six interceptions.
Now, he's considered the best quarterback in the country.
Klubnik is now also the best player in the ACC heading into the season, running away with the preseason player of the year voting (146 of 180 votes).
Klubnik received 146 votes from a 180-person media panel, per the conference. https://t.co/VQpEI7Jvju
— Jon Blau (@Jon_Blau) July 31, 2025
This comes as no surprise because Klubnik has been touted as a first-team All-American, No. 1 overall draft pick, future NFL All-Pro, and everything in-between. He's got the look of a superstar quarterback and he's only gaining confidence. He's had a big summer and he's worked as hard as anyone to improve once again and take another step.
What's the next step after passing for 3,600 yards and 36 touchdowns while leading Clemson to the playoff? I'd say winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Dabo Swinney to his first national title since 2018 and third overall.
This is a big-time legacy year for Klubnik, and it's off to a strong start.