The optimism of Tuesday has devolved into the high-stakes uncertainty of Thursday.
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is officially listed as QUESTIONABLE for Saturday's critical matchup against SMU, a designation that confirms a week of escalating concern surrounding the sprained ankle he suffered in last week's win over Boston College.
What began with coach Dabo Swinney suggesting his star was merely 'sore' has now become a minute-by-minute evaluation, leaving the Tigers' offense in limbo. The situation grew more tenuous with an external report from On3 suggesting "growing concern" that Klubnik will be able to play, labeling him a likely game-time decision.
Swinney's own timeline of quotes paints a vivid picture of the precarious situation. On Tuesday, the outlook was positive, with Swinney indicating his inclination was that Klubnik would play. By Wednesday night, the tone had shifted dramatically.
"We've just been taking our time with him," Swinney said. "He's gone from day-to-day to hour-to-hour."
Then, with a wry smile, he added, "Hopefully by tomorrow, he'll be minute-to-minute."
Swinney confirmed Klubnik has been "limited" in practice, even as he's shown steady signs of recovery. "He's literally getting better every hour," the coach insisted. "We've been smart with him and he's been able to do what he needed to do."
NEW: There is significant concern within the football program about Cade Klubnik’s ability to play Saturday against SMU, @LarryWilliamsTI reports.
— On3 (@On3sports) October 16, 2025
Klubnik suffered a sprained ankle late in the third quarter of Clemson’s win at Boston College.
Intel: https://t.co/f4ya7wnVMd pic.twitter.com/FtU224vF7W
The ambiguity around the starter has forced Clemson to prepare its backup plan. Redshirt sophomore Christopher Vizzina and former walk-on Trent Pearman have shouldered an "increased load" on the practice field.
"Those guys have taken a ton of work," Swinney said, before making the contingency plan crystal clear. "If Cade can't go, [Vizzina] is the guy for sure and we've got to go get it done. We've got confidence that he could."
That confidence is rooted in the present, not the future. When pressed about what a start would mean for Vizzina, who is presumed to be the heir apparent in 2026, Swinney quickly shut down any long-term talk.
"I ain't worried about next year. I'm just worried about trying to beat SMU," Swinney stated emphatically. "[Vizzina has] done everything he needs to do in practice... I'm worried about having a good Thursday and trying to win the game Saturday."
Klubnik's status is the headline, but he's far from the only concern on a lengthy injury report. Offensive lineman Tristan Leigh joins Klubnik in the "Questionable" category.
Meanwhile, the list of players definitively ruled OUT is extensive and impactful, featuring key depth pieces on both sides of the ball:
- RB Jarvis Green
- RB Peyton Streko
- RB Jay Haynes
- DE Armon Mason
- LB Billy Wilkes
- OL Elyjah Thurmon
- DT Makhi Williams Lee
- OL Easton Ware
- WR Tristan Martinez
- WR Zach Jackson
- DE Ari Watford