One of the biggest individual winners from the first round of the College Football Playoff was Clemson QB Cade Klubnik who played a fantastic game against Texas in his hometown of Austin, Texas. After his 336-yard, 3-touchdown performance through the air, the junior had people around the nation talking and some even speculating that he could explore his NFL options this offseason.
Monday, Klubnik put that notion to rest by announcing his intention to return to Clemson in 2025. In a social media post on X featuring highlights from his 2024 season, Klubnik wrote "The story isn't over. See y'all in 2025."
This is obviously fantastic news for the Tigers, even if it was the expected outcome all along. That's because Klubnik's return likely sets Clemson up to be a top-10 team in the preseason polls.
With seven offensive starters and eight defensive starters from the Texas game eligible to return next season, the Tigers will be well-stocked when next fall rolls around. What's more, the program is adding a top-30 high school recruiting class to the mix to fortify some of the holes that were problematic this season.
The story isn’t over. See y’all in 2025. pic.twitter.com/ovcitDHh8F
— Cade Klubnik (@CadeKlubnikQB) December 30, 2024
However, everything will revolve around Klubnik. That's the position he's put himself in after a standout junior campaign.
Throwing for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns with only six interceptions, he was the best passer in the ACC not named Cam Ward. What's more, Klubnik ran for 463 yards and seven more scores.
It was a breakout season for the former blue-chip recruit who threw for only 2,844 yards and 19 touchdowns while being picked off nine times in 2023, his first year as the Tigers' starting quarterback.
That's why it will be exciting for Clemson fans to see how high he can set the bar in 2025. Many think Klubnik can be a Heisman Trophy contender and others think he'll lead the Tigers back to the College Football Playoff where the hope is that Clemson will make more noise than they did in 2024. But regardless of what the expectations are, there is no doubt that 2025 will be all about the Tigers' star quarterback.