Klubnik’s Draft Stock in Freefall
Just weeks ago, Cade Klubnik was projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick. Now, Pro Football Network has him as a seventh-round flyer to the New York Jets. PFN notes that Clemson’s disappointing start has tanked his perception, with anonymous scouts calling him “way too overhyped” and only a Day 3 option. Klubnik ranks 94th nationally in adjusted QBR (45.1), a staggering fall from his junior-year breakout. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Peter Woods remains Clemson’s lone projected first-rounder, slotted at No. 14 to the Houston Texans, with teammates Avieon Terrell and T.J. Parker also sliding out of Round 1. Injured left tackle Tristan Leigh, wideout Antonio Williams, and others are now mid-to-late round projections.
Urban Meyer Backs Swinney Amid Criticism
Clemson’s 1-3 start has sparked national conversation about Dabo Swinney’s future, but former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer insists “Dabo goes when Dabo wants to go.” On The Triple Option podcast, Meyer said Clemson won’t push Swinney out, though he acknowledged the coach must adapt to the transfer portal and NIL era. Fox host Rob Stone and analyst Mark Ingram echoed that Swinney isn’t going anywhere, pointing to his ACC title just last season and his roster-building through both recruiting and selective portal additions. Clemson is on a bye this week before a critical road matchup against Bill Belichick’s North Carolina Tar Heels.
Ryan Clark: “It Is a Coaching Failure”
On First Take, ESPN analyst Ryan Clark didn’t mince words, calling Clemson’s 1-3 start a straight-up “coaching failure.” Clark argued that Swinney hasn’t adjusted to modern college football and is being outpaced by programs that embraced the portal. “If Cade Klubnik doesn’t play to his level of expectation, that’s on coaching,” Clark said, adding that the Tigers’ inability to stop Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli was further proof of a failing system. While Clark stopped short of saying Swinney should be fired, he noted that repeated underachievement makes the conversation unavoidable. With Clemson now in its worst start since 2004, the pressure on Swinney has never been greater.