There has not been a Clemson player in recent memory who has had a more up and down career than Cade Klubnik.
The senior quarterback’s time as the starting quarterback has seen him be heavily scrutinized as well as receive the highest of praises. It’s nothing he doesn’t bring on himself though.
When Klubnik is on, he looks clearly like one of the best quarterbacks in college football. But, when he’s struggling it looks really bad.
Going into the North Carolina game, Klubnik had a completion percentage under 60% in two of Clemson’s first four outings. He only had a completion percentage over 62% in one of those first four games. Klubnik also threw just six touchdown passes and four interceptions, one pick in all four games, to start the season.
Against North Carolina, Klubnik had a 91.7% completion rate as he threw four touchdown passes and no interceptions. This game was very reminiscent of the Appalachian State game from last season, with Klubnik having similar numbers. That was the game that started the hot streak for Klubnik last season, which ended with him throwing for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns in 2024. His performance starting from the App State game through the rest of 2024 is what made many see him as a Heisman contender entering this season.
Klubnik once again showed why his skillset is so admired by many. Now he need to get back to being consistent. Some of the bad traits still made appearances against the Tar Heels. The only two incomplete passes Klubnik threw on the day were very nearly intercepted. Both were bad passes on bad decision making by Klubnik.
There was so much more good than bad though. Klubnik looked poised, handled pressure much better than he did before the bye week, and made decisions quickly and confidently. This is the version of Klubnik that will take the Tigers on a run through the second half of the season. He can also possibly play his way back into a first round grade for the 2026 NFL Draft with more performances like this.