The lights of Lucas Oil Stadium are calling.
Just days before Thursday’s NFL Scouting Combine kickoff, two of Clemson’s most decorated offensive anchors are being bracketed among the elite at their respective positions.
Despite a 2025 season that delivered the Tigers a 7-6 finish, quarterback Cade Klubnik and offensive tackle Blake Miller rank top five in CBS Sports’ most recent pre-combine standings. For Klubnik and Miller, the visit to Indianapolis is one last opportunity to seal their fate in a draft class that features a mix of high ceiling talent and years of unmatched collegiate success.
Klubnik is ranked No. 4 quarterback by Mike Renner of CBS Sports and finds himself as the most intriguing prospect in the draft. But, in a class where coaches are hunting prototypical physical tools, he trails only Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), Ty Simpson (Alabama) and Heisman winner Caleb Williams (USC).
While his stock fluctuated during a controversial 2025 campaign, Klubnik’s work remains historically significant at the Upstate level.
Following a standout show at the East-West Shrine Bowl, for which he won an All-Practice, Klubnik has transitioned from mid-Day 3 projection back into the Day 2 discussion.
“It’d not be a real shocker if a team played a risk late in the second round,” analysts wrote, noting his 2024 dominance along with NFL-ready measurements.
Klubnik is battling for a place in the top 100, but offensive tackle Blake Miller is knocking at the door of the opening round.
checking in as the No. 4 offensive tackle prospect, Miller’s calling card is his unparalleled durability. Miller accumulated a program-record 3,778 offensive snaps over 54 consecutive starts over four years. Maybe most impressively, he surrendered just eight sacks in that time while back-to-back winning First-team All-ACC awards.
The NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah just put Miller into the first-round discussion, placing him No. 23 overall prospect for the 2026 Draft. Once seen as a mid-round lock, Miller’s polished technique and “Iron Man” reputation have him trending toward a potential Day 1 pick. As the draft cycle moves to Indianapolis, the story about Clemson is a tale of personal redemption.
There are nine Tigers in all expected to play in the combine, however, Klubnik and Miller also have the responsibility of demonstrating that Clemson’s offensive struggles in 2025 were the result of the season’s situation, not some shortage of pro-quality talent.
With a good 40-yard dash and impenetrable interview rounds, Klubnik will likely grab a top-50 spot on the first page, whereas Miller intends to make a name for himself as a franchise asset at left tackle.