Cade Klubnik was supposed to be Clemson’s steadying hand, a veteran with playoff experience who could bring Garrett Riley’s offense to life. Instead, three games into 2025, the Tigers are staring at a 1–2 record, with Klubnik’s play at the center of their struggles.
Game 1 vs. LSU (Loss): Klubnik managed just a single touchdown, took sacks, and looked rattled against pressure in the 17–10 defeat.
Game 2 vs. Troy (Win): Even in victory, Klubnik was far from convincing. The offense sputtered early, and Clemson leaned on defense and special teams before Klubnik settled in.
Game 3 vs. Georgia Tech (Loss): The numbers (15-of-26, 207 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, plus 62 rushing yards and a score) look better on paper, but context matters — Clemson’s drives stalled on turnovers, and Klubnik’s late-game execution wasn’t enough.
Three games in, Klubnik has just three passing touchdowns, multiple turnovers, and long stretches where the offense looks lifeless. That’s not playoff-caliber football.
The Stat Sheet Doesn’t Lie
Through three games, Klubnik’s numbers paint a troubling picture:
- Completion percentage below 60%.
- Turnovers in critical spots, including a costly fumble vs. Georgia Tech.
- Failure to finish drives — Clemson has left points on the board with missed throws, stalled red-zone trips, and a reliance on field goals.
Even Klubnik’s running ability, showcased in short-yardage touchdowns, feels more like survival than a weapon.
The Case for a Change
Clemson’s identity has always been tied to quarterback play — from Deshaun Watson to Trevor Lawrence. Klubnik simply isn’t delivering at that level.
Christopher Vizzina, though untested, represents the future. With Clemson already sitting at 1–2, giving the freshman meaningful reps may be worth the risk.
Package plays with athletic backups could diversify the offense and ease pressure off Klubnik.
A shake-up sends a message to the locker room that underperformance isn’t acceptable — even at QB.
Leadership vs. Results
No one questions Klubnik’s toughness or leadership. Against Georgia Tech, he fought for every yard, finishing with two total touchdowns. But leadership without production doesn’t win games. The Tigers are too talented to settle for “almost.”
As Dabo Swinney himself said after the loss, Clemson’s failures are coming down to “one more play.” Klubnik hasn’t been that guy to make it.
Bottom Line
Cade Klubnik isn’t the worst quarterback in the ACC, but Clemson doesn’t play for “average.” Three games in, he’s proving more liability than leader, more stopgap than solution. If the Tigers want to salvage their season, they must face a hard reality: it’s time to consider moving on from Klubnik as QB1.