Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is enjoying a remarkable junior season, but he’s staying focused on the present, particularly the team’s upcoming playoff game. When asked about his future plans, specifically regarding whether he intends to return for his senior year in 2025, Klubnik was tight-lipped, saying, “I don’t have an answer for that yet.” While Clemson’s head coach, Dabo Swinney, has repeatedly stated his belief that Klubnik will return for another season, the 21-year-old quarterback has not publicly confirmed his intentions.
Klubnik, a former five-star recruit, has enjoyed a standout year as a junior and second-year starter. He has been impressive statistically, ranking third nationally in passing touchdowns with 33 and tied for third in total touchdowns at 40, among all FBS quarterbacks. Over the course of 13 games this season, he has thrown for a career-high 3,303 yards and accumulated 3,761 total yards of offense. This includes a career-high 458 rushing yards, demonstrating his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback.
One of Klubnik’s standout achievements came just two weeks ago in Charlotte when he became just the third player in ACC history to win two conference championship game MVP awards. This accomplishment has drawn attention to the possibility of him entering the 2025 NFL Draft. Underclassmen are required to declare their draft intentions by January 15, so there’s growing speculation surrounding what Klubnik’s next move will be. However, on Monday, he made it clear that he wouldn’t be discussing his future until after the 2024 season.
If Klubnik decides to return for his senior year, he would enter the 2025 season as a third-year starting quarterback for the defending conference champions, and would likely be considered one of the faces of the ACC. As a potential preseason player of the year candidate, his decision to return would have major implications for Clemson’s season. Despite this speculation, Klubnik insisted that his focus remains on his team’s current goals, particularly their upcoming College Football Playoff (CFP) first-round matchup against Texas.
This game also holds personal significance for Klubnik, as he is a native of Austin, Texas, and a graduate of Westlake High School, where he won three state championships. After the selection show revealed that Clemson would be playing Texas in the CFP, Klubnik received numerous texts and ticket requests from friends and family back home. Despite the excitement surrounding the game’s location, Klubnik stressed that his focus remains on the task at hand. “It’s one thing to know where you’re going to be playing,” he said, “but at the end of the day, you know that the ball’s going to get set and you’ve gotta focus on the job right in front of you.” He acknowledged the emotional aspect of the game but emphasized his dedication to his team and the upcoming challenge.
Clemson, seeded 12th, will face Texas, the fifth seed, in the first round of the 2024 CFP. The game will take place on Saturday at 4 p.m. at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. Clemson (10-3) will be looking to upset Texas (11-2) and advance to the next round, where the winner will face No. 4 seed Arizona State in the Peach Bowl on January 1, 2025, in Atlanta. Despite the attention surrounding his future, Klubnik remains entirely focused on the game ahead, determined to help his team secure a victory.
As the first round of the 2024 CFP approaches, Klubnik’s future is uncertain, but his current commitment to Clemson and his performance on the field speak volumes about his talent and leadership. For now, the 21-year-old quarterback is prioritizing the present, as his team prepares for a monumental playoff clash. The spotlight may be on Klubnik both for his football achievements and his potential as a future NFL draft pick, but he’s not letting that distract him from his goal: helping Clemson win a national championship.
