Quinn Ewers and Cade Klubnik: A Championship Rivalry Reignited
Quinn Ewers of Texas and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik share a unique championship history. Both quarterbacks are Texas natives and were two of the most sought-after high school recruits in the nation during their junior years. Their paths famously crossed in January 2021 on one of the grandest stages in high school football: the Texas Class 6A State Championship.
That day, Klubnik had the upper hand. He led Austin Westlake to an impressive 52-34 victory over Southlake Carroll, which was quarterbacked by Ewers. Fast forward to today, the two talented quarterbacks are preparing for another showdown—this time in college football’s expanded 12-team playoff. On Saturday, No. 12 seed Clemson (10-3) and No. 5 seed Texas (11-2) will go head-to-head in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
For Klubnik, this matchup carries extra significance. Not only is he striving to guide Clemson back to championship glory, but the game will also be played in his hometown, just miles away from where he grew up and made his name at Austin Westlake High School. Westlake is renowned for producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks, including Drew Brees, Nick Foles, and Sam Ehlinger.
The emotional weight of this homecoming was evident when the Tigers and Longhorns were announced as first-round opponents. Cameras captured a visibly stunned Klubnik as Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney embraced him. For Klubnik, the game represents not just a chance to relive an old rivalry but an opportunity to pursue even greater stakes—a national championship.
“I’ve known Quinn for years,” Klubnik reflected. “We’ve been playing against each other since seventh or eighth grade. That state championship game during my junior year was definitely one of the most high-profile games I’ve been part of.”
