Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik has officially announced his return for his senior season after an outstanding junior campaign. The star quarterback, who had a spectacular season in 2024, throwing for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns, now sets his sights on even greater accomplishments with the Tigers in 2025. His decision to return is a significant moment for both him and the Clemson football program, which will now enter the upcoming season with one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
Klubnik, who finished the 2024 season with 43 total touchdowns, has been a key factor in Clemson’s success over the past few years. His 2024 performance not only earned him accolades but also placed him among the all-time greats in Clemson’s rich football history. With six rushing touchdowns and a career-high 463 rushing yards, he contributed significantly both in the air and on the ground, amassing 4,102 total yards. His 36 passing touchdowns tied for the second-most in Clemson history, while his 43 total touchdowns ranked as the sixth-most in a single season for the Tigers. Only Trevor Lawrence’s 45 total touchdowns in 2019 stand ahead of him in the record books. Klubnik’s statistics reflect his exceptional dual-threat abilities and his command of the offense under pressure, further solidifying his place as one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football.
Despite his success, the possibility of Klubnik declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft was a topic of public speculation. As a draft-eligible junior, he would have had the option to declare his intentions to enter the draft by January 15, 2025. With his impressive season, many wondered whether he might consider a jump to the professional ranks, especially considering the growing financial opportunities in the NFL and college football. Speculation surrounding potential NIL deals and his future in the transfer portal also made headlines, but Klubnik himself remained tight-lipped on the matter in the weeks leading up to the announcement.
On the heels of Clemson’s first-round College Football Playoff loss to Texas, the questions surrounding Klubnik’s future had intensified. Coach Dabo Swinney had, on multiple occasions, expressed his expectation that Klubnik would return for his senior season, but the quarterback had remained silent on the matter until Monday night. Through his social media accounts, Klubnik confirmed what many had expected: he would be returning to Clemson for the 2025 season, much to the relief of the Clemson faithful.
Klubnik’s decision to stay in college for another year will have major implications for both him and the Clemson program. With the Tigers looking to build on a successful 2024 season, Klubnik’s return positions them as one of the favorites to win the ACC championship in 2025. His leadership and skill set, paired with an improved Clemson team, should make them a strong contender on the national stage. Klubnik, now entering his third year as a starter, will be one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the country next season, and he is sure to be among the top candidates for the ACC Player of the Year award as well as early Heisman Trophy consideration.
Klubnik’s success in 2024 solidified his reputation as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. His decision to return for 2025 not only adds to his legacy but also signals his determination to achieve more before moving on to the next level. Klubnik, who was a five-star recruit and the No. 1 overall quarterback in the Class of 2022, will return as one of the most decorated quarterbacks in Clemson history. His name is already etched in the record books, and with a successful senior season, he could further cement his place as one of the best to ever play for the Tigers.
The timing of Klubnik’s return also aligns with the shifting landscape of college athletics, especially in terms of name, image, and likeness (NIL). With the introduction of revenue-sharing agreements that allow schools to distribute millions of dollars among athletes, Klubnik is poised to benefit from this new wave of financial opportunities. Clemson’s NIL collective, the 110 Society, is expected to offer Klubnik a lucrative deal, though the terms have not been formally disclosed. The revenue-sharing system, which begins on July 1, 2025, allows football teams to share up to $20.5 million in direct payments to athletes. Most schools are expected to allocate around 75% of this amount to football programs, and Clemson has publicly stated that its football team will receive a significantly larger share.
Under this new structure, Klubnik’s return is expected to make him one of the highest-earning athletes in college sports. Coach Swinney has hinted that veteran players like Klubnik, who have established themselves as key contributors, will be in line for substantial financial compensation. With his stellar performance, two-time ACC championship game MVP honors, and high profile as a quarterback, Klubnik fits perfectly into this equation. Swinney himself has made it clear that players like Klubnik will be well-rewarded for their contributions to the program, as the NIL landscape continues to evolve.
Looking ahead, Klubnik’s return to Clemson creates a sense of optimism and excitement for the program and its fan base. Clemson, which finished the 2024 season with a 10-4 record and an ACC championship, will now look to build on that success and make another deep run in the College Football Playoff. Klubnik’s return gives the Tigers a major advantage, as they enter the 2025 season with a proven and dynamic leader at quarterback. With Klubnik at the helm, Clemson will be among the top teams to watch in the coming season, and his individual goals for the year will likely include not only an ACC title but also a shot at the Heisman Trophy and a potential national championship.
In conclusion, Cade Klubnik’s decision to return to Clemson for his senior season is a pivotal moment in college football. His stellar performance in 2024, combined with the financial opportunities afforded by the changing NIL landscape, ensures that he will continue to be one of the most watched and talked-about players in the sport. As a leader and playmaker, Klubnik has already left a lasting legacy at Clemson, but with one more season ahead, he has the chance to elevate his career to even greater heights. Clemson fans can now look forward to a bright 2025 season with one of the top quarterbacks in the country leading the way.
