The 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) field boasts several impressive quarterbacks, each with unique skills, playing styles, and potential to lead their respective teams to national prominence. However, the player who stands out as the best quarterback in this year’s CFP field is Cade Klubnik of the Clemson Tigers. Klubnik has exhibited a blend of athleticism, leadership, and consistency that makes him the top quarterback in the field. In this analysis, we’ll explore why Cade Klubnik is the best quarterback in the 2025 CFP field by examining his playmaking ability, leadership, improvement over the season, and overall potential.
The Development of Cade Klubnik
Cade Klubnik’s journey to the top of college football’s quarterback rankings began as a highly touted recruit out of Texas. A five-star recruit in the class of 2023, Klubnik had a stellar high school career that showcased his athleticism, arm strength, and ability to make big-time plays. Coming to Clemson, a program with a rich history of quarterback development and championship pedigree under head coach Dabo Swinney, Klubnik faced the challenge of stepping into a program with high expectations.
During his freshman year, Klubnik showed flashes of brilliance. He appeared in multiple games for the Tigers, often stepping in for the injured DJ Uiagalelei. In those moments, Klubnik’s potential was clear: he had the ability to make deep throws, move in the pocket, and show poise under pressure. As a freshman, he was able to lead Clemson to a comeback victory over North Carolina in the ACC Championship Game, showcasing his knack for stepping up when it mattered most.
In his sophomore season, Klubnik entered the 2025 campaign as Clemson’s undisputed starting quarterback. This offseason provided him with the opportunity to grow under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, and the results have been nothing short of spectacular. Klubnik’s command of the offense has dramatically improved, and he’s developed into a more complete player. His combination of physical tools, mental sharpness, and leadership ability makes him a formidable force in the CFP field.
The Skill Set: Arm Strength and Accuracy
At the core of Klubnik’s appeal as the best quarterback in the 2025 CFP field is his exceptional skill set. First and foremost, Klubnik possesses a strong arm, which allows him to make throws to all areas of the field. He can push the ball downfield with ease, often hitting receivers on deep post routes or throwing the ball into tight windows along the sideline. This deep passing ability forces opposing defenses to respect the vertical passing game, stretching out coverages and opening up opportunities for his teammates.
But Klubnik’s skill set goes beyond just arm strength. He has a remarkable ability to place the ball in tight spots with incredible accuracy. Whether throwing over the middle of the field, to the sideline, or deep down the field, he consistently hits his targets in stride. His precision in the short-to-medium range is particularly impressive, as he is able to fit throws into the smallest of windows, demonstrating both timing and touch.
Additionally, Klubnik’s footwork has improved significantly, giving him the ability to make off-platform throws with accuracy. He is adept at throwing on the move, which allows him to escape pressure in the pocket and extend plays. This skill is crucial for success at the highest level of college football, where defensive schemes often create breakdowns in the pocket.
Playmaking Ability
What sets Klubnik apart from many of the other quarterbacks in the 2025 CFP field is his ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs. While he may not be known as a true dual-threat quarterback in the mold of some of his contemporaries, Klubnik is still a dangerous running threat when needed. His ability to escape pressure, scramble for positive yards, and keep plays alive with his legs adds an extra layer to his game.
Klubnik’s running ability is not only a function of athleticism but also his decision-making. He knows when to escape the pocket and when to look downfield for an open receiver. His mobility allows him to extend plays, often resulting in big gains either through the air or on the ground. Against elite defenses in the CFP field, having a quarterback who can break containment and make plays outside the pocket is invaluable.
Moreover, Klubnik has demonstrated poise and composure when facing adversity. In high-pressure situations, he remains calm, keeping his eyes downfield while evading defenders. His ability to make accurate throws while under duress has been a hallmark of his play. This trait is especially critical in the CFP, where close games are often decided in the final moments.
Leadership and Mental Toughness
Cade Klubnik’s leadership qualities are another key factor in his status as the best quarterback in this year’s CFP field. Leadership is not just about calling plays and throwing passes—it is about setting the tone for the entire team, especially in big games. Klubnik has proven to be an effective leader both on and off the field, earning the trust and respect of his teammates.
Klubnik’s leadership shines in moments of adversity. When things are not going well, he has the poise to rally his team and keep everyone focused on the task at hand. His competitive fire is evident, and he is the type of player who rises to the occasion when his team needs him the most. His ability to inspire confidence in his teammates has been a driving force behind Clemson’s success in the 2025 season.
His mental toughness is equally impressive. Quarterbacks in the CFP field face immense pressure, and Klubnik has shown that he thrives under such conditions. He’s not easily rattled, even when faced with a highly disruptive defense or an aggressive pass rush. His calm demeanor allows him to make clear-headed decisions, whether it’s on a critical third down or in the final minutes of a tied game. Klubnik’s ability to remain composed in the clutch has allowed him to make pivotal plays that often determine the outcome of games.
Improvement and Adaptability
Over the course of the 2025 season, Klubnik has shown significant growth as a quarterback. This is perhaps the most compelling argument for his status as the best quarterback in this year’s CFP field. He entered the season with some question marks surrounding his consistency and ability to perform at the highest level, but he quickly proved those concerns to be unfounded.
One of Klubnik’s most impressive qualities is his ability to learn from his mistakes and continuously improve. His progression from game to game has been remarkable. Early in the season, he showed flashes of brilliance but also struggled with some inaccuracies and decision-making. However, by the end of the regular season, Klubnik had eliminated many of those mistakes, turning into one of the most consistent and efficient quarterbacks in college football.
Clemson’s offense has adapted to Klubnik’s strengths, with the coaching staff calling plays that highlight his abilities to move in the pocket and extend plays. His increased comfort within the system has made him a more dynamic and versatile quarterback. As the stakes have risen in the playoff picture, Klubnik has consistently answered the call, further solidifying his place as the best quarterback in the field.
Competition in the CFP Field
While there are other quarterbacks in the 2025 CFP field who are certainly talented, Klubnik’s combination of physical tools, leadership, playmaking ability, and mental toughness puts him ahead of the competition. Players like Michael Penix Jr. from Washington, Bo Nix from Oregon, and J.J. McCarthy from Michigan are all highly skilled quarterbacks, each with unique strengths. However, when you combine Klubnik’s ability to make every throw, his versatility as a runner, and his proven leadership in high-pressure situations, he has emerged as the most complete and impactful quarterback in the field.
