Clemson’s Cade Klubnik Gets Honest on Comfortability Heading Into NFL

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The Clemson Tigers will have a change at quarterback for the 2026 season as Cade Klubnik is heading into his rookie season in the NFL.

The New York Jets selected Klubnik in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and he will be a backup behind veteran quarterback Geno Smith. Klubnik was a three-year starter at Clemson, giving him a ton of experience heading into his rookie campaign.

"Being able to have a lot of games under my belt has definitely helped, but it's a new level," Klubnik said.

Klubnik was solid throughout his career with the Tigers, completing 63.9 percent of his passes for 2,844 yards, 19 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 2023. He also rushed for 182 yards and four touchdowns.

Klubnik had the best season of his collegiate career in 2024, completing 63.4 percent of his passes for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, and six interceptions while rushing for 463 yards and seven touchdowns. That season established Klubnik as one of the best quarterbacks in the country, but he wasn't as effective in his senior season.

Klubnik's numbers dropped in 2025, completing 65.6 percent of his passes for 2,943 yards, 16 touchdowns, and six interceptions while rushing for 94 yards and four touchdowns.

It was a disappointing season all around for Clemson, as despite having a ton of talent on the roster and coming off a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, they finished 7-6 in 2025.

The Tigers were unable to make it back to the College Football Playoff and lost to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl. That led Dabo Swinney to make some changes to his coaching staff, hiring Chad Morris as the offensive coordinator and Rich Bisaccia as the special teams coordinator.

Swinney also recruited more in the transfer portal, adding 10 defensive players and one offensive player. Clemson will look to have a bounce-back season with Christopher Vizzina likely taking over at quarterback for Klubnik.

While Swinney is turning the Tigers around, Klubnik will look to make his mark in the NFL and could become a starter at some point during the season over Smith.

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