Cade Klubnik explains not opting out of Clemson bowl game vs Penn State
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CLEMSON — Five Clemson football players have opted out of the Pinstripe Bowl, but quarterback Cade Klubnik was not one of them.
It wasn’t an option for the senior despite being eligible to be taken in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“It’s another game I get to go play and help myself for what’s next,” Klubnik said Dec. 17.
Clemson (7-5) faces Penn State (6-6) in the Pinstripe Bowl on Dec. 27 (noon ET, ABC) at Yankee Stadium in New York.
Three of the Tigers’ opt-outs are cornerback Avieon Terrell, defensive tackle Peter Woods and edge rusher T.J. Parker, all of whom are projected to go in the first or second round of the NFL draft.
Klubnik was projected to be a high draft pick entering the 2025 season after throwing for 3,639 yards (10th in the nation) with 36 touchdowns (third) and six interceptions and rushing for 463 yards last season. This helped Clemson make the College Football Playoff for the first time in three seasons.
Yet, his stock took a hit after Clemson started the season with a 1-3 record and, ultimately, missed the CFP and ACC championship. Klubnik’s play was a huge reason, completing 60.1% of his passes for 996 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions in his first four games.
Klubnik rebounded, completing a career-high 66.6% of his passes for 2,750 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions this season. He also rushed for four touchdowns and 107 yards on 74 attempts.
Klubnik battled injuries, including an ankle sprain and a quad contusion, but only missed one game. Despite dealing with a right-thumb injury ahead of the Penn State game, he is determined to play.
“I love football. I don’t know, I just don’t think (opting-out) is something I would ever do,” Klubnik said.
Klubnik isn’t featured in the top 10 of quarterback rankings for the 2026 NFL Draft among ESPN and CBS draft analysts. He was also invited to pre-draft events like the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Senior Bowl, where he will work out in front of NFL scouts, coaches and management.
Klubnik said he plans to take a week off after the Pinstripe Bowl, then start preparing for the pre-draft process on Jan. 4.
“Got it all figured out now and ready to go win one more game,” Klubnik said.
Cade Klubnik injury update ahead of Pinstripe Bowl vs Penn State
Klubnik wore a black brace on his right thumb (throwing hand) but threw passes during the media-viewing period of the Tigers’ bowl practice.
Two days prior, Klubnik participated in practice and followed drills but did not throw passes as other Clemson quarterbacks got those reps.
Klubnik said his thumb is back to near 100 percent.
“I love spinning the football, it was fun to be out there and throwing,” Klubnik said. “It’s a long season . Sometimes you need to rest.”
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at DCarter@usatodayco.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Cade Klubnik, Clemson football QB explains not opting out of bowl game
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