It may only be June, but the Clemson Tigers hype train is already running full steam ahead. Many analysts around the country believe that the reigning ACC champions are not only in prime position to repeat in 2025, but also to take the next step forward and contend for the program’s first National Championship since 2018. Even with talent all over the field on both sides of the ball, much of the excitement has to do with quarterback Cade Klubnik.
Klubnik made major strides from his sophomore season to his junior season, nearly doubling his touchdowns, cutting down his interceptions, and throwing for nearly 800 more yards despite only 32 more pass attempts in 2024. But for as impressive as Klubnik was last year, many believe there’s another level the two-time ACC Championship Game MVP can reach in his senior season.
That includes ESPN’s Jordan Reid, who in his most recent 2026 NFL mock draft has Klubnik making history and joining Trevor Lawrence as the only Clemson Tiger to be selected 1st overall in the NFL Draft.
“Klubnik made huge strides in his second season as a starter, finishing 2024 with 3,639 passing yards, 36 touchdown passes and only 6 interceptions,” Reid wrote of Klubnik, who he has being selected by the Cleveland Browns – who selected both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft – with the top pick.
“Klubnik maintains a strong platform while going through his reads and is consistent no matter the defensive structure. He also has the mobility to escape pressure, but he has B-level arm strength, so it will be important for him to show that he can throw into tight windows this season. His game reminds me a lot of Bo Nix.”
Although he could’ve declared for the NFL Draft after the 2024 season, Klubnik decided to come back to Clemson for his senior year, citing a championship-ready roster and a desire to continue to develop as for why he decided to come back. Now, Klubnik enters his senior year as a Heisman Trophy frontrunner and one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in the entire country. And with one of the top offensive lines and groups of receivers in the nation, all of the ingredients are there for Klubnik to thrive in 2025.
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