Faith is an integral part of Dabo Swinney's life. The 55-year-old Clemson coach has long been outspoken about his Christian faith. But his belief in his quarterback, Cade Klubnik, may prove to be the biggest difference-maker in the Tigers’ season.
Klubnik has witnessed Clemson’s tradition of elite quarterback play. Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence helped the Tigers reach four national championship games, winning two of them. Naturally, Klubnik was expected to be next in line. But it didn’t start out that way, with the quarterback admitting he “wasn’t very good” during his sophomore season.
“I think that I’m kind of the epitome of the word ‘development,’” Klubnik said on On3’s Andy and Ari podcast. “What Clemson’s done with me is they’ve developed me, they’ve gotten me better. So, if I’m a quarterback and I’m wanting to get better, Clemson is the place to do it.”
That sophomore campaign was rocky. Klubnik completed just under 64% of his passes for 2,844 yards, 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions as Clemson finished 9-4.
“Everybody kind of told me I sucked, and wasn’t very good,” Klubnik told the AP’s Steve Reed. “A lot of people wanted me out of Clemson.”
Two weeks after the Tigers’ 38-35 win over Kentucky in the Gator Bowl, Klubnik grew concerned about his future with the program. That’s when Swinney called him into his office with a message he won’t forget: “I believe in you.”
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Klubnik said that moment changed the trajectory of his career.
“To have somebody that I look up to and believe in, tell me that he believes in me, it just filled me with confidence,” Klubnik said. “He could have gone and done what a lot of other coaches would do (and find a transfer quarterback), but he didn’t.”
That faith paid off. Klubnik threw for more than 3,600 yards, 36 touchdowns and just six interceptions while leading Clemson back to an ACC championship and a College Football Playoff berth. Heading into this season, he’s considered one of the top quarterbacks in the country, a Heisman Trophy favorite and a potential top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Still, Swinney admitted putting his full trust in Klubnik came with risk.
“He’s a young person and I just felt like it was important that I let him know that I fully believed in him,” Swinney said. “I didn’t want him worrying about me going out and getting another guy. I wanted him to know, hey, you’re my guy.”
“I told him if it don’t work out, then I’m going down with you.”
Swinney is truly one of a kind.