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Cade Klubnik's Remarkable Resilience Propels Him to NFL Prospect
30 Aug
Summary
- Cade Klubnik overcame early struggles at Clemson to become a top QB prospect
- Klubnik's sophomore season saw calls to bench him, but he bounced back
- Klubnik's draft stock is rising after a strong finish to the 2024 season

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik has emerged as a top prospect, thanks to his remarkable resilience and transformative development over the past two seasons.
Klubnik, who was the only highly touted quarterback in the 2026 class to start as a true freshman, faced significant challenges in his sophomore year. There were calls to bench the former top recruit as he struggled, averaging just 6.1 yards per attempt and failing to lead Clemson to 10 wins for the first time since 2010. The doubts only grew louder when Klubnik started the 2024 season with a disappointing performance against Georgia.
However, Klubnik refused to be deterred. Over the course of the 2024 season, he underwent a remarkable transformation, leading Clemson to an ACC Championship and putting on a dominant display in the College Football Playoff against a vaunted Texas defense. His average depth of target increased by 2.4 yards, and he reduced his sack rate while maintaining an efficient passing attack.
Klubnik's ability to bounce back from early struggles and continue improving has caught the attention of NFL scouts. With Clemson expected to have one of the most loaded rosters in college football this season, the stage is set for Klubnik to further elevate his game and cement his status as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.