Cade Klubnik was a draft darling entering the 2025 college football season. As a high school prospect, Klubnik was the Gatorade Player of the Year in Texas and a five-star recruit. A former track athlete, Klubnik won the 400-meter dash state championship in Texas and long jumped 19-10 before committing to Clemson. DJ Uiagalelei was the starter for the majority of Klubnik's freshman season, but was benched in the ACC Championship. Klubnik took the college football scene by storm and was Clemson's clear starter for the next three seasons.

 

Klubnik's tape is unpredictable -- capable of brilliance one drive and chaos the next. At his best, he's a superb athlete packed with arm talent to make throws all over the field. He can evade pressure, hit quick throws, or punish a team that loses contain. At his worst, he loses composure when his first read fails to develop, often resulting in a sack or forced interception. Despite three years of starting experience, he showed little year-over-year development.