Clemson QB Cade Klubnik returns home for long-awaited rematch with Texas’ Quinn Ewers

Former Texas product will return home to Austin to face the Texas Longhorns and Quinn Ewers.

The No. 5 Texas Longhorns are hosting the No. 12 Clemson Tigers at Darrell K. Royal later this month. The game comes after Texas, fell short of an SEC Championship against Georgia, 22-19.

The Longhorns were expected to make the College Football Playoff irregardless of the game’s outcome, and they did just that clinching a No. 5 spot in the final College Football Playoff rankings.

No. 12 Clemson, defeated No. 11 SMU for the ACC Championship on Sunday, 34-31. Advancing to the No. 12 spot, kicking out SEC team, Alabama. For some, on the Clemson team, coming to Austin might be an opportunity to play in new atmosphere and new town, but for Clemson Quarterback Cade Klubnik, it means returning to his home town.

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is set to return to his hometown of Austin, Texas, as the Tigers face the Texas Longhorns in the first round of the College Football Playoff on December 21, 2024. This matchup marks the first-ever meeting between Clemson and Texas on the football field.

Klubnik, an alumnus of Austin’s Westlake High School, led the Chaparrals to two state championships in 2020 and 2021. During his high school career, he set school records with 86 touchdown passes and 7,390 passing yards, surpassing notable Westlake quarterbacks such as Drew Brees, Nick Foles, and Sam Ehlinger.

The upcoming game also rekindles a notable quarterback rivalry. In the 2020 Class 6A Division I State Championship, Klubnik’s Westlake team defeated Southlake Carroll, led by current Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, with a score of 52-34.  This playoff game serves as a rematch between the two quarterbacks, now leading their respective college teams.

Adding to the local connections, one of Klubnik’s former Westlake teammate is now on the Texas roster, offensive lineman Connor Robertson. Adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.

The Texas Longhorns are set to take on Clemson from Austin on Saturday December 21st at 3PM. The game is set to be broadcasted on TNT.