Tag: Cade Klubnik

Three Clemson football players make final ESPN Top 100 for 2024 season

Parker, Klubnik, and one other made ESPN’s list.

With the 2024 college football season officially over, ESPN has unveiled its final rankings of the Top 100 overall players from the past year.

Analysts David Hale, Bill Connelly, Chris Low, Max Olson, Adam Rittenberg and Paolo Uggetti put the list together for ESPN. Three Clemson players made the panel’s top 100 rankings: quarterback Cade Klubnik, defensive end T.J. Parker, and linebacker Barrett Carter.

As to the order of those players, Parker was the highest-ranked Clemson player at No. 46 overall, between Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Tyler Booker and Tennessee Volunteers cornerback Jermod McCoy. Klubnik was seven spots below Parker at No. 53, between Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman and West Virginia offensive lineman Wyatt Milum. Carter was ranked No. 100 by ESPN.

Hale said of Klubnik:

“After an uneven first two seasons at Clemson, Klubnik finally put it all together in 2024 and emerged as one of the best QBs in the country. Klubnik topped 4,000 yards of total offense and racked up 43 touchdowns while throwing just six interceptions all season. His finish to 2024, however, might be the biggest reason for optimism moving forward. In his last three games, all vs. top-15 teams, he completed 62% of his throws for 878 yards with nine touchdowns. Klubnik likely enters 2025 as one of the favorites for the Heisman trophy.”

Neither Klubnik nor Parker were ranked in ESPN’s preseason Top 100. Both players will return to Clemson in 2025.

Hale said of Parker’s 2024 season:

“As good as any defender in the country over the second half of the season, Parker utterly dominated Clemson’s last six games on the D-line, in which he racked up 6 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss and 4 forced fumbles. For the season, Parker ranked third in the ACC in sacks (11), second in TFLs (19.5) and second nationally in forced fumbles with six. He did all of that despite Clemson’s defensive line turning in its worst season overall in more than a decade. Expect even bigger things in 2025 as the Tigers reload upfront, building around Parker and fellow D-lineman Peter Woods.”

Carter had been the Tigers’ highest-ranked player in ESPN’s preseason rankings at No. 15 overall. He finished his four-year career at Clemson with 233 career tackles, 12.5 sacks and 31.5 tackles for loss.

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Big news announced pertaining to Clemson football 2025 schedule

Here’s who the Tigers will open ACC play against next season, and who they’ll meet in their first conference home game of 2025.

We now know the dates of seven Clemson Tigers football games in total for the 2025 college football season.

Clemson announced the dates of three of its ACC games Friday. The Tigers will open conference play in Atlanta against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Sept. 13 at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

The following week, Dabo Swinney’s team will host the Syracuse Orange in their first ACC home game of the year on Sept. 20. Moreover, the much-anticipated matchup between Swinney’s Tigers and Bill Belichick’s North Carolina Tar Heels was announced for Oct. 4 in Chapel Hill.

Dates for the rest of Clemson’s ACC schedule will be announced on ACC Network Monday night beginning at 9 p.m. ET.

RELATED: Clemson in top 10 of USA TODAY Sports’ way-too-early 2025 college football rankings

The Tigers have scheduled home games against rival Florida State, plus Duke and SMU. They’ll travel to Louisville and Boston College in conference play.

Clemson opens the 2025 season at home against the LSU Tigers on Aug. 30 before facing the Troy Trojans on Sept. 6. The Tigers’ annual rivalry vs. South Carolina is scheduled for Nov. 29 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.

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Cade Klubnik named best QB in the nation heading into 2025 college football season

Here’s how Klubnik edged out for the top spot.

Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik took a big step forward in 2024.

In his junior season, the Austin, Texas, native threw for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns — both career-bests — to six interceptions. Klubnik completed 63.5 percent of his passes. It was his late-game heroics that saved Clemson’s season in critical moments at Pittsburgh, in the second half at Virginia Tech, and in the ACC Championship Game vs. SMU.

Klubnik will return in 2025 for his senior season at Clemson, and expectations have never been higher. On Thursday, 247Sports named Klubnik the top quarterback in the nation heading into 2025. He edged out LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier for the top spot.

247Sports’ Brad Crawford said of Klubnik:

“2025 projection: 325-of-511, 4,004 yards, 40 TDs, 5 INTs; 365 yards rushing, 5 TDs

Give Dabo Swinney and Garrett Riley credit for sticking with their quarterback. Cade Klubnik was superb during his second go-around with Riley calling the plays in 2024, throwing 17 more touchdown passes than he did the previous campaign thanks to improvements made as a passer. With Bryant Wesco and T.J. Moore back to headline a talented group of receivers for the Tigers, Klubnik could have his best season yet as a senior for the defending ACC champions. His performance through the air at Texas in the playoff really showed how far he’s come from the pocket. Klubnik threw three or more touchdown passes in nine different starts last season, which tied for most in college football with Cam Ward.”

Klubnik and the Tigers open the 2025 season against LSU and Nussmeier on Aug. 30 at Clemson Memorial Stadium.

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Clemson in top 10 of USA TODAY Sports’ way-too-early 2025 college football rankings

The pieces are in place for a Tigers national championship run next season, USA TODAY Sports experts say.

The Clemson Tigers took a big step forward on the field in 2024.

The season didn’t end the way Tiger fans had hoped, but the team won 10 games and reached the College Football Playoff — expanded though it was — for the first time in four years.

Dabo Swinney won his ninth ACC title, and quarterback Cade Klubnik threw for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns.

USA TODAY Sports released their 2025 way-too-early Top 25 rankings this week after Monday’s national championship game. Clemson is ranked No. 7, one spot ahead of Notre Dame and one spot below No. 6 LSU. Clemson and LSU will meet in the season opener on Aug. 30.

Paul Myerberg and Erick Smith said of Clemson:

“The defending ACC champions will be expected to repeat in 2025 and go even deeper into the playoff. The offense will be led by veteran quarterback Cade Klubnik and an up-and-coming receiver corps. But RB is a question mark after projected starter Jay Haynes tore his ACL in the ACC title game. Defensively, look for Clemson to rebound under new coordinator Tom Allen after falling to ninth in the ACC in yards allowed per play this past season. The pieces are in place for a run at the national tile.”

RELATED: Clemson football has strong finish to 2024 season in final US LBM Coaches Poll

Clemson’s full week-by-week schedule will be revealed Monday, Jan. 27 in a live special televised on ACC Network.

The Tigers’ scheduled conference matchups include home games against rival Florida State, plus Duke, Syracuse and SMU. They’re slated to face NC State, Georgia Tech, North Carolina and Boston College on the road.

Clemson’s nonconference schedule features LSU, the Troy Trojans, Furman Paladins and the annual rivalry against South Carolina (to be played at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia).

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Clemson football has strong finish to 2024 season in final US LBM Coaches Poll

Here’s where the Tigers placed in the final Coaches Poll, released Tuesday, Jan. 21.

The 2024 college football season officially ended Monday night with the Ohio State Buckeyes being crowned national champions after a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

With the Buckeyes (14-2 overall) topping the final US LBM Coaches Poll of the season Tuesday, Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers finished just outside the top 10 at No. 11 — tied with the SMU Mustangs. Clemson finished one spot ahead of the Ole Miss Rebels (10-3) at No. 13 and one spot below the Indiana Hoosiers (11-2) at No. 10.

The Tigers finished the 2024 season 10-4 overall, winning the ACC Championship Game in dramatic fashion on Nolan Hauser’s game-winning 56-yard field goal as time expired for a 34-31 upset. It was Swinney’s ninth ACC title in his 17 seasons as Tigers coach.

Clemson lost in the first round of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff 38-24 to the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium to end its season. Quarterback Cade Klubnik threw for a career-high 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns to six interceptions. Klubnik will return for his senior season in 2025, along with promising young freshman stars at wide receiver in Bryant Wesco and T.J. Moore.

The Tigers and SMU finished as the ACC’s highest-ranked teams in the final poll. Two other ACC teams were ranked in the final Top 25 — the Miami Hurricanes at No. 18 and the Syracuse Orange at No. 22.

RELATED: ACC will consider a Championship game change that could affect Clemson vs. South Carolina.

A season ago, Clemson finished No. 20 in the final Coaches Poll after a 9-4 campaign that saw them win their final five games. Their No. 11 ranking in this year’s poll is one spot higher than two years ago when they finished No. 12 in final Coaches Poll after going 11-3 with a loss to the Tennessee Volunteers in the Orange Bowl.

Clemson opens the 2025 regular season on Aug. 30 against the LSU Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium.

Final NCAA College Football Coaches Poll

Rank Team Record Points Change High/Low
1 Ohio State Buckeyes 12-0 1,350 (54) +6 1/8
2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 11-2 1,281 +1 2/19
3 Texas Longhorns 11-1 1,214 +1 1/6
4 Oregon Ducks 11-2 1,178 -3 1/7
5 Penn State Nittany Lions 11-2 1,080 – 3/9
6 Georgia Bulldogs 10-2 1,069 -4 1/10
7 Arizona State Sun Devils 10-2 1,037 +3 7/NR
8 Tennessee Volunteers 12-1 929 -2 4/15
9 Boise State Broncos 11-1 925 -1 8/NR
10 Indiana Hoosiers 11-2 856 -1 5/NR
11 SMU Mustangs 9-3 749 +1 7/NR
11 Clemson Tigers 11-2 741 +2 8/22
13 Ole Miss Rebels 10-3 707 +2 5/18
14 BYU Cougars 9-3 668 +3 8/NR
15 Iowa State Cyclones 9-3 631 +4 10/NR
16 Illinois Fighting Illini 10-2 611 +5 16/NR
17 Alabama Crimson Tide 10-2 423 -6 2/17
18 Miami Hurricanes 11-1 361 -2 4/19
19 South Carolina Gamecocks 10-3 355 -5 12/NR
20 Missouri Tigers 9-3 282 – 8/NR
21 Army Black Knights 9-3 275 -3 17/NR
22 Syracuse Orange 9-3 228 +3 22/NR
23 Memphis Tigers 10-2 166 – 23/NR
24 UNLV Rebels 10-3 140 – 19/NR
25 Colorado Buffaloes 9-3 129 -3 18/NR

Others Receiving Votes

LSU 44; Navy 28; Louisville 28; Michigan 20; Kansas State 20; Ohio 6; TCU 5; Marshall 1;

Cade Klubnik on his decision to return to Clemson for another season

Klubnik on his decision to return.

Cade Klubnik has decided to return to Clemson for his senior season, passing on the opportunity to enter the NFL Draft. After a strong 2024 campaign, Klubnik believes there’s still unfinished business with the Tigers and room to grow before taking the next step in his career.

Speaking with ESPN’s Field Yates, Klubnik emphasized his desire to continue developing and leading a team packed with potential. “I came to Clemson to win a national championship,” Klubnik said. “That’s still right here for me. I think we’ve got the best team we’ve had since I’ve been here coming back. We’re gonna be bringing nine starters back on offense and probably seven or eight on defense.”

In 2024, Klubnik helped guide Clemson back to the College Football Playoff, throwing for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. He also contributed 642 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground.
With most of the Tigers’ offensive core returning and significant defensive pieces intact, Klubnik is confident the team is set up for a championship run in 2025. “I’m still hungry for what I know this program has,” he added.

Clemson is a real contender with Klubnik back in 2025.

Clemson’s passing offense should continue to elevate in 2025

Klubnik’s return should continue to elevate the Tigers’ passing attack.

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik has officially announced his return for his senior season, a move that sets the stage for an even more explosive passing offense in 2025. His decision provides a major boost to a Tigers team eager to build on the momentum of their College Football Playoff appearance this year.

Klubnik was a key factor in Clemson’s resurgence during the 2024 season. His ability to command the offense, make precise throws, and deliver in big moments turned heads throughout the college football world. With his experience and leadership, he became the centerpiece of a unit that averaged over 35 points per game.

A big part of that success came from his connection with Clemson’s talented group of receivers. Antonio Williams and Bryant Wesco Jr. consistently stepped up, creating one of the most potent passing attacks in the ACC. Klubnik’s standout performance in the ACC Championship, where he threw for 262 yards and four touchdowns, highlighted just how dangerous this offense can be when everything is clicking.

With Offensive Coordinator Garrett Riley calling the plays, Klubnik’s return offers even more promise. Having another offseason to sharpen their approach and refine the playbook could push the Tigers’ passing game to new heights. The chemistry between Klubnik and his receivers, already strong, has the potential to develop into one of the most feared aerial attacks in the country.

For Clemson fans, Klubnik’s decision to stay signals that 2025 could be a special season. With his leadership and a deep, talented roster around him, the Tigers’ passing offense looks primed to deliver one of its best performances in program history.

Moves still need to be made, but the Tigers are trending in a better direction than some believe.

Clemson star quarterback officially announces return in 2025

Clemson gets their star under center.

Clemson fans received big news on Monday night as quarterback Cade Klubnik announced his decision to return for the 2025 season.

“The story isn’t over. See y’all in 2025,” Klubnik shared in a post on social media, confirming he will be back to lead the Tigers for another year.

In three seasons at Clemson, Klubnik has thrown for 7,180 yards with 57 touchdowns and 18 interceptions over 37 games, including 28 starts. He’s also proven effective as a runner, tallying 784 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 286 attempts. Klubnik even showcased his versatility with a 19-yard reception during his collegiate career.

His return gives Clemson a veteran leader under center as they aim to make a serious run at a national championship in 2025. For Klubnik, it’s also an opportunity to continue honing his skills and solidify his status as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.

 

David Pollack on Cade Klubnik being a top Heisman contender in 2025

Pollack shares high praise for Klubnik.

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik has positioned himself as one of college football’s brightest stars, and if he returns for his senior season in 2025, he could achieve what no Tiger has before: winning the Heisman Trophy.

Despite the impressive careers of Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence, Clemson has never produced a Heisman winner. However, ESPN analyst David Pollack believes Klubnik has the potential to break that trend. “I think he’ll stay, and I think Cade Klubnik will be in the Heisman conversation next year. That’s how good I think he is,” Pollack said.

Klubnik’s 2024 season was nothing short of stellar, with over 4,000 total yards, 43 total touchdowns, and just five interceptions. His performance in the College Football Playoff against No. 5 Texas showcased his elite ability, throwing for 336 yards and three touchdowns to keep Clemson in contention despite a limited run game.

“What he did to Texas—Texas gave up four touchdown passes all year. He had three, and he was dropping the deep ball in the bucket, making plays,” Pollack noted.

While there remains speculation about whether Klubnik will declare for the NFL Draft, a return to Clemson in 2025 could solidify his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation and give him a real shot at making Heisman history.

 

Cade Klubnik asked about future plans after loss to Texas

Klubnik asked if he’s returning to Clemson next season.

Clemson football’s 2024 season is in the rearview; quarterback Cade Klubnik was asked about his plans for the future following the Tigers’ 38-24 playoff loss to Texas on Saturday. Specifically, the question lingered: will the junior return for his senior season in 2025?

Klubnik, still processing the emotions of the night, sidestepped any definitive answer. “I’m just trying to deal with the emotions of tonight,” he said in the postgame press conference. “I got to play my last football game with a lot of these guys, so I’m not really thinking about me right now. I’m just trying to think about all the relationships that I’ve built over the last three years. That’s really all I’m thinking about right now.”

Despite the loss, Klubnik’s performance against Texas reflected the talent that has made him a key figure for Clemson. He finished 26-of-43 for 336 yards and three touchdowns, though he did throw one interception.
Coming into the game, Klubnik ranked third nationally in passing touchdowns (33) and 12th in passing yards (3,303). The Austin native also showcased his dual-threat ability throughout the year, rushing for 458 yards and seven touchdowns.

For now, Clemson fans will have to wait to see if Klubnik suits up in orange again next season, but his contributions to the program in 2024 have been undeniable.