Devy Spotlight: Is Cade Klubnik a 2026 Draft Sleeper?

Kevin looks at a potential 2026 draft sleeper in Clemson QB Cade Klubnik.

Cade Klubnik led Clemson back to the College Football Playoff in 2024, but the star quarterback knows the Tigers’ ceiling is even higher. He had the option to enter the NFL Draft after the season—especially in a quarterback class full of uncertainties—but Klubnik made the call to return for one final run.

His football pedigree speaks for itself. Before Clemson, he was a dominant force at Westlake High School in Texas, leading the program to three straight state championships. He was named USA Today’s Offensive Player of the Year twice and won Gatorade’s Texas Player of the Year in 2021. His high school numbers were staggering: 7,426 passing yards, 86 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions, all while completing 70% of his passes.

While he didn’t see that level of success early in his Clemson career, Klubnik put together a breakout season in 2024, silencing his critics in the process. He threw for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, and just six interceptions while adding 463 yards and seven scores on the ground. Clemson finished with a 10-4 record, secured an ACC Championship win over SMU, and punched a ticket to the College Football Playoff. Though the Tigers fell to Texas 38-24, Klubnik’s performance solidified his status as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.

His improvement was undeniable. After ranking outside the top 100 in PFF’s passing grades in 2023, he rocketed up to fifth in 2024, posting an elite 87.7 grade. Only Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders—both projected top-five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft—threw more passing touchdowns than Klubnik last season. Statistically, he’s already one of the best to ever play at Clemson, ranking top five in nearly every major passing category, including touchdowns (fourth), passing yards (fourth), attempts (fourth), and completions (fifth). Over three seasons, he has accounted for 57 passing touchdowns, 7,180 passing yards, and 18 interceptions, along with 784 rushing yards and 13 scores on the ground. His first two seasons came with growing pains, but his steady progression shows a quarterback on the rise. His numbers tell the story:

• 2022: 61/100, 697 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, 139 rushing yards

• 2023: 290/454, 2,844 yards, 19 TDs, 9 INTs, 182 rushing yards

• 2024: 308/486, 3,639 yards, 36 TDs, 6 INTs, 463 rushing yards

The former five-star recruit has steadily improved every season, proving his ability to adapt and grow. But the next step in his development will depend just as much on the system around him as his individual talent. With Garrett Riley entering his third year as Clemson’s offensive coordinator, how much of Klubnik’s success—or potential struggles—will be tied to the Tigers’ coaching, depth chart, and scheme? Let’s dive into how the system impacts his trajectory.

Coaching, Scheme, and Depth Chart

Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, Cade Klubnik took a significant step forward in his development. After an inconsistent 2023 campaign, he bounced back in a big way, throwing for 3,649 yards and 36 touchdowns. At one point, he even entered the Heisman conversation. While Clemson’s offense has shown steady growth under Riley, it hasn’t been without its hiccups. The Tigers have put up impressive numbers—averaging 451.9 total yards per game (third in the ACC), 278.5 passing yards (third), 180.8 rushing yards (fifth), and 34.7 points (fourth). They crossed the 40-point mark six times and remained undefeated (10-0) when scoring at least 24 points.

A crucial improvement has been their ability to minimize costly mistakes, particularly turnovers and momentum-killing fumbles. While those issues haven’t been entirely eliminated, Klubnik and Riley have worked to significantly reduce them. Now entering their third season together, the familiarity with Riley’s system could be the key to unlocking an even higher level of offensive efficiency.

Beyond the scheme, Klubnik benefits from one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in college football. Freshman standout Bryant Wesco is already drawing national recognition, earning a spot on Pro Football Focus' list of top returning receivers. A former five-star recruit out of Texas, Wesco brings elite route-running, explosiveness, and natural hands to Clemson’s offense. His ability to create separation, stretch the field, and win in contested situations makes him a prime breakout candidate in 2025.

Clemson’s receiving corps isn’t just about one rising star, though. Veteran Antonio Williams returns after a dominant season where he led the team with 75 receptions for 904 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’ll be the stabilizing force for the unit, while T.J. Moore, another dynamic sophomore, adds more firepower. Tyler Brown, fully recovered from an ankle injury that forced him to redshirt in 2024, will also re-enter the mix. Clemson’s passing attack, which already ranked inside the top 15 nationally last season, has all the tools to be even more dangerous in 2025.

The Tigers did lose Troy Stellato and Noble Johnson to the transfer portal, but their departures shouldn’t have a major impact. Meanwhile, Dabo Swinney added 6-foot-5 receiver Tristan Smith from the FCS ranks, bringing another big-bodied target into the fold. His 76 receptions for 934 yards last season at Southeast Missouri State highlight his ability to contribute right away.

With Klubnik leading a veteran offense, protected by an experienced line and surrounded by dynamic weapons, Clemson is positioned to have one of the most explosive units in college football. If Wesco and Moore take the next step, this passing attack could be lethal—and it only bolsters Klubnik’s stock as a potential 2026 NFL Draft sleeper.

Scouting Report: Cade Klubnik

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