Clemson QB Says This Spring Feels Different — and Here’s Why

Cade Klubnik says something changed inside Clemson’s locker room — and it’s not what most expected.

Clemson didn’t feel like it was rebuilding this spring — and for once, that’s exactly what it needed.

Quarterback Cade Klubnik says the vibe has changed, and it starts with one word: continuity.

“It’s the first spring that we haven’t felt like we were starting over,” Klubnik said. “The older guys are coaching the younger guys, and it just feels like we’re further along.”

That’s a departure from the norm, especially in the transfer portal era. But Clemson’s experienced core stuck around, and it’s paying off. Instead of learning new systems or adjusting to new voices, the Tigers are building on what they already know — and that’s allowing younger players to catch up fast.

Veterans are setting the tone on both sides of the ball. The energy is better, the tempo is faster, and the expectations are clear.

Klubnik’s comfort in this environment is obvious. He’s not just part of the team — he’s leading it. Entering 2025, he’s completed 659-of-1,040 passes for 7,180 yards, 57 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. He’s rushed for 784 yards and 13 touchdowns and even caught a 19-yard pass. In 37 career games (28 starts), he ranks top five in Clemson history in nearly every major passing category and is one of only three two-time ACC Championship Game MVPs.

For a Clemson program built on internal development, the stability this spring offers something rare in today’s college football landscape: a chance to build, not reboot.

And that alone could make all the difference.

That continuity is translating into confidence — not just for Klubnik, but for the entire offense. Players are spending less time thinking and more time playing fast, a shift that Klubnik believes will pay off when the Tigers take the field this fall.

“You can just see it. The chemistry’s there. The ball’s coming out on time. We’re all locked in,” Klubnik said. “It’s not about learning anymore — it’s about executing.”

The former five-star recruit has long had the raw talent, but this spring he’s pairing it with maturity. He’s spending extra hours in the film room, helping younger quarterbacks, and challenging receivers to elevate their game. The coaching staff is seeing a more vocal, more intentional version of Klubnik — one who finally feels like the face of Clemson football.

As the Tigers look to rebound from an uncharacteristic 9–4 season, Klubnik knows the spotlight will be on him. But instead of shrinking from it, he’s embracing the responsibility.

“I love it,” he said. “This is where I’ve always wanted to be.”

And if spring is any indication, Cade Klubnik might finally be ready to lead Clemson back to championship form — with confidence, command, and a team that believes in him.