When it comes to quarterback talent, there is a lot to like about former Clemson Tigers QB Cade Klubnik when things are going right for his offense. But, when things are not going well, you see a lot of the inconsistent version of the Klubnik that has him projected as a mid-round prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Standing at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Klubnik, who was once valued as a first-round pick, can impress with his natural touch ability when delivering the ball and his mobility which will catch the attention of teams who want to instill the RPO in their offense.
As a rhythm-based passer, Klubnik does struggle when faced with extreme pressure as do most young quarterbacks. However, what measures Klubnik’s potential is how he responds to that pressure and how he adjusts in the pocket when he has less time to deliver the ball. If he can work on his post-snap processing skills and use his mobility as a strength at the next level, he can develop at the next level in the right system.
Can he start to showcase his skills at the NFL Combine and increase his draft stock?
With Fernando Mendoza opting not to throw at the combine, most eyes will be on QB talents like Alabama’s Ty Simpson, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeieir and Penn State’s Drew Allar to step up and shine under the spotlight. But there is an opportunity for a QB to steal that spotlight.
Why not the former Clemson quarterback?
What they were saying prior to the 2025 season
Prior to the 2025 college football season, NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah gave his analysis on Klubnik, making an interesting comparison to Ryan Tannehill who was a serviceable starter in the NFL. The comparison was due to the way both players throw the ball with touch and timing. Like Tannehill, Klubnik also has the athleticism to create plays with his legs.
Overall it’s the touch he displays on his passes that make him an intriguing prospect.
Jeremiah wrote:
“Klubnik is an excellent athlete with quick hands and feet. In the RPO game, he sees the field clearly and his operation time is excellent. He pulls the ball from the running back and delivers it outside in one motion. Furthermore, he is an excellent touch thrower. He anticipates well and throws a soft, catchable ball. He excels on fades, both to the slot and the outside receivers.”
What was learned during the 2025 season
Klubnik had a big opportunity to position himself as one of the top QB prospects of the 2025 NFL Draft. Coming off a breakout season in 2024 in which he threw for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns, Klubnik took a step back and struggled along with the rest of his team in a disappointing season.
In his final season at Clemson, he threw for 2,943 yards with 16 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Along with his passing TD numbers, an area where he really dipped was in rushing yards. Compared to 2024 when he rushed for 463 yards and 7 touchdowns, he had just 94 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in his final season at Clemson.
At the NFL Combine, Klubnik will need to showcase that athleticism he is known for and impress with his throwing touch. If he can be more of the QB he was in 2024, he could be a wildcard in the 2026 NFL Draft. Where we’ve seen players like Dillon Gabriel and Tyler Shough go in the second and third round, a QB talent like Klubnik could get hot at the right time and really raise his draft stock. In all, he will be one of the players in the spotlight once the combine gets underway in Indianapolis.