Klubnik Cracks Top 10 Returning QBs, Eyes Heisman After Championship Season
Klubnik Cracks Top 10 Returning QBs, Eyes Heisman After Championship Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
CLEMSON, S.C. -- After leading the Clemson Tigers back to the pinnacle of the ACC and securing a College Football Playoff berth, quarterback Cade Klubnik is not just a champion, but also one of the nation's elite signal-callers heading into the 2025 season. According to the College Sports Network's advanced QB+ metric, Klubnik ranks as the seventh-best returning quarterback in college football, positioning him as a legitimate contender for the Heisman Trophy.
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Klubnik's 2024 campaign was a resounding success, culminating in a dramatic ACC Championship victory over SMU where he was named the game's MVP for the second time in his career. This performance, a key factor in his impressive 82.2 (B-) QB+ grade, solidified his status as a clutch performer and a leader capable of elevating his team in high-stakes moments.
The CSN QB+ metric, which weighs stable performance factors like clean pocket passing and designed rushing success more heavily, highlights the core strengths of Klubnik's game. One of his most impressive attributes is his composure under duress. Only two other returning quarterbacks in the nation posted a better pressured EPA per dropback (0.1) than Klubnik last season, a testament to his calm presence in the pocket when chaos erupts.
While his overall grade was slightly dampened by a tough season-opening loss to Georgia (66.8, D grade), Klubnik's body of work speaks for itself. He consistently performed at a high level, logging four games with an 80+ grade.
Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) runs on his way to scoring a game-winning fifty-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter to defeat the Pittsburgh Panthers.© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Statistically, Klubnik was prolific. He led all returning quarterbacks with an impressive 36 passing touchdowns in 2024. Within the ACC, his dominance was even more apparent. According to TruMedia, he paced all returning conference quarterbacks in total pass EPA (114.19). A constant big-play threat, Klubnik tied for the ACC lead with seven plays of 50 or more yards and recorded more 20+ yard plays (57) than any other quarterback returning to the conference in 2025.
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His efficiency was also top-tier, boasting a 6.0 touchdown-to-interception ratio, second only to Georgia Tech's Haynes King among returning ACC signal-callers.
As Klubnik enters his third season at the helm of Garrett Riley's offense, expectations are soaring. With another year of experience and a proven track record of success, a trip to New York for the Heisman ceremony is a realistic goal. If he can build upon his 2024 performance and continue his upward trajectory, Klubnik has the potential to not only lead Clemson to another ACC title but also contend for a national championship.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
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