Todd McShay's Comp for Klubnik? A Rising NFL Star
Todd McShay's Comp for Klubnik? A Rising NFL Star originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
NFL Draft guru Todd McShay is high on Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, and he has a compelling NFL comparison that should excite Tigers fans.
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On "The McShay Show," the former ESPN analyst broke down Klubnik's game and saw a striking resemblance to a quarterback who just lit up the AFC West as a rookie: Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) against the Texas Longhorns during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
"I see a lot of Bo Nix in this kid. I see a lot of Bo Nix in Cade Klubnik," McShay stated. "I think he's great when the initial play breaks down, when he's gotta climb the pocket, when he's gotta side step. It's like soothing to him, which I love that."
It's a comparison that carries significant weight. Nix, the 12th overall pick in the 2024 draft, is coming off a stellar rookie campaign where he threw for 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns for the Broncos. He added another 430 yards and four scores with his legs, quickly establishing himself as a franchise player.
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McShay admits he may have initially overlooked some of the traits in Nix that he now sees in Klubnik.
"Watch his arm, like how loose, and the ball, it has more energy than it looks," McShay added, describing a shared "elastic" quality in both quarterbacks' arms. "I said the same thing about Bo, and I put too much emphasis on all the problems at Auburn and not enough on the development at Oregon. I absolutely undervalued Bo Nix."
Klubnik, now entering his senior season, is building a resume that justifies the hype. In a dominant 2024 junior year, he was one of only two quarterbacks nationwide to pass for over 3,500 yards and rush for over 400.
By the Numbers: Klubnik's 2024 Breakout
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Passing: 3,639 yards, 36 TDs, 6 INTs
Rushing: 463 yards, 7 TDs
Total Touchdowns: 43 (2nd in FBS)
His impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio (36-to-6) was among the nation's best, showcasing the decision-making that has scouts buzzing.
The buzz is translating directly to his draft stock. In McShay's Way-Too-Early 2026 Mock Draft, he projected Klubnik as a top-five pick, landing with the Cleveland Browns.
"When I'm saying Bo Nix [comp to Klubnik], like look at the size, look at the mobility, look at the elastic arm, look at kind of the chaos pressure stuff," McShay clarified. "I'm not saying the ceiling is Bo Nix. I'm just saying when I watch him, I see a lot of the same stuff."
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As Klubnik enters the 2025 season as a bona fide Heisman Trophy candidate, the comparison to a successful pro like Nix will only amplify the spotlight on the Clemson signal-caller.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
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