The gamble paid off. Klubnik exploded in 2024 with more than 4,000 total yards and 42 touchdowns. He capped the year with an MVP performance in the ACC title game, tossing four scores in a 34-31 win over SMU that secured Clemson’s return to the College Football Playoff.

The Clemson Tigers and quarterback Cade Klubnik took a big step last year to the College Football Playoff, but now they want more.

One of college football's Heisman frontrunners to start the 2025 season, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik would've likely never been in this position if not for Tigers coach Dabo Swinney. Klubnik credits Swinney for walking him off the transfer portal ledge earlier in his career after the former five-star prospect's starting tenure began with a bevy of detractors in 2023 during his sophomore season.