Cade Klubnik, the former five-star prospect, has seen his name highlighted in almost every national discussion. But lately, that buzz has taken a sharp turn. Between NFL whispers, quarterback rankings, and mounting pressure, the Clemson Tigers’ signal-caller has suddenly become one of the most talked-about names in the sport, for reasons both exciting and cautionary. But what’s really behind this noise? And why are analysts saying his path might now be locked in for another year in Death Valley?

When Jake Crain of Crain & Company recently released his top 10 quarterback rankings for 2025, it wasn’t surprising to see Cade Klubnik land at No. 2. What was surprising was how definitive Crain was about Klubnik’s growth and future: “You look last year, you talk about a guy that proved a lot of haters wrong and doubters wrong with what he was able to do last season,” Crain said. “His ability to be a run threat, his ability to clutch up, too. I thought at some points last year, I think he’s going to grow again under Garrett Riley.” That confidence speaks volumes. Crain’s ranking wasn’t just about stats—it was about trajectory.

Klubnik silenced critics by showing a complete game with leadership in tight spots and a willingness to shoulder the offense. Klubnik’s scoreboard has shown a sharp rise. In 2023, he passed for 2,844 yards, where he attempted 454 and completed 290. Touchdowns? Only 19. But last season, as a junior for the Tigers, he bagged 3,639 passing yards, with 308 completions among 486 attempts. This time he got a whopping 36 TDs. Almost double than that of ’23.

But what makes this take so important is what it doesn’t say: Nowhere was there talk of Klubnik bolting early for the NFL. And with ESPN’s 2026 mock draft projecting him as the No. 1 overall pick—a year from now, not in 2025, it’s becoming increasingly clear that his Clemson future is the priority. Add in the offensive continuity with Clemson’s OC Garrett Riley and a deep understanding of the playbook, and Klubnik is positioned not just to return, but to thrive in orange and white for one more run.

NFL uncertainty adds unexpected clarity

The other side of this equation? The NFL’s cold evaluation of Klubnik’s pro readiness—an assessment that’s helped make his college return more likely.

Despite a breakout 2024 campaign with over 3,600 yards and 36 touchdowns, Klubnik’s name was notably absent from many preseason All-American and top quarterback NFL boards. Despite his statistical rise, some scouts remain skeptical about his arm strength and consistency under pressure. That’s not the kind of buzz a quarterback wants if he’s eyeing the first round.

And then came ESPN’s early 2026 mock draft. Jordan Reid projected Klubnik as the future No. 1 overall pick—just not yet. The Cleveland Browns were listed as a team potentially trading up for him, signaling interest down the road, but also confirming that NFL evaluators still see Klubnik as a work in progress.

According to Reid, Klubnik is admired for his “poise, mobility, and consistency,” but he “needs to demonstrate improved arm strength and accuracy into tight windows.” That kind of language puts a clear stamp on his immediate future: come back, polish the edges, and then enter the draft.

In a way, the NFL’s verdict gave Klubnik the clarity he needed. Rather than risking a mid-round projection or incomplete résumé, the Clemson quarterback now has a full season to solidify his case. He’s already won over doubters in the college game. Now, with a national spotlight and an elite offensive mind in Garrett Riley backing him, he’s got everything he needs to become the top prospect he’s projected to be.