Klubnik's Resurgence: From Bottom to No. 28 in QB Rankings

The Tale of Two Seasons for Cade Klubnik

Early in the 2025 college football season, Cade Klubnik, the Clemson Tigers' quarterback, was struggling. After just a few games, he was ranked near the bottom of ESPN's Power 4 QB rankings. However, a dramatic mid-season turnaround has seen him climb to No. 28 nationally, leaving many analysts stunned.

This resurgence has become one of the most compelling storylines in college football. Despite the team's disappointing overall record, Klubnik's late-season surge has provided a glimmer of hope for the future. Let's dive into the numbers and the narrative behind this remarkable transformation.

Image: Cade Klubnik in a game action shot.

A Start to Forget

The beginning of the 2025 season was a nightmare for Klubnik and the Tigers. In the first four games, Clemson managed only one win, and Klubnik's performance was far from the level expected of a former five-star recruit and Heisman contender. ESPN's Bill Connelly was particularly critical, noting that Klubnik ranked 93rd in yards per dropback, 102nd in success rate, and 96th in interception rate.

"It's just shocking how poor Clemson's passing game has been this year." ESPN's Bill Connelly

Through those four games, Klubnik had a 44.9 Total QBR, a 60.1% completion rate, and threw four interceptions. The team's national championship aspirations were quickly evaporating, and questions swirled about Klubnik's ability to lead the program.

The Turnaround

Then, something clicked. Starting in October, Klubnik began to play with the confidence and precision that many had expected from him. The difference was stark. In his last four games, he has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country.

Consider the statistics:

• Yards: 1,197 (compared to 1,056 in the first four games)
• Touchdowns: 10 (compared to 7)
• Interceptions: 1 (compared to 4)
• Total QBR: 89.6 (compared to 44.9)
• Completion Rate: 77.8% (compared to 60.1%)
• Yards per Completion: 12.5 (compared to 11.2)
• INT Rate: 0.9% (compared to 2.7%)

With Klubnik playing at this level, the Tigers went 3-1, climbing back to the brink of bowl eligibility. The offensive line's improvement and Klubnik's increased comfort in the pocket were key factors.

Image: ESPN's Power 4 QB rankings showing Klubnik's jump.

ESPN Takes Notice

Klubnik's performance didn't go unnoticed by ESPN. In the latest Power 4 QB rankings, Klubnik made one of the biggest jumps of the week, moving up 26 spots to No. 28. This surge earned him a spot alongside Pitt's Mason Heintschel and Georgia Tech's Haynes King as the week's biggest movers.

"In October, Cade Klubnik officially became Cade Klubnik again." ESPN's Bill Connelly

Connelly acknowledged that while the turnaround came too late to salvage the season, it was a significant positive for the program. He stated, "This will always go down as a massively disappointing season, but Klubnik did show up, at least."

What's Next for Klubnik and Clemson?

Even though the 2025 season has been a disappointment, Klubnik's resurgence provides a foundation for the future. The senior quarterback has shown that when he's on his game, he can be one of the best in the country. This performance will be crucial as Clemson looks to bounce back in 2026.

For now, the focus is on the remaining games, including a matchup against Louisville. The Tigers are hoping to secure bowl eligibility and build on the momentum Klubnik has created.

In a season filled with frustration, Klubnik's story is a testament to resilience and the power of perseverance. As Connelly noted, Klubnik is finally "back" — and that's a win for Clemson.