The Journey of Clemson QB Cade Klubnik

While most stories of rising quarterbacks are centered around talent, stats, and star rankings, the path of Clemson quarterback (QB) Cade Klubnik stands apart.

Driven by his close family ties and the loss of a friend, this 21-year-old star QB is not someone to overlook in the 2025 college football season.

Klubnik’s impressive resume

Klubnik grew up in Austin, Texas, and played for Westlake High School. According to Clemson’s website, he helped the team win three state titles during his time there.

He also has these accomplishments thus far in college:

• Entering his senior season top five in Clemson history in several categories (passing touchdowns, passing yards, passing attempts, and completions).
• One of only three two-time ACC-Championship Game MVPs all-time.

How his family fuels his dreams

According to the Tigers’ QB, family has played a critical role in these stats.

Klubnik saw his first start with Clemson during the 2022 Orange Bowl, and although his parents’ flight was cancelled, they were determined to witness this milestone. After renting a car and driving 20 hours to Miami, they made it in time to see their son’s starting debut. 

His parents aren’t the only ones with unwavering support for their son, though.

Before he was a Tiger, Klubnik played after his older brother, Reed, in high school. Watching him commit to play at Yale University as a wide receiver, he knew he, too, could play in college if he worked hard enough. 

“Somebody that I actually know went and did it, and that, that was super inspirational to me,” said Klubnik. “I saw his work ethic and what he did to get where he was and to where I wanted to be [and] I wanted to go do that…He was kind of living my dream out. So that was really cool for me.”

A shockwave hits

It wasn’t always smooth sailing for Klubnik, according to an article by On3. He was struck by a major surprise in high school upon learning of the death of his friend and former teammate, Jackson Coker.

Being just one of three sophomores to play Varsity while battling two other seniors out for the role of quarterback, Klubnik wasn’t exactly bursting with confidence. This all changed, though, when a senior team captain (Coker) pulled him to the side.

“Hey, bro, I just want you to know, I really believe in you,” Coker said. “I want you to be a star this year. I just really want to build a friendship with you because I see a lot of good in you.”

Although it was a relatively quick encounter, it made a world of difference for Klubnik. 

“I honestly have no idea why he said it,” Klubnik says, describing the experience. “Straight up, that’s just who he was. He was just such a genuine, authentic person that just cared for people better than ever.”

Honoring a fallen friend

Klubnik recalls their experiences together, including Coker offering him rides and buying him lunch. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the upperclassman even brought over a lawn chair and a week’s worth of Chick-fil-A so they could hang out while following lockdown procedures. 

Coker gave Klubnik a new sense of confidence that he, too, could be a team leader when his time came. Today, the Tigers QB lives by the three-word phrase etched into his mirror: 

Live Like Jackson.

With every snap, Cade Klubnik honors those who have shaped him, and as he continues his career, it’s clear he is leading for more than just talent or a win- he is leading with heart.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by the activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.