Clemson QB Cade Klubnik's Shocking NFL Draft Projection: Will He Rise or Fall Tonight?

CLEMSON — Former Clemson football quarterback Cade Klubnik is gearing up to make a splash at the upcoming East-West Shrine Bowl, set for January 27 at 7 p.m. ET at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. As a member of the East team, Klubnik will have the opportunity to raise his NFL draft stock in front of scouts and coaches from across the league.

Entering 2025, Klubnik was viewed as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate and a projected first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, a challenging season caused his stock to slip, leaving him projected for a middle-to-late round selection. Despite this, he brings considerable experience to the table, having played in 49 games and started 40 under the guidance of head coach Dabo Swinney. As the NFL draft approaches, it's possible that one of the league's 32 teams will take a chance on him from April 23-25.

Cade Klubnik's Performance and Draft Projections

Klubnik's promising junior season had him ranked among the top quarterbacks in college football. He threw for 3,639 yards—ranking 10th nationally—alongside 36 touchdowns (third) and just six interceptions. Additionally, he rushed for 463 yards and seven scores. However, his performance took a downturn in 2025, where he managed only 2,943 yards, 16 touchdowns, and six interceptions, along with a modest 94 rushing yards and four touchdowns. This regression contributed to a dip in his draft projections, particularly with other top prospects returning to college, including Dante Moore of Oregon and LaNorris Sellers of South Carolina.

In terms of rankings, experts are divided but generally optimistic about Klubnik's prospects. ESPN analysts Jordan Reid and Mel Kiper rank him as the eighth-best quarterback, while Field Yates places him fifth. Other sources, like CBS Sports and Pro Football Focus, rank him fourth and sixth, respectively. This range of evaluations underscores the variability in quarterback assessments as the draft approaches.

Klubnik's Legacy at Clemson

Klubnik leaves an impressive legacy at Clemson, ranking third in passing yards in the school's history with 10,123 yards and ninth all-time in the ACC. He holds the record for the most completions at Clemson with 901, which also places him fourth in ACC history. Notably, he is among only four quarterbacks in Clemson's history to achieve more than 11,000 career yards of total offense.

In his final game, Klubnik completed 22 of 39 passes for 193 yards against Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl on December 27. His leadership helped guide Clemson to ACC championships in 2022 and 2024, culminating in a return to the College Football Playoff in 2024 after a three-year absence.

Clemson's Representation at the Shrine Bowl

In addition to Klubnik, fellow Clemson players DeMonte Capehart and Tristan Leigh will also participate in the Shrine Bowl. Capehart, a defensive tackle, completed his sixth season at Clemson with 72 tackles, including 13.5 tackles for loss, in 57 games. Leigh, a tackle, has played a significant role on the offensive line, logging 2,202 offensive snaps over 42 career games.

Quarterback Lineup for the Shrine Bowl

Joining Klubnik on the East team are quarterbacks Jalon Daniels from Kansas, Kyron Drones from Virginia Tech, and Behren Morton from Texas Tech. The West team will feature Joe Fagnano from UConn, Mark Gronowski from Iowa, Haynes King from Georgia Tech, and Miller Moss from Louisville.

The East-West Shrine Bowl, recognized as the nation’s longest-running college all-star football game, serves as a vital showcase for draft-eligible players. It provides a platform for athletes to demonstrate their skills and make an impression on NFL scouts. Players participating must either be college seniors or underclassmen who have declared for the NFL Draft and are eligible to play for their respective schools. The week-long event includes practices and interviews, culminating in the game that offers extensive evaluation opportunities for players and NFL personnel alike.

Cade Klubnik's performance at the Shrine Bowl may very well determine his trajectory as he transitions from college star to professional football prospect. As he embarks on this next chapter, all eyes will be on him as he aims to regain his status as a top-tier quarterback in the upcoming NFL draft.