“I Sucked”: How Cade Klubnik turned doubt into Clemson’s playoff push

Rodney Knuppel

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“I Sucked”: How Cade Klubnik turned doubt into Clemson’s playoff push image

Cade Klubnik heard every word. He read the criticism online, saw the calls for the Clemson Tigers to dip into the transfer portal, and felt the pressure of being the quarterback blamed for ending the Tigers’ streak of dominance.

Cade Klubnik silences doubters as Clemson’s title push begins

After a 9-4 sophomore season that left Clemson outside the playoff picture, many thought Klubnik wasn’t the answer. He threw for just 19 touchdowns with nine interceptions in 2023, and some wondered if head coach Dabo Swinney’s loyalty was misplaced.

But Swinney never wavered. And that belief changed everything.

Dabo’s Vote of Confidence

Two weeks after Clemson’s bowl win over Kentucky, Swinney pulled Klubnik into his office. The message was simple: You’re my guy.

For a quarterback who had been drowning in outside noise, the words carried weight. “Everybody kind of told me I sucked,” Klubnik admitted. “A lot of people wanted me out of Clemson. But hearing Coach say he believed in me filled me with confidence.”

Instead of chasing a transfer, Swinney doubled down. “If it doesn’t work out,” he told Klubnik, “then I’m going down with you.”

From Question Mark to Champion

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.

Although the Tigers fell to Texas in the first round, the message was clear: Clemson was back, and Klubnik was the centerpiece.

MORE: Penn State and Texas lead way in 2025 AP preseason All-America picks

Entering 2025 With Higher Stakes

Now a senior, Klubnik heads into the new season as a legitimate Heisman candidate. The Tigers are ranked No. 4 in the preseason polls, with expectations of not just another playoff trip but a national championship run.

The Road Ahead

Clemson’s schedule won’t make things easy, but Klubnik enters the year surrounded by talent and with the full weight of Swinney’s trust. The Tigers believe they have the leadership and firepower to contend with the nation’s best.

Swinney put it plainly: “If that guy stays healthy, we’ll have a chance. He’ll always give you a chance.”

For Klubnik, that’s all he’s ever wanted, the opportunity to prove the doubters wrong.

The Tigers get LSU in their season opener on August 30, before hosting Troy on September 6.

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Rodney Knuppel

Rodney Knuppel is a freelance writer for The Sporting News. When not watching, listening or writing about sports, Rodney enjoys following the travels of his three kids, who are all active in their own sports and activities. A huge St. Louis Cardinals fan, Rodney also enjoys St. Louis Blues hockey and is a big Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan.