The 2025 NFL draft is in the books, and so if anything we learn this year, it is to expect the unexpected. And no one knows it better than the quarterback’s picks. Who would have imagined that Shedeur Sanders would be a fifth-round pick? He might even be wondering what he could have done differently. And even Jalen Milroe, a Seattle Seahawk, likely feels the same. But, despite the draft’s surprises, one notable absence was Cade Klubnik. The Clemson star chose to return to college, perhaps fueled by a desire to prove himself. But who said he cannot make an early draft buzz?

And why wouldn’t he? Last season, Cade Klubnik led Clemson to an ACC Championship victory over SMU, a thrilling 34-31 win where his MVP performance included 262 passing yards and four touchdowns. Despite this highlight, Klubnik sometimes struggled with accuracy and pressure. In 2024, he amassed impressive numbers: 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions. However, a 63.4% completion rate hampered his overall performance. This inconsistency likely influenced his decision to return to college, aiming to refine his skills before declaring for the NFL draft.

But you can’t miss out on the fact that this guy was generating significant NFL buzz and earning a second-round projection from last season. And now? On3’s Andy Staples is pretty sure that next year he is going to be a top pick. “Cade Klubnik at Clemson. I actually think Kade Klubnik can play his way into a pretty high draft pick. Now, I don’t know; he’s not as big as some of these other guys… but he runs really well, and he has developed as a quarterback over the course of his career, where you see him doing things now that he couldn’t do when he first became a starter.” Andy said.

He further added to it and said, “Sometimes these guys do need time, and so I could see Cade Klubnik playing his way into that level.” And the kind of improvement he is making this spring ensures that it’s going to add up to a better season and Cade’s NFL career. This spring, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is honing his skills, emphasizing consistency, leadership, and a 2025 championship.

Riding high after a successful last season, Klubnik is focused on improving and is confident the Tigers will have a great fall. “We got a taste of it, but we want some more,” Klubnik said. “It was good to get that experience, and it’ll be great to set up next year.” Cade’s main objective is to consistently perform at a high level. “I want to be elite, and that’s consistency every game, every drive, every play,” Klubnik said. “I’ve got a high standard for myself, and I want to continue to chase that.” He believes that avoiding forced big plays will lead to a more natural offensive flow.

This spring, a key focus for Klubnik has been improving his situational awareness, particularly inside the red zone. “We did some red zone work today, and after practice, I was thinking, ‘Let’s go watch every time we entered the red zone last season,’” Klubnik said. “It’s not just watching the good ones — it’s about learning from the bad ones, too, so you don’t make the same mistakes again.” With a talented receiving corps and the addition of Tristan Smith, Cade Klubnik has plenty of force to improve.

But in the middle of all the hustle, Cade Klubnik finds himself in a tricky position. How so?

Cade Klubnik’s viral slip up

This Saturday, April 26, the Savannah Bananas bring their unique brand of baseball entertainment to Clemson’s Memorial Stadium, expecting a record-breaking crowd of 81,000 fans. Before the game, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik unexpectedly went viral in a behind-the-scenes video shared by the Bananas.

In it, the returning senior quarterback gives the Bananas a tour, welcoming them at the Oculus, the endpoint of the pre-game Tiger Walk. From there, Cade Klubnik then shows them the Tigers’ locker room, shares their “Best is the Standard” motto, and leads them up the iconic Hill, culminating in the video’s most memorable moment.

But then came the most embarrassing moment for Cade. When the Clemson quarterback attempted to explain the significance of Howard’s Rock, a cherished Clemson tradition, it became a memorable moment. While cameras filmed, he urged his teammates, “Everybody touch the rock… I’m not exactly sure how it got here, but the motto is – unless you’re giving 110 percent, keep your filthy hands off my rock.” Was it funny? Sure. But then, a guy who’s the face of the program doesn’t know the history, and sure, that amazes fans.

Just so you know, Howard’s Rock, actually gifted to former coach Frank Howard in the 1960s by a friend in Death Valley, California, is integral to Clemson football. Klubnik’s unfamiliarity with the rock’s history seemed incongruous for a key player, highlighting a missed chance to connect with Clemson’s heritage, more than a simple oversight.

Despite a scheduling mix-up, Klubnik remained enthusiastic, and the Savannah Bananas made the most of their Clemson visit. They ran down the Hill, caught passes from Klubnik, and fully embraced the Clemson experience, albeit without the usual game-day roar. This was Klubnik’s second baseball-related event that week, following his first pitch at Clemson’s April 22 baseball game against Georgia. He mentioned his childhood baseball background during the ESPN broadcast before focusing solely on football.

Though Cade Klubnik may not know Howard’s Rock’s history, his Death Valley tour will be memorable for the Bananas—and for anyone who saw the viral video.