Sportsvival is here to break down the top prospects destined for the 2026 NFL Draft class, spotlighting the breakout stars poised to make an immediate impact. From dynamic quarterbacks to game-wrecker edge rushers, we’ll analyze the film, metrics, and intangibles that set these athletes apart. Tune in as Sportsvival delivers the comprehensive scouting insights you need to know before draft day.
Today we profile:
QB- Cade Klubnik
Clemson
6’2” 210 lbs.
Born: 10-10-2023
Cade Klubnik became a household name at Austin Westlake, where he guided the Chaparrals to back-to-back Texas 6A state championships in 2020 and 2021. As a senior he threw for 3,215 yards and 43 touchdowns against just 3 interceptions, capping a prep career with well over 7,000 passing yards and 80-plus TDs. Along the way he earned Elite 11 Finals MVP and was recognized among Texas’ top players, headlining a program lineage that includes Drew Brees and Nick Foles. His 2020 title run famously included a win over Southlake Carroll and Quinn Ewers, cementing his five-star status and a fast track to Clemson.
As a Clemson freshman in 2022, Klubnik backed up DJ Uiagalelei for most of the season but flashed poise in big moments. He appeared in 10 games, completing 61 of 100 passes for 697 yards with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, and added timely rushing. Thrust into the ACC Championship Game, he went 20-of-24 for 279 yards and a touchdown to earn MVP in a 39–10 win over North Carolina. He started the Orange Bowl against Tennessee, throwing for 320 yards in a 31–14 loss—a valuable first taste of leading the Tigers’ offense from the opening snap.
In 2023, Klubnik took over as the full-time starter and endured the natural growing pains of a first-year QB1 while steadying Clemson down the stretch. He completed 290 of 454 passes (63.9%) for 2,844 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions across 13 games. The Tigers closed with five straight wins to finish 9–4, including a bowl victory, and Klubnik’s command, timing, and decision-making visibly improved as the year progressed.
Klubnik’s 2024 junior season delivered the breakout many anticipated. He completed 308 of 486 passes (63.4%) for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions in 14 games, lifting Clemson to an ACC title and a College Football Playoff berth. He earned ACC Championship Game MVP after throwing 4 TDs in a 34–31 win over SMU, then posted 336 yards and 3 TDs in a competitive CFP loss to Texas. The efficiency jump, red-zone precision, and late-game composure defined his leap from promising starter to high-end collegiate quarterback.
Klubnik enters 2025 as a favorite in the Heisman trophy race.
Strengths
Can create on the run, or when blitzes take away original reads
Excellent touch on long balls and leading receivers
Lightning release helps him to beat heavy pass rush
Dual-threat ability…keeps eyes downfield while moving around the pocket
A student of the game, exploits matchups in his favor.
Klubnik is a sensational dual-threat quarterback who does a solid job of keeping his eyes down the field. He has the ability to extend plays and make something out of nothing. Throws intermediate and long passes with pretty touch. He leads his receivers to the ball, rarely throwing outside their catching window.
The Clemson quarterback is a student of the game and does a good job of changing plays and finding better matchups. He has a lightning release, helping him to extend plays until the last second.
Weaknesses
Struggles with short routes compared with intermediate and long routes
Does not always trust his progressions and will have problems moving the safety with his eyes
Will take unnecessary risks while on the run, and needs to play a safer game at times.
Not tiny, but added bulk will help him in his NFL career
Although Klubnik has a quick release, he struggles with short routes. His accuracy is better with the longer passes. Can lock his eyes on the main target and has issues at times with moving the safety away from the target. While on the run, he needs to know when to play it safe and throw the ball away, especially when he is out of the pocket. As a dual-threat quarterback, the NFL brass would love to see him add some bulk to his frame to withstand the rigors of the NFL.
Pro Comparison
(an athletic) Baker Mayfield
After watching tape of Cade Klubnik, Sportsvival saw a lot of Baker Mayfield with more athleticism. Klubnik can stand in the pocket and take a hit, much like Baker. The difference is, Klubnik can take off and create big plays with his feet.
Final Thoughts:
Many experts have Cade Klubnik as a favorite for this year’s Heisman trophy. With a team packed with NFL talent , Klubnik has a chance to be playing on the biggest of stages at the end of the season, and could be the favorite to go first overall in next year’s NFL Draft.
(photo courtesy of WCSC)