Cade Klubnik Set to Start in Pinstripe Bowl as Clemson Faces Penn State Amid Mass Opt-Outs
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is suiting up one more time in orange before turning his focus to the NFL Draft - and he’s doing it with a black brace on his throwing hand and 27 teammates missing from the roster.
Despite a right-thumb injury and a season that’s seen his draft stock dip, Klubnik is locked in for the Tigers’ Pinstripe Bowl matchup against Penn State on Dec. 27 at Yankee Stadium. While several of Clemson’s top NFL prospects have opted out - including projected early-round picks Avieon Terrell, Peter Woods, and T.J. Parker - Klubnik never considered sitting this one out.
“It’s another game I get to go play and help myself for what’s next,” he said on Dec. 17.
That “next” is the 2026 NFL Draft, where Klubnik entered the year as a projected first-rounder. But a rocky start to the season and inconsistent play have pushed him out of the top tier of quarterback rankings. Still, he’s not backing down from the challenge of finishing strong.
A Season of Highs, Lows, and Grit
Klubnik’s junior campaign was a rollercoaster. He came into 2025 riding the momentum of a breakout sophomore year - 3,639 passing yards (10th nationally), 36 touchdowns (3rd), and just six picks. He added 463 yards on the ground and helped lead Clemson back to the College Football Playoff for the first time in three seasons.
But this fall didn’t go according to script. Clemson stumbled out of the gate with a 1-3 start, and Klubnik’s early numbers reflected the struggle: 60.1% completion rate, 996 passing yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions through those first four games. The offense looked out of sync, and Klubnik’s decision-making came under scrutiny.
To his credit, he steadied the ship. Over the rest of the season, he completed a career-best 66.6% of his passes for 2,750 yards, 16 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
He also added four rushing scores, though his mobility was limited by an ankle sprain and quad contusion that lingered through the second half of the season. Despite the injuries, he missed just one game.
Now, heading into the bowl game, Klubnik’s right thumb is the latest concern. He’s been wearing a brace on his throwing hand during practice but says he’s close to full strength.
“I love spinning the football. It was fun to be out there and throwing,” he said after returning to action during the media-viewing portion of practice.
“It’s a long season. Sometimes you need to rest.”
One More Game Before the Next Chapter
While the college football landscape continues to shift with opt-outs and transfer portal moves, Klubnik is taking a different path. He’s not just playing - he’s embracing the opportunity to lead a depleted Clemson squad into the postseason.
“I love football. I don't know, I just don't think [opting out] is something I would ever do,” he said.
That mindset stands out in a bowl season increasingly defined by absences. With three high-profile defenders sitting out and over two dozen players unavailable in total, Clemson will lean heavily on Klubnik’s leadership and experience against a Penn State team that’s also looking to end the year on a high note.
After the bowl game, Klubnik plans to take a short break before diving into pre-draft prep. He’s already received invites to marquee scouting events like the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Senior Bowl - key opportunities to re-establish his draft stock in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and execs.
“Got it all figured out now and ready to go win one more game,” he said.
That one more game comes on Dec. 27 at noon ET on ABC. It’s not the College Football Playoff, but for Klubnik, it’s still a stage - one last shot to remind everyone what he’s capable of.