Cade Klubnik, QB #2 vs #9 LSU 2025

Player: Cade Klubnick, QB, Clemson
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 210 lbs
Class: Senior - 2026 Draft Eligible
Opponent: #9 LSU
Year: 2025
Final Stat Line:
19/38 (50%), 230 Yards, 0 TD, 1 INT

Game Overview

This was a measuring-stick game for Cade Klubnik, facing a top-10 LSU defense loaded with NFL-caliber talent. Clemson’s offense struggled to stay on schedule, and the constant mix of pressure and tight coverage forced Klubnik into high-difficulty situations for most of the afternoon. While the box score paints a picture of inconsistency, the tape shows a more nuanced story—one of a quarterback who flashed the tools to succeed but also revealed areas that still need refinement before he can maximize his potential.

Film Review - Key Plays

#1) 4:15 in the 1st. 1st & 10 - 15 Yard Pass

This was one of the cleaner reps from Klubnik all game. The rollout showed how natural he can look when throwing on the move—fluid footwork, controlled mechanics, and a ball placed where the receiver could continue upfield. Plays like this highlight his comfort in designed movement concepts, and they’re an indicator of how well he can operate in an offense that gets him outside the pocket. If Clemson can scheme more of these situations, it could help him find rhythm earlier in games.

#2) 14:02 in the 3rd. 1st & 10 - 20 Yard Pass

The throw wasn’t perfect—it was a little high—but the decision-making stood out. Klubnik read the coverage correctly, targeted the soft spot between the safeties over the middle, and gave his receiver a chance to make a play despite the imperfect placement. It shows trust in his weapons and a willingness to attack the intermediate zones, even in traffic. Against elite defenses, taking those calculated risks is necessary; the next step is sharpening the ball placement so those plays are easier on his pass catchers.

#3) 8:22 in the 3rd. 1st & 10 - INT.

This is the kind of moment that defines where Klubnik still needs to grow. Under heavy pressure, with LSU’s pass rush nearly home, he tried to force the ball downfield instead of taking the sack. The result was an overthrow that went straight to the safety. In that split-second, the aggressive mindset worked against him. Protecting the football in these scenarios is crucial—not every rep needs to be a positive yardage play, especially against a defense capable of flipping momentum with one mistake.

#4) 1:48 in the 4th. 1st & 10 - 20 Yard Pass

This was one of his better pressure reps and a glimpse at why coaches believe in his competitive makeup. Klubnik hung in the pocket, knowing the hit was coming, and delivered a strike to the sideline for a first down. The mechanics held up, and the ball placement was on time and accurate. These are the plays that build confidence in a quarterback’s toughness—moments where the physical toll of the game doesn’t shake his willingness to stand in and make the throw.

Final Thoughts

Cade Klubnik’s performance against LSU was less about piling up stats and more about how he responded to one of the toughest defensive challenges he’s faced. LSU’s constant pressure exposed some of his current limitations, but it also provided flashes of the skill set that made him such a highly regarded prospect.

He showcased:

• Comfort on the move: Executed designed rollouts with fluid mechanics and accuracy.

• Aggressiveness in tight windows: Willing to test the middle of the field and give his receivers chances in traffic.

• Pocket toughness: Delivered key throws while absorbing hits.

Areas for improvement:

• Ball placement consistency: Particularly on intermediate throws over the middle.

• Decision-making under pressure: Needs to avoid forcing throws in situations where the safe play is best.

I’m viewing this game as a learning tape rather than a defining one. The tools are there—enough to believe he can elevate his play against top-tier opponents—but the next step is proving he can pair those flashes with steady execution for four quarters. Until then, performances like this will serve as both a reminder of his potential and a roadmap for where the development still needs to happen.