Cade Klubnik NFL Draft Scouting Report: Clemson QB’s Stock Is Soaring in 2026 Class

Cade Klubnik enters the 2025 college football season as one of the hottest quarterback prospects in the country, coming off a breakout year that firmly re-established Clemson as a Playoff contender. After throwing for over 3,600 yards and accounting for 43 total touchdowns with just six interceptions, Klubnik showed significant growth in his third season, particularly as a processor and playmaker in high-pressure moments. At 6’2”, 205 pounds, Klubnik may not have elite size, but he possesses an NFL-caliber arm, plus athleticism, and some of the best pocket navigation in college football. NFL scouts have taken notice, and he’s now firmly in the Round 1 conversation for the 2026 NFL Draft, and he could solidify his status with a big year in 2025. Cade Klubnik Measurables Height:  6’2” Weight:  205 lbs Class:  Senior Hometown:  Austin, TX ✅ Strengths Pocket Poise & Navigation  – Displays advanced ability to climb, slide, and reset inside the pocket without panicking. Shows real comfort under pressure and consistently keeps his eyes downfield. Quick Release & Mechanics  – Klubnik’s release is compact and efficient, allowing him to generate consistent velocity to all areas of the field. Mechanically polished for a college quarterback. Middle-Field Accuracy  – He’s at his best attacking the intermediate middle. Throws with touch and confidence on digs, deep crossers, and seam routes—flashes NFL-level timing. Off-Script Playmaker  – Thrives when the play breaks down. Can escape pressure, reset platforms, and deliver accurate passes on the move. Mobile enough to extend and convert with his legs. Leadership & Game Experience  – 28 career starts and two-time ACC Championship Game MVP. Mature leader with strong command of the offense and locker room. ⚠️ Areas for Improvement Anticipation Timing  – Still a “see-it, throw-it” passer. Must speed up his mental clock and trust windows earlier, especially against NFL-level coverage. Inconsistent Ball Placement  – Klubnik has stretches where his accuracy dips, particularly when throwing off-platform or under duress. Needs to improve consistency with footwork. Overconfidence in Arm Talent  – Occasionally forces throws into tight coverage or bypasses check-downs trying to create a big play. Must develop better risk management in high-leverage situations. 🧠 Ideal NFL Scheme Fit Klubnik fits best in a modern spread-to-pro hybrid system that emphasizes intermediate timing concepts and allows him to use quick-game rhythm with off-script freedom. 🧩 NFL Comparison Ceiling:  Tony Romo – Mobile, creative, instinctive passer with clutch playmaking ability and feel for pressure. Floor:  Sam Howell – Talented and tough but inconsistent with anticipation and prone to occasional chaos under pressure. Stylistic Comp:  Bo Nix – Athletic, experienced college QB with strong mechanics and leadership intangibles who thrives when the play breaks down. 📈 2026 NFL Draft Outlook Cade Klubnik currently grades as a Day 2 NFL Draft Prospect on the Football Scout 365 scale and is trending toward day one status in the 2026 NFL Draft. His 2024 breakout season showcased significant year-over-year improvement, especially in how he operated under pressure and took command of Clemson’s offense. If Klubnik continues to evolve as an anticipatory thrower and sharpens his decision-making in 2025, he won’t just push Clemson back into the College Football Playoff—he’ll elevate himself into the QB1 conversation in what looks to be a deep and talented quarterback class.