Clemson 2026 NFL Draft Player Preview: Cade Klubnik

TL;DR

Cade Klubnik, a Clemson quarterback, showcased his skills at the NFL Scouting Combine, but his college career was inconsistent. While he has potential, he needs to improve his mechanics and find a suitable offensive scheme to succeed in the NFL.

Key points

Cade Klubnik is a quarterback from Clemson.
He performed at the NFL Scouting Combine in February 2026.
Klubnik showed potential but had an inconsistent college career.
His best-case NFL projection is as a backup quarterback.
Improving mechanics and finding the right offensive fit are crucial for his success.

ClemsonCade KlubnikTrevor Lawrence

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images **Position:** QB **Height:** 6’2” **Weight:** 207 **40 yd Dash:** 4.69 **Shuttle Time:** Unavailable **Vertical Jump:** Unavailable **Broad Jump:** Unavailable **Bench Press:** Unavailable **College Performance:** Stop me if you’ve heard this. Clemson signs the heir apparent to Trevor Lawrence, guaranteed performance. Then it turns ugly. Cade Klubnik’s time at Clemson wasn’t that bad, but he never made that transition form average college QB to bona fide star that we all expected. Klubnik burst onto the scene with an excellent ACC Championship game his freshman year. But after that it was fits and starts. When on his game he would make absolutely beautiful plays. But the ugly was bad. Happy feet, locking onto a read, and a desire to fit balls into bad spots created some issues. The good news is Cade improved his decision making each year, even when 2025 was not as successful as expected. **NFL Projections:** Cade’s best case right now is to get drafted into an offense that fits his strengths where he can become a backup QB. Maybe he’s able to develop enough to become a starter, but his weaknesses will need some work. Cade is going to have to focus on his mechanics, too many poor passes were a result of footwork and not bad decision making. His leadership qualities will be an asset in an NFL locker room which could help him stick. But so much of his success will be going to the right offense.

Q&A

What are Cade Klubnik's strengths and weaknesses as a quarterback?

Cade Klubnik's strengths include his leadership qualities and ability to make beautiful plays, while his weaknesses involve inconsistent mechanics and decision-making.

What are the NFL draft projections for Cade Klubnik in 2026?

Cade Klubnik is projected to be drafted as a backup quarterback, with potential to develop into a starter if he finds an offense that suits his strengths.

How did Cade Klubnik perform during his time at Clemson?

Cade Klubnik had a promising start with an excellent ACC Championship game but struggled with consistency and decision-making throughout his college career.