Jets add FSU DT Darrell Jackson Jr., Clemson QB Cade Klubnik on Day 3 of NFL draft

The Jets were always going to select a developmental QB to be the No. 2 behind Geno Smith. However, it was a mild surprise that it was Klubnik, who had an inconsistent career while at Clemson. Now he will join Smith, Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe in the Jets’ quarterback room.

Klubnik, 22, was the fifth quarterback selected in this year’s draft (Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, Carson Beck and Drew Allar). In high school, he was a two-time USA Today Offensive Player of the Year, the Gatorade Player of the Year in Texas and the MVP of the Elite 11 camp.

After his decorated high school career, expectations were high for Klubnik at Clemson. He passed for 10,123 yards, 73 touchdowns and 24 interceptions during his four seasons.

Klubnik helped lead the Tigers to the 2024 ACC championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff, but Klubnik and Clemson struggled during the 2025 season. He finished with 2,943 yards and threw only 16 touchdowns, 20 fewer than he threw during his junior campaign.

“Ups and downs, but thankful for it all,” Klubnik said. “One a ton of games. I got to win two ACC Championship MVPs [2022, 2024]. Lost some games and had some tough years. I think more than anything, I found out how to be a winner, especially after this past year, starting off the year 3-5.

“I’ve been winning a long time and really faced a lot of adversity this past year. For me, I figured out how to take a team that’s not winning, transform it, and go win games to finish with four straight wins at the end of the year. I’m about pushing the guys around me. I’m a winner, and I’m a competitor, and I hate to lose.”

Klubnik is an athletic QB who uses timing and anticipation to get the ball to his receivers. He also has a quick release and is a more accurate passer than his 64% completion percentage at Clemson might suggest, due to drop passes by his receivers. Klubnik says his strengths are his ability to make plays and his resilience to fight through anything.

But Klubnik can get flustered in the pocket at times, and that can get him in trouble. He also lacks athleticism in the pocket if protection breaks down.

Klubnik didn’t want to discuss what led to his inconsistencies at Clemson and is just happy to have a fresh start with the Jets.

“I don’t really want to get into that, to be honest,” Klubnik said. “I’m just celebrating being a Jet now. I’m thankful for this past year.

“It wasn’t how I wanted to go out, but I’m thankful for it because I learned how to really attack adversity.”