Cade Klubnik describes the emotions of Florida State possibly being his final night game at Clemson

The 2025 season has been disastrous for Clemson, which sits at 3-5 (2-4) with just four games remaining. After opening the season ranked No. 4 in the AP Poll, the Tigers have lost five games for the first time since 2010. They could, however, still clinch bowl eligibility with three wins in their last four games (Florida State, No. 15 Louisville, Furman, and South Carolina).

Less-than-stellar play and nagging injuries from senior quarterback Cade Klubnik have been factors in the disappointing season. Klubnik, who passed for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns last season, boasts just 1,915 yards and 13 touchdowns (with five interceptions) in seven games this season. Ahead of his final night game at Memorial Stadium against Florida State on Saturday, Klubnik revealed how much it means to him.

“I’m excited to play an opponent like that,” Klubnik said. “It’s Florida State, you know. It’s obviously a big game for us and it’s an opponent that we take very seriously. But yeah, to get back out in front of these fans, you only have so many opportunities left. This place means so much to me and I want to continue to give everything I have and deliver what this place deserves.”

Dabo Swinney called Cade Klubnik ‘a warrior’

In his three seasons as Clemson‘s starting quarterback, Klubnik has led the Tigers to a 22-12 record. He has an ACC Championship and an appearance in the College Football Playoff in 2024.

“Cade is a warrior, man,” head coach Dabo Swinney said on Tuesday. “He’ll be that way forever. He did everything he could to play against SMU … treatment, hooked up to machines, everything. He loves to play and has no fear. When he makes mistakes, he comes right back. He’s really played well. He’s had three or four games in a row where he has played really well for us.”

Klubnik enjoyed his best game of the season last Saturday, as he passed for a season-high 385 yards and two touchdowns against Duke. The performance, however, didn’t result in a win, as the Blue Devils scored a touchdown and converted the go-ahead two-point conversion with 40 seconds remaining in regulation. Manny Diaz‘s team came out on top 46-45, clinching the program’s first road victory at Clemson since 1980.

All hope is not lost for postseason play, however, and that march to bowl eligibility for Clemson begins this Saturday night against Florida State. Klubnik is 1-1 in his career against the Seminoles.