Paul Finebaum places Clemson's Cade Klubnik ahead of LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier

There may not be a better quarterback matchup in the sport of college football this season than Clemson‘s Cade Klubnik vs. LSU‘s Garrett Nussmeier. It will be both teams’ season-opening blockbuster on August 30.

Klubnik is entering his third season as the Tigers’ starting quarterback, while Nussmeier is entering his second season as LSU‘s guy. Through three total seasons of play, Klubnik boasts 7,180 career passing yards with 57 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. Nussmeier emerged as one of the best arms in the sport last season, passing for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum made his pick between Klubnik and Nussmeier on Friday morning’s edition of “Get Up.” His stance is very clear.

“That is fact,” Finebaum said when asked if Klubnik is better than Nussmeier. “We’re splitting hairs here because these are the two best quarterbacks in the country. Nussmeier is the son of a coach and he is well prepared. But I like Klubnik better in the clutch. I saw Nussmeier make too many mistakes under pressure and do too much. And I know the panel there has seen this movie too many times.”

Season opener holds major implications for both quarterbacks

Klubnik has led Clemson to a 19-8 record over the past two seasons with a win over Kentucky in the 2023 Gator Bowl, a win over SMU in the 2024 ACC Championship Game and an appearance in the 2024 College Football Playoff. With Nussmeier at quarterback, LSU dropped its season opener to USC last season but went 9-3 in its final 12 games with quality wins over South Carolina, No. 9 Ole Miss and Baylor (Texas Bowl).

“[Klubnik] is a dual-threat quarterback and I thought he made tremendous strides last season,” said “Get Up” co-host Harry Douglas. “He is really grasping Garrett Riley and that offense. This is a guy that has an opportunity this year, if he is on the right track, from start to finish, will be up for a Heisman.”

The season opener will be massive for both teams and quarterbacks, as the winner will likely be heralded as the best quarterback in football and will open the season with a 1-0 record. The loser, however, will open the season with an 0-1 record, a feat that LSU has fallen victim to in five consecutive seasons dating back to 2020.

Clemson and LSU help ring in the 2025 college football season on August 30 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, SC. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.