Todd McShay NFL Draft rankings: Cade Klubnik ranked No. 1 QB prospect

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik heads into his third and final season as the Tigers’ starting quarterback this year, with all eyes on a National Championship and a potential push for the Heisman Trophy. Klubnik, who was tabbed as Phil Steele‘s pick for the Heisman Trophy this week, boasts 7,180 career passing yards with 57 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.

Klubnik is among the best quarterbacks in the entire sport of college football and could easily separate himself as the best with a strong showing against Garrett Nussmeier and LSU in both teams’ season opener on Aug. 30.

Before the Tigers kick-off their 2025 season however, NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay has named Klubnik as his No. 1 QB prospect in all of football.

“(Cade) Klubnik I’ve got at No. 1 because I think he’s got size, he’s got mobility, he’s got arm strength, he’s got the tools and I saw a lot of refinement from him last year,” McShay said. “What a jump from 2023 to 2024. I love his ability to drive the deep out with the verticals and the arm strength. He extends a lot of play but he does it with poise. He’s got instincts, agility and enough strength to ward off defenders. He was only sacked 23 times in 14 games last year.”

McShay claims Klubnik has ‘Gumby like arm’

“(LaNorris) Sellers was sacked 33 times in 12 games last year. Not as dynamic or explosive of an athlete, but it’s not just about speed and agility and all those things. It’s about the presence, the feel in the pocket, setting protections, all of those things. He’s got this Gumby like arm, he understands defenses and he’s played a lot of ball and he’s gonna play even more ball coming up.”

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

“It’s our job as evaluators to kind of sift out the talent and the projection despite the tools around to a certain degree,” McShay continued. “With Klubnik, this is a really good opportunity to show with a full year with some younger receivers. They’ve got dudes at receiver, and he’s got experience throwing to them. Im excited to see that.”

Clemson opens its 2025 season in a blockbuster matchup against LSU on Aug. 30. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM on ABC.