Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik's future has already been updated by his new NFL coach.
Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik entered the 2025 college football season hoping he would establish himself as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Instead, he slipped all the way to Day 3.
A rough final year at Clemson caused Klubnik's draft stock to plummet, but the New York Jets apparently thought enough of him to trade up 18 spots in the fourth round to select him 110th overall.
The good news for Klubnik is that he will almost certainly have an opportunity to receive some playing time during his rookie campaign, as Geno Smith is currently the Jets' starting quarterback.
But could Klubnik actually cause New York to bypass taking a signal-caller in what is supposed to be a quarterback-heavy 2027 NFL Draft?
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn refused to make any commitments to Klubnik over the weekend, saying he isn't even sure if or when the 22-year-old will see the field.
Cade Klubnik. Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images."But, obviously, in this league, you have to have a system where there are backups and they've got to push the starter," Glenn said. "You always want to create that type of competition. Listen, I'm not going to sit here and say exactly where Cade's going to play. The thing is, those guys are going to go out there and compete. So right now, I like our room. I like where it's at."
Klubnik is two years removed from throwing for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns while also rushing for 463 yards and seven scores. This past season, however, his numbers dipped tremendously, as Klubnik threw for just 2,943 yards and 16 touchdowns, adding only 94 yards and four scores on the ground.
In spite of Klubnik's off year in 2025, his breakout junior campaign was evidence that he absolutely has legitimate talent.
The Austin, Tx. native isn't elite in any one particular area, but he is very well-rounded and might end up surprising a lot of people on the professional level.
Of course, the Jets don't exactly have the best history with quarterbacks, but perhaps Klubnik — who said he is well aware of New York's track record at the position — can buck the trend.
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