Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney revamped his method without making much noise to get the best out of Cade Klubnik. After being defiant about the transfer portal trend, Swinney has gone for the best of both worlds by having an offensive and defensive team full of top-tier players to support Klubnik.
This change enabled Klubnik to fly high last season. Since the return of several important playmakers is expected, analysts anticipate a bigger breakout.
Cade Klubnik Poised for Breakout Season Under Dabo Swinney’s Roster Mastery
Phil Steele weighed in on Clemson’s chances in a new post on The Daily Tip.
“Is this the year when the Tigers start to reassert themselves as one of the true powers in college football because Dabo finally came around to using the portal to his advantage?” the host asked.
“Yes, and I don’t know if it’s because he used the portal,” Steele replied.
He said Clemson added standout portal pieces like defensive end Will Heldt and wide receiver Tristan Smith but noted that “they’re mostly a homegrown team.”
Is Clemson good enough to run the table? 👀@PhilSteele042 believes the Tigers can return to glory this season with help from the transfer portal.
Hear the full conversation with @JenksDC and @ChelsaMessinger ➡️ https://t.co/PHn9nuNMTx pic.twitter.com/UMo683eWyq
— The Daily Tip (@BetTheDailyTip) July 27, 2025
Steele highlighted Klubnik’s two-year progression.
“Two years ago, he had a banged-up receiving core and managed only 19 touchdown passes and nine interceptions,” he said.
Last year, with his healthy wideouts back, Klubnik threw for 36 touchdowns and just six interceptions.
“With an outstanding receiver group, Klubnik looked like one of the best QBs in the country,” he added.
Looking ahead, Steele noted key returns, including key receivers and a veteran offensive line.
“This year, Klubnik’s got my number two receiving core coming back and my number two rated offensive line,” he said. “I’ve got 10 offensive linemen that he feels can play. Most coaches only hope for eight. He’s got 10. That’s a loaded unit.”
On the ground, Steele praised Clemson for signing freshman four-star running back Gideon Davidson.
“My number three rated running back coming out of high school this year,” he noted.
Defensively, Steele pointed out last season’s struggles, but he expects improvement in 2025.
“They’ve got arguably the best defensive tackle in football in Peter Woods and another NFL guy in DeMonte Capehart,” he noted.
He highlighted linebacker depth with Wade Woodaz, Sammy Brown, and new defensive coordinator Tom Allen.
“With a much upgraded defense and perhaps the most potent offense in the country, I think Clemson runs the table this year,” Steele concluded. “I think the over-under on them is nine and a half. I’m buying the over on that one.”
Swinney has a very clear plan to continuously fill Klubnik’s team with the best players. This strategy worked last season. The head coach’s use of the transfer portal and the local talents has really given Klubnik the green light to show his true potential.
