There might not be a college football team generating more buzz heading into the 2025 season than the Clemson Tigers. With a stellar defense, elite weapons, and potentially the country’s best quarterback in Cade Klubnik, expectations are sky-high for Dabo Swinney’s squad.
However, after a fall camp scrimmage today, the Clemson head coach revealed a key mistake that Klubnik made. Will the signal-caller be able to clean it up before their season opener against LSU?
Dabo Swinney Addresses Cade Klubnik’s Key Mistakes Following Fall Camp Scrimmage
There’s no doubt that Klubnik is one of the top quarterbacks in the country. The Clemson signal-caller is coming off an impressive 2024 season, throwing for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. He’s already generating buzz at the next level and is projected by many to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
However, even the best quarterbacks have their struggles, and Swinney didn’t hold back during a press conference today after Klubnik took a sack during the red zone portion of the team’s scrimmage.
“I think the biggest negative for him and [Chris Vizzina] is both of them had a negative play in the red zone,” Swinney said. “That really can’t happen. No. 1 Cade, we took a sack on first down, cannot happen.
It may seem like harsh criticism from the Tigers’ head coach, but with a quarterback as talented as Klubnik, focusing on the small details is what helps him improve.
The good news is Klubnik showed strong pocket presence in 2024, taking only 23 sacks all season. While the sack during the scrimmage was a costly mistake, it’s not something the young quarterback has made a habit of throughout his college career.
Klubnik will enter his senior season in 2025 with high expectations following an impressive junior year. The Tigers boast one of the top offensive lines in the country, and he is surrounded by weapons, including projected draft pick Antonio Williams as his No. 1 wide receiver.
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Defensively, Clemson has a fantastic unit with arguably the best front four in the country, led by TJ Parker and Peter Woods, both projected to be drafted in 2026.
If Klubnik can live up to the hype and avoid mistakes like the red zone sack he took today, there’s no doubt Clemson will be competing for a national title this season.
Scrimmage sacks aren’t something to overreact to, as practice is the time for Klubnik to learn and grow. Still, it’s clear that Swinney is demanding the most from his starting quarterback, which ultimately should help the Tigers succeed in 2025.
Klubnik and the Tigers start the 2025 season with a tough test. They will host the LSU Tigers in a “Battle of Death Valley.” Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC on Saturday, August 30.
