Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik recently praised four signal-callers, specifically those who have stayed loyal to their programs. Klubnik, who began his college career at Clemson in 2022, has never transferred and is now considered one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
His appreciation for stability reflects his own journey with the Tigers. Among the players he singled out were Drew Allar and Arch Manning, both recognized for their commitment to their respective schools.
Clemson QB Cade Klubnik Names Arch Manning, Drew Allar Among Most Respected Signal-Callers
In an era of college football dominated by the transfer portal and lucrative NIL, deals, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is standing out not just for his on-field performance but also for his commitment to loyalty.
Speaking with On3, Klubnik emphasized his admiration for players who stay with their original programs rather than seeking more playing time or opportunity elsewhere.
Clemson QB Cade Klubnik told @PeteNakos_ that he has ‘so much more respect’ for players who stay loyal🤝
“Guys like Arch [Manning], Garrett Nussmeier, Drew Allar and Ty Simpson… . The guys that believe in the program and believe in the culture that they’re at… . There’s a… pic.twitter.com/0Em01l4xxQ
— On3 (@On3sports) June 26, 2025
“I’ve got so much respect for the guys who are staying loyal,” Klubnik said. “Guys like Arch [Manning], Garrett Nussmeier, Drew Allar, and Ty Simpson. Those are the guys that come to mind. The guys that believe in the program and believe in the culture that they’re at. Just chase to get better every single year.”
He emphasized why these four are best quarterbacks, stating, “There’s a reason that those are four of the best quarterbacks in college football right now. Guys that have stayed loyal, that have put their noses to the dirt and just went to work, and those are the guys that I respect so much.”
Klubnik sees himself in that group. Since enrolling at Clemson in January 2022, he has stayed with the Tigers through highs and lows, trusting the process under HC Dabo Swinney and OC Garrett Riley, who was hired in January 2023.
“That’s the same way for me. I committed to play for coach Swinney and Clemson, and I knew that I needed to get better,” Klubnik said.
“And what better staff and group of people would I want to be around, rather than coach Swinney and coach Riley and everything that we have there? Put my nose to the dirt and just try to go to work every single day and be my best self.”
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That mentality translated into results last fall. Klubnik helped lead Clemson to the No. 12 ranking in total offense nationally in 2024, averaging 443.8 yards per game.
That marked a substantial jump from their No. 52 ranking in 2023, where they averaged 402.7 yards per game. He finished the 2024 season with 36 passing touchdowns, six interceptions, and seven scores on the ground.
“At the end of the day, quarterback is a developmental game, and your relationship with your offensive coordinator is probably the most important relationship in football,” Klubnik said. “I took a step between two years ago and last year, and I’m trying to take another step this year.”
With 2025 representing his final shot at a national title, Klubnik is already turning his focus toward Clemson’s season opener against the LSU Tigers on Labor Day weekend. Film study begins next week.
