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Clemson

Cade Klubnik addresses mindset entering matchups vs. other top QBs

Barkley-Truaxby:Barkley Truax•06/29/25•

BarkleyTruax

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Dec 29, 2023; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) looks to pass the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second quarter during the Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Several of the top quarterbacks in the country showcased their skills at the Manning Passing Academy on the campus of Nicholls State in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik was among those invited to the camp.

Arguably one of, if not the top player at his position heading into the 2025 college football season, Klubnik isn’t interested in competing against the other quarterbacks in attendance at the event, but is using his opportunity to prepare for the upcoming season. That includes the season opener against LSU and QB Garrett Nussmeier, who is also at the 2025 MPA.

“At the end of the day, I’m never on the field at the same time as them,” Klubnik said at the event. “I’ve played some really good quarterbacks over the years, and, you know, Garrett [Nussmeier] is going to be one of the best that I’ve played. But I think just being able to manage the game and take advantage of every, every drive is going to be huge. I don’t think about it a ton, but kind of let the defense take care of that.”

Clemson will host LSU during the season opener on Aug. 30. The high-stakes non-conference matchup isn’t necessarily a must-win, but will jump-start the season of whichever team emerges victorious.

On one hand, Clemson is looking to prove they’re capable of returning to the College Football Playoff in consecutive seasons. For LSU, they’re still trying to make the CFP for the first time under head coach Brian Kelly. Both quarterbacks are in their final season of eligibility and will be looking to make the most out of their last chance to round out their legacy at the collegiate level.

Klubnik said that as soon as he returns to campus after the Manning Passing Academy, Clemson offensive coordinator Garrett Riley will begin implementing game plan initiatives in preparation for the season opener against Nussmeier and LSU. It will start in the film room.

“He’s going to start giving me some stuff to watch,” Klubnik said. “But yeah, I think personnel wise, (LSU) has got a lot of transfers, especially their DBs and stuff. I think for me as a quarterback, (I’ll be) studying a little bit of personnel, but a lot more honestly, just scheme and schematics.”

Clemson is an early favorite to win the matchup at home, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 56.5 points, meaning Vegas is predicting a high-scoring affair.