Cade Klubnik describes the biggest changes in Clemson's offense

Clemson‘s offense is new and improved entering the 2024 campaign. On Tuesday, quarterback Cade Klubnik revealed how the Tigers’ offense has transformed since last season.

“We’ve just had a really good mindset more than anything,” Klubnik said. “We were a really young team last year. And, [this] is a team that’s just a lot smarter on offense. For me personally, just having a year under my belt – [we’re] just a smarter football team.

“Guys have got a little bit more experience, kind of all over. When it comes to receivers, offensive line, quarterback, running back — just a lot of guys that have played a lot of ball now and a lot of just returning starters.”

Klubnik isn’t exaggerating. Clemson is returning 79% of its production on offense from last season, per ESPN. Phil Mafah, who led the Tigers’ ground game last year with 965 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, will be back for his sophomore season.

Additionally, wide receiver Tyler Brown and tight end Jake Briningstool are returning for the 2024 season. The pair were two of Clemson’s top three receiving options last season, combining for 1,029 yards and nine touchdowns.

Of course, Klubnik will lead the charge for the Tigers, starting behind center. In 2023, Klubnik completed 63% of his pass attempts for 2,580 yards and 19 touchdowns while throwing eight interceptions. After a slow start, Klubnik came on strong in the back half of the season, leading Clemson to a five-game win streak to conclude the year.

Cade Klubnik and Clemson have familiarity on their side

Evidently, Klubnik didn’t lose any momentum in the offseason. On Tuesday, the junior QB weighed in on the value of being able to return to a familiar offensive system.

“That’s one of the biggest things — getting to come back in the same offense again is huge,” Klubnik said. “Not having to have your first fall camp in a new offense, and getting to run things you’ve already been running, it’s huge.”

The upcoming season will be Garrett Riley‘s second as Clemson’s offensive coordinator. Last year, Clemson averaged 402.7 yards per game, the 50th-most in the country. With a year of experience under Riley, Klubnik and his fellow Tigers hope to take a leap forward in the upcoming season.

They will face a test immediately. Clemson will kick off its 2024 campaign in a showdown against No. 1 Georgia at noon ET on Aug. 31. The game will be broadcast on ABC.