Cade Klubnik shares excitement for D.J. Uiagalelei's future

Some may say it was inevitable that Cade Klubnik would be Clemson‘s starting quarterback by the end of his freshman season. His sudden rise to the starting lineup doesn’t mean that he wasn’t rooting for his cohort, D.J. Uiagalelei‘s success throughout the season.

There’s no hard feelings between the two, that’s just how the game goes sometimes. Still, the impact Uiagalelei left on Klubnik won’t be forgotten by the young Clemson gunslinger anytime soon.

“I’m going to miss that dude. I don’t think I really realized how much he meant to me until after he left,” Klubnik said after practice Wednesday. “Just so many things off the field, whether it’s encouragement right before I go in at practice. I got to talk to him last Friday. We had a great conversation and I’m super excited to see what he’s got to do these next couple months. It’ll be really fun for him.”

So, what’s next for Uiagalelei after entering the NCAA Transfer Portal?

According to Bookie.com, via On3’s Matt Connolly, the teams with the best odds to land to for Tigers starting QB after as follows: UCLA (+250), Oregon (+400), Virginia (+500), Auburn (+700), Florida (+1000) and Oregon State (+1000).

Uiagalelei is currently the No. 11 player in the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings. He ranks No. 3 at quarterback behind Devin Leary (NC State) and Brennan Armstrong (Virginia) – all three products of ACC schools.

His services will be well-sought after as he continues to rack up offers. Uiagalelei completed 62 percent of his passes this season, throwing for 2,521 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also rushed for 545 yards and seven scores. He also led the Tigers to a 10-3 season and win over Iowa State in the Cheez-It Bowl last year.

Uiagalelei’s departure ushers in a new era in Death Valley, and Cade Klubnik seems to be the key piece to the puzzle, which is why Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney made the official announcement of the QB switch so swiftly after the ACC Championship win over North Carolina.

The Tigers missed out on the College Football Playoff for the third consecutive season, finishing the season ranked No. 7 in the final CFP Rankings despite going 11-2 on the year.

Instead, they’re set to battle No. 6 Tennessee in the Capital One Orange Bowl. Kickoff is set for Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. ET live from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.