When the No. 5 Texas Longhorns host the No. 12 Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoff on December 21, 2024, it will not only be a battle between two of the top programs in the nation, but also a highly anticipated rematch between two of college football’s most talented quarterbacks, Cade Klubnik and Quinn Ewers.
Their paths first crossed in one of the most memorable high school football games in Texas history, and now, nearly four years later, they’re set to meet again on the national stage. A monumental matchup is on the horizon at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, with the Longhorns looking to continue their impressive season, while the Tigers look to prove their worth in the playoffs.
However, for Cade, the game means a little more. The Austin-born quarterback will be returning home for the first time as a Clemson Tiger, playing in front of friends, family, and former teammates. But what makes this game even more intriguing is the storylines that trace back to their shared history, dating back to the 2021 Texas Class 6A Division I state championship game in AT&T Stadium.
In that game, Klubnik, then a star quarterback for Austin’s Westlake High School, led the Chaparrals to a 52-34 victory over Southlake Carroll, which was quarterbacked by Ewers. Both quarterbacks had very good games, but Klubnik won out. Completing 18-of-20 passes for 220 yards and one touchdown, along with 97 rushing yards, he turned in a performance for the ages.
Ewers, on the other hand, had stronger passing statistics, throwing for 351 yards and three touchdowns, but two interceptions and a pick near the end of the game that will haunt him from Michael Taaffe, a future Texas walk-on, sealed the fate for Southlake Carroll.
The game not only entrenched Klubnik’s status among the nation’s best, and most talented quarterbacks, but also tossed the door wide open for some high-profile college football programs. That was a testament to his poise under pressure and the ability to lead a team when it mattered most.
Ewers, considered the No. 1 quarterback recruit in the 2021 class, would go on to Ohio State for one season before transferring to Texas, and Klubnik took his talents to Clemson, where he quickly became a big piece of their offensive attack.
Fast-forward to 2024, and the two quarterbacks have developed into leaders on their respective teams, each leading their squad into the College Football Playoff.
This is a particularly promising opportunity for Klubnik, as he has long been a passionate Longhorn fan. Growing up, he would regularly attend Texas games and is still in awe of running onto the field against the team he grew up supporting. But beyond the personal stakes, Klubnik’s return to Texas is a testament to how far he’s come since his high school days, as he now finds himself on the biggest stage in college football.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney called Klubnik’s return to Austin “a cool opportunity” for his quarterback, emphasizing how rare it is to see a player compete in their hometown on such a monumental stage.
“You just never know how things are going to work out in this crazy game of college football,” Swinney said. “For him to be going to his first playoff and his first playoff game in Austin, Texas where he grew up. you can’t make that up.”
Dabo Swinney
For Ewers, this game provides an opportunity to prove himself against a familiar foe. The former five-star recruit has had a stellar season for Texas, leading the Longhorns to the No. 5 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings. He’ll be looking to avenge his high school defeat to Klubnik, but this time the stakes are higher, as the game could be a defining moment in his college career.
There’s a deep connection between the two quarterbacks, not just from the state championship game but also from being raised in the same football-rich state. Several of Klubnik’s former Westlake teammates are currently part of Texas, including receiver Jaden Greathouse and offensive lineman Connor Robertson, adding even more intrigue to this already compelling matchup.
Both quarterbacks have had great careers, but their paths diverged back in 2021 when Klubnik chose Clemson and Ewers transferred to Texas. Now, after years of anticipation, they’ll face off on the biggest stage of all, with the College Football Playoff on the line. Clemson fans might be disappointed with their No. 12 seed, but they can take solace in the fact that their quarterback is returning to Texas with a chance to write the latest chapter in his storied career—and perhaps defeat Ewers once again.
The stage is now set for Austin as Klubnik and Ewers face off against each other. They will witness a very rare, historic matchup between two of the brightest stars in college football. A rematch of the century with the promise of excitement, drama, and a little bit of Texas high school football nostalgia. The College Football Playoff will be forever marked by this monumental showdown.
