The last 16 seconds of the ACC Championship are 16 seconds Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik will never forget. But as unforgettable as those moments were, Klubnik knows there are still plenty of memories ahead to be made, starting with a return to his hometown of Austin for Clemson’s College Football Playoff showdown against Texas.
For Klubnik, this week’s matchup is more than just a chance to compete for a spot in the national championship. It’s a homecoming—a return to the city where he grew up and a stadium that holds countless memories. Klubnik’s journey back to Austin is filled with emotion, but his focus remains on leading the Tigers to victory.
“Yeah, a lot of people have reached out to me over the past week and a half,” Klubnik said. “Last Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, I really just embraced it. I took time to enjoy the feeling of knowing I’m going home, the people I’ll be playing, and the fans who will be there. After that, I shifted my mindset and locked in on the task at hand. At the end of the day, when the ball is set, it’s all about focusing on the job in front of you.”
The junior quarterback, who starred at Westlake High School, is no stranger to high-pressure games. His high school career included multiple state championships, and one of his most memorable matchups came against Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers in the 2020 state final, a game that drew national attention.
“Quinn and I go way back. We played against each other in seventh or eighth grade in 7-on-7. Then, during my junior year, we faced off in the state championship game. It was a high-profile matchup. My head coach was actually the father of Quinn’s head coach, so they called it the ‘Dodge Bowl,’” Klubnik recalled.
Cade Klubnik
As Clemson prepares to face a talented Texas team with one of the best defenses in the country, Klubnik knows the challenge ahead.
“They’re great at keeping everything in front of them. Their safeties will sit 15–20 yards back, and their corners play catch and drop back. They’re fast on the back end and excellent at making tackles in space. Their goal is to make you put drives together and take the short gains over and over,” he explained.
The matchup is particularly meaningful for Klubnik, not just because of his connection to Austin, but also due to the relationships he’s built with several Longhorn players. Four of his former high school teammates now play for Texas, including safety Michael Taaffe, defensive ends Ethan Burke and Colton Vasek, and offensive lineman Connor Robertson.
“Michael and I have been playing together since third or fourth grade. He might’ve even been on my very first football team,” Klubnik said. “It’ll be fun to see all those guys. I haven’t seen them in a while, but we still have great relationships.”
Despite the familiarity and excitement, Klubnik is determined to maintain his focus.
“Flying into that airport and making that drive will definitely feel special,” he said. “But once the ball is snapped, it doesn’t matter where it’s played. You’ve got to focus, spot the ball, and go.”
Clemson’s season has been one of ups and downs, but the Tigers have excelled on the road, boasting an undefeated record away from home. Klubnik believes the team’s preparation and mindset have been key to their success in hostile environments.
“We’ve been successful on the road, and that’s something we focused on this offseason. Playing in front of 100,000 people with everyone against you is what makes college football fun,” he said.
For Klubnik, the game also marks an opportunity to reflect on his journey from a high school standout in Austin to the starting quarterback at Clemson.
“When I got older, my childhood dream of going to Texas started to fade as recruiting became more serious. Clemson felt like home. It was the only school where I truly felt at peace, thanks to Coach Swinney and the coaching staff here,” he said.
As the Tigers prepare to take the field, Klubnik’s approach remains unchanged: stick to his routine, block out distractions, and give his all for Clemson.
“I don’t have an answer for [next year] yet,” he said when asked about his future. But for now, Klubnik is focused on the present, and Saturday’s game in Austin promises to be a memorable chapter in his football career.
