Clemson football is back in the College Football Playoff after a challenging season that saw the team operate under the radar for much of the fall. Despite a series of ups and downs, the Tigers emerged as champions of the ACC, earning the final automatic spot in the 12-team CFP bracket. This marks Clemson’s return to the playoff for the first time since 2020.
Leading the charge for Clemson is quarterback Cade Klubnik, a highly-touted recruit who many fans hoped would follow in the footsteps of Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence as the next great Clemson QB. Klubnik showed early promise, earning MVP honors in the 2022 ACC Championship game as a freshman. However, his 2023 season did not go as planned. The Tigers faced several struggles, and Klubnik’s performance was inconsistent, which caused some doubt among fans and analysts alike.
Despite these challenges, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney never wavered in his faith in Klubnik. In an interview with ESPN’s David Hale, Swinney explained that he never considered replacing Klubnik with a transfer portal quarterback, expressing his belief in the young signal-caller’s potential. Swinney praised Klubnik’s work ethic, intelligence, and talent, saying the quarterback “deserves all the credit” for his growth and improvement.
For Klubnik, Swinney’s unwavering support was a powerful motivator. Reflecting on the difficult season, Klubnik acknowledged how much it meant to have his coach’s trust. “After a season you wouldn’t ever dream of having, to have somebody like that come and tell you he still believes in you and trusts in you, that means a lot,” Klubnik said.
As the Tigers head into the playoff, Klubnik’s growth and resilience will be key to their chances. Swinney’s decision to stick with him despite adversity seems to have paid off, with Klubnik now entering the postseason with renewed confidence and determination. Clemson’s return to the College Football Playoff is a testament to their perseverance and the leadership of both Swinney and Klubnik.
