Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik has officially been designated as the massive favorite to secure the coveted ACC Player of the Year title in the recent preseason media poll, marking a significant moment for the Tigers program. This prestigious recognition positions Klubnik as a central figure for the upcoming season, igniting immense anticipation among fans and analysts alike as the college football landscape begins to take shape.
Klubnik’s selection is a testament to his stellar performance in the preceding season, where he showcased exceptional talent and leadership. Returning for his fourth year, the dynamic quarterback finished last season ranked 10th nationally with an impressive 3,639 passing yards. Furthermore, he threw for 36 touchdowns, placing him third among all collegiate quarterbacks, alongside only six interceptions, and added a robust 463 rushing yards, playing a pivotal role in securing the ACC championship and guiding his team to the College Football Playoff.
The decision by several key Clemson players to return for the 2025 season instead of declaring for the NFL draft significantly bolsters the Tigers’ championship aspirations. Beyond Klubnik, prominent talents like wide receiver Antonio Williams and offensive tackles Blake Miller and Tristan Leigh opted to stay. This strong core is further complemented by promising underclassmen, including wide receivers Bryant Wesco Jr. and T.J. Moore, alongside the continuity provided by retaining third-year offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, ensuring a cohesive and powerful offensive unit.
Klubnik’s distinction as the preseason favorite for this award draws compelling parallels to former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who last earned this recognition in 2020. Lawrence’s remarkable 2020 campaign saw him throw for 3,153 yards, deliver 24 touchdowns against only five interceptions, and contribute eight rushing scores, ultimately leading the Tigers to an ACC championship victory and a College Football Playoff appearance, setting a high standard for Klubnik to emulate.
Demonstrating their widespread talent, Clemson also led the conference with an impressive 11 players earning spots on the preseason All-ACC team. This overwhelming representation far outpaced other programs, with Pitt securing the second-most selections at just three. This marked a substantial increase from the previous year, when Clemson had only three preseason All-ACC selections, highlighting the depth and quality across their current roster.
The Tigers completed the 2024 season with a commendable 10-4 record, continuing a legacy of sustained excellence. This achievement marked the 13th instance in 14 seasons that Clemson has secured at least 10 victories, underscoring the program’s consistent ability to compete at the highest level within college football. Such a track record reinforces the high expectations for the team in the upcoming season.
The preseason selections were meticulously conducted through a voting process involving a media panel, comprised of all credentialed media members present at the ACC Kickoff event. These projections were released shortly after Clemson’s prominent placement in the ACC preseason poll on July 30. The Tigers are set to commence their preseason practice on July 31, ahead of their highly anticipated 2025 season opener against a formidable opponent at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC, hosted at Memorial Stadium.
The 2025 schedule presents a formidable challenge for Clemson, featuring crucial home games against powerhouse programs like LSU and SMU, promising thrilling matchups for their home crowd. Additionally, the Tigers will face demanding road tests against conference rivals Louisville and North Carolina, and a heated in-state rivalry game against South Carolina. This challenging slate ensures a compelling season as Klubnik and his teammates aim to validate their preseason acclaim and contend for another ACC championship.
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