In a surprising turn of events, Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik has been suspended by head coach Dabo Swinney, according to recent reports. The suspension comes after a tumultuous yet successful 2024 season for the Tigers, which included an ACC championship and a first-round loss in the College Football Playoff to the Texas Longhorns. While the exact reasons for the suspension have not been disclosed, it marks a significant development for the team as they begin preparations for the 2025 season.
Klubnik, who is entering his senior year as the Tigers’ starting quarterback, had a breakout 2024 campaign, throwing for 3,636 yards, 36 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, with a QBR of 78.7, ranking 11th in the FBS. His performance, including a notable 336-yard, 3-touchdown effort in the playoff loss to Texas, solidified his status as one of the top quarterbacks for the 2026 NFL Draft. Additionally, Klubnik’s dual-threat abilities were on display, as he ran for 463 yards and seven touchdowns, making him a dual-threat weapon for Clemson’s offense.
Despite his on-field success, the suspension adds uncertainty to his future with the program as the Tigers look to replace key players and make adjustments to their roster for the upcoming season. Clemson’s offense, led by Klubnik, was expected to be among the best in the country in 2025, but the suspension has raised questions about his availability and leadership going forward.
Meanwhile, Clemson is also undergoing significant changes on the coaching staff, with Wes Goodwin out as defensive coordinator and Tom Allen from Penn State taking over. This change comes after an uncharacteristically underperforming defense in 2024. As the Tigers look to continue their dominance, the situation with Klubnik adds another layer of drama to an already intriguing offseason.