Cade Klubnik
Cade Klubnik is a rookie quarterback for the 2026 New York Jets, selected out of Clemson in the fourth round (110th overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft. A former five-star recruit and multi-year starter for the Tigers, Klubnik arrives in New York as a developmental prospect projected to sit behind veteran starter Geno Smith. The Jets traded up to draft him, signaling they see long-term upside in the athletic, strong-armed passer despite an uneven final college season.
Background & Path to the Jets
Klubnik was a highly touted recruit who became a fixture at quarterback for Clemson. He saw limited action as a freshman in 2022, then took over as the full-time starter, leading the Tigers to a 26-14 record across his career as a starter. His best season came in 2024, when he threw for 3,639 yards with 36 touchdowns against just six interceptions and added 463 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground. His senior year in 2025 was more turbulent, as Clemson stumbled to a 7-6 record and Klubnik’s production dipped to 2,943 yards, 16 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Once viewed as a potential early-round prospect entering 2025, Klubnik’s draft stock slipped after the disappointing season, and he became the fifth quarterback selected in the 2026 class. The Jets traded a pair of fourth-round picks to Cincinnati to move up 18 spots and select him at No. 110 overall, indicating they prioritized adding a developmental arm to the quarterback room behind Geno Smith.
Career Statistics
College passing statistics at Clemson by season (Cmp/Att, Pct where available, Yards, TD, INT). Some completion-percentage and rating figures could not be fully confirmed and are omitted where uncertain.
| Season | Team | Cmp/Att | Cmp% | Yds | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 (Fr.) | Clemson | 61/100 | 61.0 | 697 | 2 | 3 |
| 2023 (So.) | Clemson | 290/454 | 63.9 | 2,844 | 19 | 9 |
| 2024 (Jr.) | Clemson | 308/486 | 63.4 | 3,639 | 36 | 6 |
| 2025 (Sr.) | Clemson | 257/392 | 65.6 | 2,943 | 16 | 6 |
| Career | Clemson | ~659/1,040 | — | ~7,180 | 57 | 18 |
Strengths
- Quick, clean release: a rhythm-based touch passer who delivers the ball accurately at all three levels when the offense is on schedule.
- Athleticism and mobility: a threat to run designed concepts and extend plays when protection breaks down.
- Play-action and RPO proficiency: at his best throwing off play-action and run-pass-option concepts.
- Blitz recognition: handles pressure well when he reads coverage shells correctly pre-snap.
- Production and experience: a multi-year Power-conference starter with a strong 2024 season and a 26-14 record as a starter.
Weaknesses
- Arm strength: adequate but not dynamic velocity; deep-ball accuracy was inconsistent in 2025.
- Size: undersized for the position by NFL measurables.
- Post-snap processing: tends to trust pre-snap reads and can be slow to adjust when the picture changes, leading to late throws.
- Pressure management: inconsistent at navigating interior pressure, at times taking unnecessary sacks.
- Recent regression: his 2025 production and playmaking declined notably amid Clemson’s disappointing season.
Fit With the 2026 Jets
Klubnik joins the Jets as a developmental project rather than an immediate contributor. With Geno Smith firmly entrenched as Aaron Glenn’s starter and “the guy” to lead the team, Klubnik’s realistic 2026 role is as a backup and a long-term investment to learn behind a veteran and a staff led by offensive coordinator Frank Reich. The structure is favorable for his growth: he can refine his post-snap processing and decision-making without the pressure of starting, while Reich’s play-design experience suits a quarterback who thrives on rhythm, play-action, and movement. In a quarterback room anchored by an aging veteran, Klubnik gives the Jets a young, athletic option with developmental upside – a low-cost swing on a passer whose traits could pay off if his consistency improves. His ceiling will depend on whether he can speed up his reads and add velocity at the NFL level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Cade Klubnik?
Cade Klubnik is a rookie quarterback for the 2026 New York Jets, selected out of Clemson in the fourth round (110th overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft and projected to develop behind veteran starter Geno Smith.
Where did Cade Klubnik play college football?
Klubnik was a multi-year starter at Clemson, where his best season came in 2024 with 3,639 passing yards, 36 touchdowns and just six interceptions.
How did the Jets draft Cade Klubnik?
The Jets traded a pair of fourth-round picks to Cincinnati to move up 18 spots and select Klubnik at No. 110 overall, adding a developmental arm to their quarterback room.