Former Clemson football quarterback Cade Klubnik became the first Tigers player selected on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday.
The New York Jets traded up to select Klubnik with the 110th overall pick in the fourth round of the draft. Klubnik became the sixth player from Clemson's 2025 team to be taken in the 2026 draft. He was the fifth quarterback taken overall in this year's draft.
A former five-star recruit from Austin, Texas, Klubnik started three full seasons behind center for Clemson from 2023-25 and made his frist start toward the end of his freshman campaign in 2022.
While there was some obvious regression in 2025, Klubnik finished his collegiate career with 10,123 passing yards and 73 touchdowns to 24 interceptions over 49 games, including 40 starts.
This past season, Klubnik threw for 2,943 yards and 16 touchdowns to six interceptions. He missed one game after he sustained an injury in the Tigers' 41-10 win over Boston College on Oct. 11.
Klubnik returned on Nov. 1 and threw for a season-high 385 yards in the Tigers' 46-45 loss to Duke at Memorial Stadium. He threw for four touchdowns in Clemson's 38-10 win at North Carolina on Oct. 4.
In his four seasons, Klubnik also rushed for 878 yards and 17 touchdowns on 369 carries.
LET'S WORK @CadeKlubnikQB 📰: https://t.co/I9VVPIP3y8 pic.twitter.com/jo4yDYx0tz
Here's how social media reacted to the Jets' decision to draft Klubnik.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney's full quote on QB Cade Klubnik, who was just picked in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the NY Jets: "I think he has the potential to be a starter in the NFL at some point ... I think he's a higher-level talent than where he got drafted" pic.twitter.com/cuKLg7plAK
Cade Klubnik says it means "a lot" to him that the Jets traded up to get him:"I was really hoping for this. I kind of woke up this morning thinking, 'I hope the Jets kind of pick me.' I had a feeling that they were going to pick me, at least." pic.twitter.com/Wq5EBmyC48
"I'm a winner. I'm a competitor. I hate to lose. If we're not winning, we're going to find a way to win."- Cade Klubnik pic.twitter.com/J6E2Cx4PwV
"Excited to be a Jet. Pumped and really thankful for this opportunity."- Cade Klubnik pic.twitter.com/RwwHDnMJBJ
"The process was awesome. Excited to be a #Jets. Really pumped and thankful for this opportunity."Cade Klubnik on the process that brought him here. Says he had a workout and multiple meetings with Reich and AG.
— Nick “Mike Farrell” Faria (@Nick_Faria1720) April 25, 2026
Clemson QBs drafted by the Jets in their history:Tajh Boyd (2014)Cade Klubnik (2026) pic.twitter.com/kTeNlrHCTn
Cade Klubnik goes off the board to the Jets in the fourth round as the No. 110 overall selection.In the offseason ahead of the 2025 season, Klubnik was being projected as a first-rounder. Took a step back as a senior, but he's still drafted.
This is an interesting one: The #Jets traded up to No. 110 and selected #Clemson QB Cade Klubnik. Add him to Geno Smith, Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe.
#Jets traded up to pick No. 110 overall in the fourth round and selected: Clemson QB Cade Klubnik Threw for 2,943 yards with 16 TDs, 6 INTs last season and had 4 TD runs. Set school career records with 916 completions and 1,432 pass attempts.
The latest look at the Jets’ QB room:✈️ Geno Smith✈️ Brady Cook✈️ Bailey Zappe✈️ Cade Klubnik pic.twitter.com/Nl4SxzpFNo