Clemson QB Cade Klubnik Showcases Skills at Pro Day Ahead of NFL Draft

Klubnik, who dealt with injuries in his senior season, was out to prove he's an NFL-caliber quarterback.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:18pm

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Cade Klubnik, Clemson's starting quarterback for the past three seasons, participated in the school's Pro Day event on March 12, 2026 in front of scouts from all 32 NFL teams. Klubnik, who was hampered by ankle and wrist injuries late in his senior year, used the Pro Day to demonstrate his athleticism and passing abilities to NFL evaluators as he aims to be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Why it matters

Klubnik's performance at Pro Day was crucial for his NFL draft prospects, as his senior season stats were impacted by the injuries he sustained. The Pro Day gave him a chance to show scouts that he is healthy and capable of playing at the next level, potentially boosting his draft stock.

The details

At Clemson's Pro Day, Klubnik took part in various physical tests and drills, including the vertical jump, 10-yard split, and 40-yard dash. He also participated in throwing exercises to showcase his passing skills. Klubnik said he wanted to prove he still has the athleticism that made him a successful college quarterback, despite the setbacks of his senior year.

  • Klubnik suffered a knee injury on October 11 against Boston College and missed the next game.
  • Klubnik had a thumb and wrist injury when Clemson lost to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl on December 27.

The players

Cade Klubnik

Klubnik was Clemson's starting quarterback for the past three seasons and ranks first in Clemson history and fourth in ACC history with 901 career completions.

Dabo Swinney

Clemson's head football coach.

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What they’re saying

“It's good to put the paw on again. That's for sure. One last time.”

— Cade Klubnik

“I didn't get to really show off my athleticism this year just because of injuries. I wanted to show I've kind of still got it.”

— Cade Klubnik

“A lot of people told me not to play the ball game just due to my wrist injury. ... I feel like I had a duty to continue to show up for them. With everything that I'd been through that year, I wanted to be there for them.”

— Cade Klubnik

What’s next

Klubnik will await his selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled to take place from April 24-26.

The takeaway

Klubnik's Pro Day performance was crucial for his NFL draft prospects, as he aimed to show scouts that he is healthy and capable of playing at the professional level despite the injuries he faced in his senior season at Clemson. His willingness to play through pain in the Pinstripe Bowl also demonstrated his dedication to his team.