Cade Klubnik’s confidence isn’t just radiating—it’s roaring, and it’s sending a message to every defense in college football: the Clemson Tigers are gearing up for something special this season. The former five-star quarterback has stepped into the leadership role expected of him, and with fall camp in full swing, his bullish outlook on the Tigers’ offense is as firm as ever. In a recent media availability, Klubnik didn’t mince words when asked about Clemson’s offensive weapons: “We got the dudes.” That simple declaration reflects a deeper belief—a belief that this offense, which faced harsh criticism last season, is about to flip the script and prove doubters wrong in resounding fashion.
For Clemson fans, this may be the first time since the Trevor Lawrence era that a quarterback has spoken with such unapologetic assurance, not just about himself but about the whole offensive unit. Klubnik’s comment has turned heads for good reason. The 2023 season was a rollercoaster for the Tigers, with inconsistent offensive performances, a shifting offensive line, and a receiving corps that often couldn’t get separation. But this is a new year, and to hear Klubnik tell it, it’s a whole new offense.
What gives Klubnik such confidence? For starters, the offseason development of wide receivers like Antonio Williams, Beaux Collins, and Troy Stellato has been remarkable. Williams, a rising star, has shown flashes of brilliance and now appears poised to become one of the ACC’s top pass-catchers. Collins, whose physical tools have never been in question, has made strides in route running and chemistry with Klubnik. And Stellato, who has battled injuries, is finally healthy and ready to add another reliable weapon in the slot. Klubnik’s eyes light up when he talks about these guys. He’s throwing to a group that’s finally found consistency, and in today’s college football landscape, that makes all the difference.
But receivers alone don’t make a potent offense. Klubnik’s confidence also stems from a retooled offensive line that is deeper and more cohesive than it has been in years. The unit has emphasized physicality and protection throughout the spring and summer, and early signs indicate they’re holding up well in practices. For a quarterback, having trust in your offensive line is paramount. Klubnik has that now, and it’s allowing him to focus on delivering the ball, extending plays, and using his athleticism when the pocket breaks down.
Let’s not forget the man calling the plays: offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. After arriving in Clemson with a reputation for high-scoring attacks, Riley’s first season was met with mixed results. The Tigers’ offense struggled with identity issues and inconsistency. But Riley has now had a full offseason to mold the playbook around Klubnik’s strengths, and both coach and quarterback seem to be in sync. The pace of practice is up. The timing is sharper. Klubnik is making reads faster and more confidently. Riley has spoken glowingly about his quarterback’s growth, not just in mechanics but in leadership and football IQ. This isn’t the same Cade Klubnik who looked overwhelmed at times last fall. This is a matured signal caller ready to take the next step.
It’s easy to overlook Clemson right now in national conversations about elite offenses. Programs like Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, and USC dominate the headlines, and after a disappointing 2023, Clemson has flown under the radar. That’s just fine with Klubnik. He sees it as motivation, a reminder that they’ve got something to prove. And the hunger is palpable.
Running back Will Shipley’s departure to the NFL may raise concerns, but Klubnik doesn’t see it that way. He believes the running back room is still loaded, highlighting Phil Mafah’s bruising running style and explosive potential. Mafah’s physicality is a perfect complement to Klubnik’s tempo-based, quick-release passing game. And redshirt freshman Jay Haynes has been turning heads as a versatile back who can catch passes out of the backfield. Klubnik points to depth and diversity in the backfield as a major asset. They can play fast, slow, physical, or finesse—whatever the situation demands.
Klubnik’s own development cannot be overstated. He spent the offseason working on footwork, film study, and strengthening his body. He’s added muscle without losing mobility, allowing him to better absorb hits and stay durable through the grind of an ACC season. Coaches have raved about his command in the huddle, his ability to process defenses pre-snap, and his poise in two-minute drills. Klubnik has never lacked talent, but now he’s combining that with the maturity and game sense required to be a true difference-maker.
The comment “We got the dudes” resonates beyond just the offense. It’s a culture statement. Clemson has always prided itself on its brotherhood, its development pipeline, and its refusal to rely on the transfer portal like so many modern programs. Dabo Swinney has made that philosophy a cornerstone of his tenure, and while it has drawn criticism in the NIL and transfer-heavy era, Klubnik’s words seem to suggest that belief is still bearing fruit. The Tigers aren’t trying to manufacture chemistry overnight; they’ve been building it for years. These “dudes” are homegrown, and they’re hungry.
This kind of internal belief has a ripple effect. Coaches feed off it. Receivers elevate their games when they know the quarterback trusts them. Offensive linemen dig deeper when they know the offense is primed to take off. That’s the intangible Klubnik is bringing to this team. It’s not just about mechanics or play calls; it’s about culture and confidence. It’s about standing in front of your team, your coaches, and the media, and saying, “We got the dudes,” and truly believing it.
It also sets the tone for what Clemson hopes will be a redemption year. After falling short of the College Football Playoff again and suffering some humbling losses, the Tigers are determined to re-establish themselves among the nation’s elite. Klubnik knows that as the quarterback, that responsibility falls squarely on his shoulders. But he’s not shying away from it. He’s embracing it.
Clemson opens the season with a schedule that includes several early tests, which could serve as launchpads or landmines depending on how the offense performs. For Klubnik, each of those games represents a chance to show the college football world what he already believes—that Clemson is back, and better than ever. Every audible, every post-snap decision, every throw is a piece of a larger mission: return Clemson to the mountaintop.
There’s still work to be done. There are questions about depth at tight end, and the defense—while still among the ACC’s best—will need to hold strong against some potent offenses. But with Klubnik anchoring the ship and declaring unwavering belief in his guys, there’s a renewed sense of optimism around the program. The chatter in camp isn’t about last year’s shortcomings—it’s about potential, and finally living up to it.
Even Dabo Swinney has acknowledged the growth in his quarterback, not just as a passer but as a leader. Klubnik has taken ownership of the locker room, led offseason player-only workouts, and helped galvanize a team that was desperate for direction last year. His voice matters now—not just in the huddle but in the program. And he’s using that voice to lift everyone around him.
When Cade Klubnik says, “We got the dudes,” he’s not bragging. He’s affirming a reality that Clemson fans are hoping manifests itself on the field this fall. The Tigers may not be the trendy pick in preseason rankings, and they may not have a Heisman favorite or flashy transfer headlines. But what they do have, according to their quarterback, is something just as valuable: a roster full of guys ready to compete, to dominate, and to prove that Clemson football is still very much a force to be reckoned with.
In the end, that belief—rooted in chemistry, development, and sheer will—might be the very thing that lifts the Tigers back to national prominence. Cade Klubnik has put the college football world on notice. The Clemson offense isn’t coming quietly. It’s coming with conviction, and with the “dudes” to back it up.
