Cade Klubnik’s route to the NFL ran through Clemson, where he became a three-year starter before the New York Jets selected him in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The verified draft record is straightforward: the New York Jets selected Klubnik with the 110th overall pick on April 25, 2026, after trading up with the Cincinnati Bengals. This updated profile follows his college résumé, the numbers behind his final two seasons and the development areas he brings to the NFL.
Cade Klubnik at a glance
| Position | Quarterback |
|---|---|
| College | Clemson Tigers |
| NFL team at draft | New York Jets |
| Draft | 2026, Round 4, pick No. 110 overall |
| Listed size | 6 feet 2 inches, 207 pounds |
| College career | 49 appearances; 10,123 passing yards, 73 passing touchdowns, 24 interceptions; 878 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns |
Why Clemson mattered
Klubnik arrived at Clemson as a highly regarded high-school quarterback and developed into one of the program’s main offensive leaders. The Jets’ official draft report records 49 college appearances and notes that he became the fifth quarterback in Clemson history to start at least 40 games. He finished his college career with 916 completions on 1,432 attempts.
His best passing season came in 2024. Klubnik threw for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns against six interceptions, establishing personal bests in those major passing categories. That season helped strengthen his NFL prospects and contributed to Clemson’s success in the ACC.
His final season in 2025 was less smooth, but still productive. He started 12 games, completed 66% of his passes, threw for 2,943 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions, and helped Clemson finish the regular season with four straight wins after a difficult start. Those figures come from the Jets’ draft-day report.
What the Jets drafted
New York moved up to No. 110 by sending picks No. 128 and No. 140 to Cincinnati; the Jets also received pick No. 199 in the exchange. The move showed that the team was willing to spend draft capital to secure Klubnik rather than wait to see whether he remained available.
The NFL’s draft analysis described Klubnik as an athletic, developmental quarterback with a quick release and the ability to make timing throws, extend plays and contribute as a runner. It also identified areas for improvement: getting through progressions faster, maintaining a consistent passing foundation and handling pressure more effectively from the pocket. These are evaluation points, not guarantees about how his pro career will unfold.
What his college numbers say—and don’t say
The combination of 10,123 passing yards, 73 passing touchdowns and 878 rushing yards shows that Klubnik contributed both as a passer and as a runner at Clemson. Those totals alone do not establish that he will become a starting NFL quarterback. The meaningful test is whether he can apply his athleticism while making quick, repeatable decisions against NFL coverage and pressure.
For readers newer to the game, see our guide to the basic rules of American football. It provides context for the quarterback’s role and the passing game.
Sources
- New York Jets: Jets Trade Up in Round 4, Select Clemson QB Cade Klubnik — draft position, transaction, college statistics and team evaluation.
- NFL.com: 2026 NFL Draft — Jets select Cade Klubnik at No. 110 — draft details and scouting analysis.
Editorial note: This article was fact-checked and updated on October 26, 2026. The original URL has been retained.
