Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney on Cade Klubnik’s New York Jets NFL debut

Dabo Swinney has spent years saying Cade Klubnik has the tools to succeed in the NFL. On Friday night, the former Clemson quarterback took an encouraging first step.

Klubnik made his first professional start for the New York Jets in a preseason matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, filling in for an injured Geno Smith. The fourth-round rookie completed 5 of 7 passes for 56 yards and helped New York score on both of his possessions.

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“I was definitely excited,” Klubnik said postgame. “I think the first thing that I kind of thought to myself was that not a lot was going to change. I knew Geno was only going to play maybe eight to 10 plays and I was ready to go in early after that.”

His longest completion was a 21-yard contested pass to Garrett Wilson. New York’s second drive ended with a 31-yard Braelon Allen touchdown run that gave the Jets a 10-0 lead.

Klubnik was already out of the game by the time Swinney was able to watch. The Tigers‘ staff had been preparing for its first fall scrimmage, but Swinney still reached out to his former quarterback afterward.

“By the time I got to the office, he was out but I texted back and forth with him last night and just proud of him,” Swinney said. “I mean, like I said, he’s going to be a great pro.”

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Swinney has consistently expressed that belief. After Klubnik’s final game at Clemson last December, he pointed to the quarterback’s upside beyond college.

“He’s just now scratching what his true potential is going to be and I can’t wait to watch it,” Swinney said after the bowl game. “I think he’s incredibly gifted. He’s incredibly smart. He’s a leader and I love this kid.”

Klubnik left Clemson after making 40 starts and posting a 26-14 record. He helped the Tigers win ACC championships in 2022 and 2024, earning MVP honors in both title games, and finished his career with 11,001 total yards.