Clemson’s Cade Klubnik and Garrett Riley Prove Patience Is Paying Off
In an era defined by quarterback transfers and constant staff changes, Clemson’s stability at two key positions is nearly unheard of — and it’s catching national attention. Quarterback Cade Klubnik and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley are entering their third season together, and Klubnik believes that rare continuity is fueling growth few teams can replicate.
“It’s really cool to go into year three with the same offensive coordinator,” Klubnik said. “I can sometimes tell what he’s going to call before it even happens.”
That level of synergy between signal-caller and play-caller is hard to come by in a sport where offensive schemes and rosters reset every offseason. But Clemson is quietly bucking that trend.
Klubnik, an energetic leader, enters 2025 with impressive career numbers: 659-of-1,040 passes for 7,180 yards, 57 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions in 2,137 career snaps over 37 games (28 starts). He has also rushed for 784 yards and 13 touchdowns on 286 attempts and even caught a 19-yard pass over his first three seasons. Heading into his senior campaign, Klubnik is set to rank in the top five in Clemson history in nearly every major passing category, including passing touchdowns (fourth), passing yards (fourth), passing attempts (fourth), and completions (fifth). He also enters the year ranked fifth in career touchdown responsibility and sixth in total offense. Klubnik is one of just 18 Clemson quarterbacks since World War II to win at least 15 games as a starter, and one of only three to be named ACC Championship Game MVP twice.
Garrett Riley, announced as Clemson’s offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach on Jan. 13, 2023, has made an immediate impact. Under his guidance, Clemson finished 2023 ranked No. 15 nationally in first downs per game (23.4), with its highest plays-per-game average since 2016 (76.8). The Tigers also ranked fifth in time of possession (33:19), their best mark since 1989. Riley’s influence was especially evident in Klubnik’s development. In Klubnik’s first full season as a starter, he completed 290-of-454 passes, the fourth-most completions in a single season in Clemson history.
Riley, who previously served as TCU’s offensive coordinator, helped lead the Horned Frogs to a 13-2 record, a Fiesta Bowl title, and a berth in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in 2022.
Clemson’s approach isn’t about quick fixes through the transfer portal or frequent staff changes. Instead, the Tigers are leaning into long-term growth, refining Riley’s system, and building trust — rep by rep.
For Klubnik, who has often been measured against high expectations since his five-star arrival, this year feels different. There’s less guesswork, more command, and no need to start from scratch — a luxury few quarterbacks in 2025 can claim.
With turnover rampant across college football, Clemson’s consistency might be its greatest weapon. If Klubnik and Riley continue progressing at this rate, the Tigers could soon prove that patience and continuity are just as valuable as the flashy quick fixes that dominate today’s game.
