Clemson University has a storied football history, particularly at the quarterback position. Over the years, several quarterbacks have left indelible marks on the program, leading the Tigers to conference titles, national championships, and setting numerous records. Among these, Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence stand out as two of the most accomplished. Currently, Cade Klubnik is making his case to join this elite group. Should he secure Clemson’s first Heisman Trophy, it would significantly bolster his legacy. (Ranking Clemson’s Top Five Quarterbacks: Legends of the Tigers Revealed — All Clemson Tigers)
Deshaun Watson’s tenure at Clemson from 2014 to 2016 was transformative. He led the Tigers to consecutive national championship games, clinching the title in 2016 with a last-second touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow, ending a 35-year championship drought for Clemson. (Best players in Clemson history: Quarterback | The Clemson Insider)
Watson’s individual accolades are numerous: two-time ACC Player of the Year, two-time Davey O’Brien Award winner, and a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist—the first in Clemson’s history. He amassed over 10,000 passing yards and 90 touchdowns, complemented by 1,934 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns. His leadership and clutch performances, particularly against top-tier opponents like Alabama, solidified his status as Clemson’s greatest quarterback. (Best players in Clemson history: Quarterback | The Clemson Insider, Ranking Clemson’s Top Five Quarterbacks: Legends of the Tigers Revealed — All Clemson Tigers)
Trevor Lawrence arrived at Clemson in 2018 with immense expectations and delivered immediately. As a true freshman, he led the Tigers to a perfect 15-0 season, culminating in a dominant national championship victory over Alabama. (Trevor Lawrence’s struggles with Jaguars are proof that Caleb Williams’ NFL success isn’t a guarantee with Bears, Ranking Clemson’s Top Five Quarterbacks: Legends of the Tigers Revealed — All Clemson Tigers)
Over three seasons, Lawrence compiled a 34-2 record as a starter, throwing for over 10,000 yards and 90 touchdowns, while adding nearly 1,000 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. His poise, accuracy, and athleticism made him one of the most coveted NFL prospects, leading to his selection as the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. (Trevor Lawrence firma por 36.8 millones de dólares, Trevor Lawrence)
Cade Klubnik, a former five-star recruit from Austin, Texas, chose Clemson over in-state programs like Texas and Texas A&M. Entering the 2025 season, Klubnik has already etched his name into Clemson’s record books. He has completed 659 of 1,040 passes for 7,180 yards, 57 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. Additionally, he has rushed for 784 yards and 13 touchdowns. (QB Cade Klubnik passed on Aggies and Longhorns to play for Clemson and has Tigers in CFP against UT, Cade Klubnik – Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site)
In the 2024 season, Klubnik accounted for 43 total touchdowns (36 passing, 7 rushing), tying for the second-most passing touchdowns in a single season in Clemson history. His performance earned him second-team All-ACC honors and recognition as a finalist for the Unitas Golden Arm Award. (Cade Klubnik – Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site)
Clemson has never had a Heisman Trophy winner. Deshaun Watson came close, finishing third in 2015. Should Cade Klubnik secure the Heisman, it would be a historic achievement for both him and the program. Such an accolade would not only recognize his individual excellence but also symbolize Clemson’s sustained prominence in college football. (Elite 11: Clemson’s best quarterbacks of all-time | The Clemson Insider)
Deshaun Watson currently holds the title of Clemson’s greatest quarterback, given his combination of team success, individual accolades, and record-setting performances. Trevor Lawrence is a close second, with a remarkable career that includes a national championship and a near-perfect record. Cade Klubnik is on a trajectory to join this elite group. If he continues his upward trend and captures the Heisman Trophy, he could very well redefine the standard for quarterback excellence at Clemson. (Cade Klubnik – Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site)
