FanDuel Crowns Cade Klubnik Top 2026 Draft QB, Says Clemson is Headed for ‘Glory Days’ originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
While most of college football scrambles for talent in the transfer portal, one of the sport’s most powerful voices has issued a stunning verdict: Clemson’s “old-fashioned” philosophy has built a roster so stacked that it’s on the verge of returning to its “glory days”! In a new, explosive analysis, FanDuel has named quarterback Cade Klubnik the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft and declared the Tigers are a legitimate national title contender.
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This isn’t just a simple power ranking; it’s a deep-dive into why Clemson’s unique approach is primed for a massive payoff. With only three new transfers on the roster, FanDuel’s Austin Swaim points to a team that weathered growing pains in 2024 and is now ready to explode.
THE RISE OF CADE KLUBNIK:
The centerpiece of this resurgence is Klubnik, who FanDuel’s analysis names as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. His QBR skyrocketed from 55.0 to 78.8 last year, putting him 15th in all of FBS. Swaim’s ultimate proof? Klubnik’s playoff performance against a Texas defense that led the nation in passing yards per attempt allowed. Against all odds, with no running game to speak of, Klubnik delivered “one of the most impressive individual efforts of the season by a QB,” throwing for 336 yards and three touchdowns. With all of his top receivers returning (Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco Jr., and T.J. Moore), Klubnik’s offense is expected to produce fireworks.
A DEFENSE FOR THE AGES:
Just as impressive as the offense is a defense that, according to the report, “might” steal the show. Peter Woods is hailed as “probably even likelier to be the draft’s top defender selected,” a “versatile freak athlete” who, at 6’3″, 315 pounds, can line up anywhere on the defensive line. He’s joined by T.J. Parker, who was ninth in the FBS with 11 sacks last season, creating a terrifying one-two punch up front. With other defensive talents like Aveion Terrell projected as Day 2 picks, this unit is primed to be one of the best in the country.
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THE PATH BACK TO GLORY:
FanDuel is bullish on Clemson’s path to the postseason, calling their schedule an “unbelievable break.” The Tigers will be favorites in every game until a season finale with South Carolina, dodging a road trip to Miami and getting key matchups with SMU and FSU at home. FanDuel’s own betting odds have Clemson at a staggering +125 to be either 11-1 or 12-0 entering the ACC Championship Game.
While Klubnik’s Heisman odds are a “difficult sell” (+900) due to blowouts potentially dinging his stats, the FanDuel report still sees massive value in his +600 odds to be the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, especially with the historical context of Arch Manning possibly staying in school. The verdict is clear: with a stacked roster and a top quarterback, Clemson’s “glory days” are within reach.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
