5-Star QB Cade Klubnik Shocks Clemson Tigers with De-commitment, Flips Commitment to Texas Longhorns Over LSU, Boston College, and Florida State
In an unexpected twist that has rocked the world of college football recruiting, five-star quarterback Cade Klubnik has de-committed from the Clemson Tigers and flipped his commitment to the Texas Longhorns. This stunning move is one of the most significant developments in the 2025 recruiting class, shaking up the already volatile college football landscape. Klubnik’s decision comes as a shock not only to the Clemson faithful but also to the entire college football community, as he had been considered one of Clemson’s most prized recruits.
The Surprising De-Commitment
Cade Klubnik, a 6’2″, 200-pound quarterback from Westlake High School in Austin, Texas, had been firmly committed to Clemson since early 2024, choosing the Tigers over an impressive list of suitors. The talented signal-caller had built strong relationships with Clemson’s coaching staff, especially with head coach Dabo Swinney and offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter, who had been pivotal in the recruitment of Klubnik. His commitment was expected to be a cornerstone for Clemson’s future quarterback room, with many analysts believing he could be a future Heisman contender.
However, just days before the start of the spring recruiting period, Klubnik dropped a bombshell that left many wondering what had caused the sudden change. The timing was particularly shocking because Klubnik had recently been in regular contact with Clemson’s coaches, and there had been no significant signs that he was unhappy or considering de-committing. The move left the Clemson program scrambling to maintain its status as a recruiting juggernaut.
Though details surrounding his de-commitment remain somewhat unclear, sources close to the situation suggest that a combination of factors played into Klubnik’s decision. One major aspect was his growing interest in playing closer to home, which ultimately influenced his decision to flip to Texas. Klubnik, a native of Austin, had always been a fan of the Longhorns, and despite his initial commitment to Clemson, the lure of playing for his home-state team was too strong to ignore.
The Texas Longhorns’ Victory
For the Texas Longhorns, this is a monumental win in the world of college football recruiting. Klubnik’s commitment marks a major coup for head coach Steve Sarkisian, who has been working diligently to elevate Texas into national title contention. Sarkisian and his staff had been targeting Klubnik for months, and while they initially faced stiff competition from LSU, Boston College, and Florida State, they remained patient and persistent, which ultimately paid off.
Klubnik’s commitment to Texas is a huge boost to an already impressive recruiting class. Texas has been on a tear in the 2025 recruiting cycle, landing several highly-ranked players on both sides of the ball. With Klubnik now in the fold, the Longhorns have secured one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, a player who has the potential to immediately impact their offense. His decision also signals that Texas is poised for a return to prominence under Sarkisian’s leadership, as they continue to build a program capable of competing for national championships.
While Klubnik’s decision to flip is a major win for Texas, it also marks the latest chapter in the Longhorns’ aggressive pursuit of top-tier talent in their home state. Klubnik, a highly decorated quarterback, now represents the future of Texas football, and his commitment further solidifies the Longhorns’ position as a powerhouse in recruiting, especially in the highly competitive state of Texas.
The Other Finalists: LSU, Boston College, and Florida State
Klubnik’s recruitment came down to four schools: Clemson, Texas, LSU, and Boston College, with Florida State also making a late push. While Clemson had been the early favorite, Texas’ persistence ultimately won out, leaving LSU, Boston College, and Florida State to regroup.
LSU, under the direction of head coach Brian Kelly, had been one of the major contenders for Klubnik’s signature. The Tigers had recruited the quarterback hard, offering him the chance to step into a high-profile role in Baton Rouge. However, despite the allure of playing in the SEC for a championship-contending program, Klubnik ultimately chose to stay closer to home. LSU’s loss is significant, as they now must pivot to other quarterback options in a class that is increasingly competitive.
Boston College, a program on the rise under head coach Jeff Hafley, also made a strong pitch for Klubnik. The Eagles offered him the opportunity to be the face of their program, but the lack of national championship pedigree and the cold weather in Boston seemed to be drawbacks compared to the allure of playing for a blue-blood program like Texas. Boston College has continued to make strides in recruiting but will have to look elsewhere for its future quarterback.
Florida State, under the leadership of head coach Mike Norvell, also found itself in the mix for Klubnik’s services. The Seminoles have emerged as a force in the ACC, but much like Boston College, the appeal of playing closer to home and in the Big 12 with Texas was too much to overcome. Florida State had made a strong push for Klubnik, but ultimately, the Longhorns’ proximity and recruitment effort won out.
What This Means for Clemson
For Clemson, Klubnik’s de-commitment is a significant blow, but it is not the end of the world. The Tigers have a strong track record of recruiting top-tier quarterbacks, and while losing Klubnik is a tough pill to swallow, head coach Dabo Swinney is known for his ability to rebound in tough situations. Clemson has a solid quarterback depth chart and will likely pivot to other highly-rated prospects as they look to fill the void left by Klubnik.
Swinney and his staff will now need to focus on finding a quarterback who can step in and lead the program into the future. The Clemson Tigers have proven themselves as a consistent contender for national titles, and they are unlikely to suffer long-term consequences from this de-commitment.
Conclusion
Cade Klubnik’s decision to de-commit from Clemson and flip to Texas is one of the most significant moves in the 2025 recruiting class. His commitment to the Longhorns represents a major win for Steve Sarkisian and his staff, who have been working to return Texas to national prominence. While this decision is a blow to Clemson, it is a reminder that recruiting is a dynamic process, and no commitment is ever truly final until the ink is on the paper.
For now, the Longhorns and the college football world will eagerly await the next chapter in Klubnik’s journey, as he looks to lead Texas into a new era of success.
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