At the end of the day, they still have the same coach, so they’ll be taught the same concepts,” Klubnik said during the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux last weekend. “They should be using the same rules and schemes.”
He was aware LSU had been active in the portal but said he’d need to look closely to see exactly which players had joined the roster.
When he does, he might see some familiar names. Last year, Klubnik faced off against ex-NC State safety Tamarcus Cooley, former Florida State defensive end Patrick Payton, and ex-Virginia Tech cornerback Mansoor Delane. He planned to analyze the LSU secondary’s aggressiveness and techniques — especially to see if their previous teams used them in similar ways to Baker’s system.
“For me as a quarterback, I’m going to study some of the personnel,” Klubnik said, “but honestly, it’s going to be a lot more about the scheme and what they’re trying to do.”
Klubnik is sure to give the Tigers’ defense an immediate challenge. A former No. 1 overall quarterback recruit in 2022, he was expected to revive Clemson’s passing game in the post–Trevor Lawrence era. His development took a bit of time, but heading into his senior year, he’s considered a potential first-round NFL pick and a serious Heisman candidate.
That optimism is based on his breakout performance last season. As a second-year starter, Klubnik completed 63.4% of his passes for 3,639 yards, throwing 36 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He added 463 rushing yards and seven touchdowns while leading Clemson to an ACC title and a return to the College Football Playoff.
Klubnik noted that Clemson played more freshmen than any other team in the country over the last two years, which may have led to some tough losses but has now created valuable experience and continuity.
According to ESPN, Clemson leads the nation in returning production at 81%. The Tigers bring back eight starters on offense and nine on defense, including projected first-round defensive linemen TJ Parker and Peter Woods.
“They’re incredibly consistent in their effort and the way they play,” Klubnik said of Parker and Woods. “They’re not the kind of guys who are going to take plays off. Every snap they’re in, they’re giving it everything. They’re aggressive and confident, that’s who they are.”
Klubnik also praised LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, describing his timing on routes as among the best in college football. The two had met a couple of times before reconnecting at the Manning Passing Academy.
“I’ve faced a lot of great quarterbacks, and Garrett is definitely going to be one of the best I’ve played,” Klubnik said. “I think managing the game and capitalizing on every possession will be huge.”
Their matchup in Week 1 is set to be one of this season’s premier nonconference showdowns. Although Klubnik hasn’t yet won an opener as a starter — and has never started a season opener at home — he downplayed the significance of the game itself.
That’s because he understands that one result doesn’t define a season. Last year, Clemson suffered a 34–3 defeat to Georgia in the opener but still reached the first-ever 12-team playoff.
“It’s just as important as any other game,” Klubnik said. “At the end of the day, I can’t approach that game any differently than I would Week 2 or Week 3. The season is long, and I’m just trying to be my best and prepare myself to put our team in the best position for the year ahead.”