CLEMSON — It does not matter who you read.

Whether it is the good people from Las Vegas or those in the national media. Everywhere you turn, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is mentioned as the favorite to win the Heisman, or he is in the top 5 of every list.

It is quite the contrast from last year, when people were questioning his ability to lead the Tigers and if he was the right man for the job.

Dabo Swinney’s message to Klubnik is no different today than it was this time last year.

“You better not listen to none of that,” Clemson’s head coach said.

Klubnik returns to Clemson for his fourth and final season. He has started each of the last two years and now returns to guide Garrett Riley’s offense for a third season.

“Came back and hit the ground running,” Klubnik said. “It is kind of fun being in year three now. We all know what is going on, so it is great.”

Last year, Klubnik was one of the most improved quarterbacks in the country, as he improved in passing yards, completions, completion percentage, yards per attempt, touchdowns and interceptions.

“Last year, everybody said, ‘We need to get rid of Cade Klubnik and we are never going to win with Cade Klubnik. He is terrible and Swinney is crazy, and he needs to go get this hotshot quarterback,’” Swinney said. “Now everyone says he is the frontrunner for the Heisman. It is amazing.”

In 2024, Klubnik finished second nationally with 43 touchdown responsibilities.  He threw for 3,639 yards, while completing 63.4 percent of his 486 passes.

Of his 43 TDs, 36 were passing TDs. He also threw just six interceptions, tied for the fewest among quarterbacks in the ACC who threw 300 or more passes.

“I told him not to listen to none of that (Heisman talk),” Swinney said. “You did not listen none of that crap last year that you are not good enough to get it done and now do not listen to them telling you are the Heisman guy or you’re the whatever…Just do the work.”