CLEMSON — Garrett Riley has never held back the truth when talking to Cade Klubnik.

Clemson’s offensive coordinator, now in his third year with the Tigers, tells his quarterback exactly how he feels no matter what the situation. That kind of working relationship, along with Klubnik’s ability to accept constructive criticism is why the signal caller is considered one of the best at his position.

It is a far cry from where they both were two years ago, when Klubnik was struggling to find his way and Riley was limited on what he could call as a play caller.

But look at them now.

As the fourth-ranked Tigers get set to embark on a new season Saturday against No. 9 LSU, many consider Clemson to be a true national title contender and part of that reason is how the coach and quarterback have grown together.

After totaling 4,102 yards and 43 touchdowns in 2024, Klubnik is one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. But is he ready to take that next step and reach that next level, a level only Steve Fuller, Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence have achieved at Clemson?

“There is certainly a ton of room (for him to improve),” Riley said. “I have said this all along and I have said it to his face. He knows this…there is another level for him. That is what he is chasing and that is what we are all chasing.”

Riley has challenged Klubnik this year to make the routine plays. Make the layups when those opportunities present themselves.

“When routine plays are there, we have to hit those every time. He is that caliber of a player,” Riley said. “So, that has been the charge. This game is going to continue to slow down for him as this season goes on.

“He is heading into his senior year, so I expect a lot of big things from him.”

One of those things is getting out of bad plays and into great plays, especially in the red zone where the Tigers struggled last season. Last week, Klubnik said Riley has given him a little more freedom to check out of plays if he thinks the play is not going to work.

Riley confirmed what his quarterback said by saying, “I have lot of confidence,” when asked what was his level of trust and comfort with his quarterback in those situations.

“It’s our offense as a whole,” Riley said. “Those guys know me, our system, what we are about and how we want to attack. Maybe how we want to check and get out of bad play or whatever.

“It is not just him, it is the offensive line and the staff, like everybody is in sync. That is such a huge key. Not everyone is going to realize there is continuity from a staff standpoint, too.”