CLEMSON — Cade Klubnik isn’t interested in calling any one game bigger than the rest.

For the Clemson quarterback, the season opener against No. 9 LSU carries the same weight as every other Saturday on the schedule.

Klubnik is keeping things simple — focus on the work, trust the routine, and treat every game the same, no matter the opponent or stage.

“I have to treat it like the biggest day of the year every year,” he said. “If I woke up this week any different than I did the last three, I’ve been living out fall camp wrong.” 

Though Clemson has dropped its season opener the past two years with Klubnik as the starter, his focus is on every game, not just this one. He understands playing a top 10 opponent, like LSU, to open a new season is a big deal. However…

“We treat every opponent the same,” Klubnik said. 

That focus is clear in how he approaches each game — by doing the routine things routinely and keeping his play smart and efficient.

“Do what we do, and don’t do too much,” Klubnik said. “Be smart and efficient.”

That mindset has been consistent throughout Klubnik’s career. It’s not about the noise or the headlines. It’s about doing what they’ve practiced and doing it well. 

“Clemson is playing Clemson,” he said. “If Clemson doesn’t beat Clemson, then we’re not going to win.” 

It’s a phrase that sounds simple, but Klubnik lives it. He knows mistakes in big moments have crippled the Tigers in the past. His focus is on doing the routine things.

Klubnik enters 2025 as the clear leader of the offense, bringing experience, maturity, and a sense of urgency that comes with knowing this is his final season at Clemson.

“This is the best place to get better,” he said. “I knew I needed to get better, and this is the place to do it.” What a great opportunity we have to play. It’s time to go live it out.”