Clemson’s 2025 season came to an end on Saturday, and so did Cade Klubnik’s career as a Tiger.

The senior quarterback completed 22 of 39 passes for 193 yards, as Clemson (7-6) fell to Penn State (7-6) by a score of 22-10 in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York.

During Clemson’s press conference following the game, Klubnik was clearly choked up and emotional when asked about the emotions he was experiencing and what was going through his head now that his Clemson career is officially over.

“Yeah, just wanted to go out with a win,” Klubnik said, teary-eyed. “Just didn’t get it done. Just didn’t get it done. But just thankful for everybody that I’ve been able to spend life with over the past four years.”

After a long pause, and pat on the back from Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, Klubnik finished his answer.

“It’s been a good four years,” Klubnik said. “Thankful for it.”

On a 44-yard pass completion in the second quarter against Penn State, Klubnik surpassed Tajh Boyd to become Clemson’s all-time leader in career pass completions and also became the fourth quarterback in school history to throw for 10,000 yards or more in a career.

Clemson will now begin preparations for its 2026 season, which is slated to kick off with the program’s first trip to Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La. to face LSU on Sept. 5. When Clemson takes the field then, it will do so with a new starting quarterback.

–Photo courtesy of Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images