CLEMSON — A quarterback who was a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy during the preseason, while leading his team to a national championship, now finds himself as the quarterback for a 1-2 team.

The two losses to LSU and Georgia Tech came down to the wire, and are two games Cade Klubnik wishes he could have back. The senior admits it can be hard to return to practice after a loss like last Saturday’s in Atlanta. He knows the weight of the two losses, but he also knows the Tigers must respond quickly to get ready for Syracuse..

“Bring some joy every day and be a light,” Klubnik said.

Klubnik has leaned on advice from his mentor, learning that when people go through tough times, they need support.

“Be a light in this building,” Klubnik said. “It’s a long season ahead.”

Teammate Wade Woodaz reminded Klubnik of their lifelong dream to play Clemson Football, telling him not to forget that joy. Klubnik said he wants the team to “enjoy every single game, enjoy every single week.”

He knows the outside noise is inevitable, but he has tuned it out.

“Stay within these walls,” he said, noting he is not on social media and is focused on his team only.

Clemson’s quarterback believes this team has already shown improvements.

“We are a much better team than we were in 2023,” he said. “We’ve got two losses, and both of them have come down to the end of the game. We’re right there.”

“I believe that every dream we have is still in front of us,” he added.

Clemson (1-2, 0-1 ACC) still has nine guaranteed games, and Klubnik’s focus is to keep chasing. Despite his two turnovers against Georgia Tech, Klubnik called it the Tigers’ best offensive game yet.

“Every week matters. Especially now,” he said.

Clemson will host Syracuse Saturday (noon, ESPN) at Memorial Stadium.