Clemson QB Cade Klubnik Shocks Scouts with Unexpected Moves at Shrine Bowl Practice

After turning the page on his Clemson career, Cade Klubnik now steps onto a fresh stage — the East-West Shrine Bowl — where draft hopefuls battle to catch NFL eyes while supporting a noble cause. This storied college all-star game isn’t just any showcase; it’s a rigorous week filled with drills, interviews, and deep evaluations, pitting the nation’s top seniors and draft-declaring underclassmen against one another. Klubnik, a two-time ACC Championship Game MVP, has earned his spot among the elite, sharpening his craft alongside talent, including some sharp Georgia receivers, as he prepares for this pivotal moment. It’s a glimpse at what’s to come, a final curtain call before his professional journey truly unfolds — an opportunity to prove that the hard work behind the scenes at Clemson, against their relentless defensive front, has primed him for bigger battles ahead.
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Cade Klubnik‘s time as a Tiger has come to a close, however he still has one more game before the draft begins, that game being the East-West Shrine Bowl.

The East-West Shrine Bowl is the nation’s longest-running college all-star football game, a platform for top draft-eligible players to showcase their skills for NFL teams while also raising funds for Shriners Children’s. To qualify, players must be college seniors or underclassmen who have declared for the NFL Draft and are currently eligible to play for their school.

The selection process involves input from all 32 NFL teams, which helps determine a consensus list of players with the potential to make NFL rosters. Players are divided into East and West teams based on the geographic location of their college (divided by the Mississippi River), but exceptions are made, and the final rosters are influenced by the preferences of the NFL coaching staffs assigned to the teams for the week.

The event includes a week of practices and interviews, culminating in the game, providing extensive evaluation opportunities for both players and the NFL personnel present.

The former two time ACC Championship Game MVP made the roster, accepting his offer on December 15th.

The week of practices and interviews has kicked off with Cade Klubnik notably working with multiple Georgia wide receivers who made the team.

Clemson QB Cade Klubnik said he’s been working off to the side with the three Georgia WRs on his team. It showed here with a look-off pass to Dillon Bell, who had the best practice of the three. pic.twitter.com/iyqvaF3nas

— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) January 23, 2026

In a quiet moment on the practice field, Klubnik worked through a series of routes on air. A drill stripped down to the absolute basics of the passing game. With no defensive backs to fight through or pass rush to avoid, the focus shifted entirely to the chemistry between quarterback and receiver.

The Clemson quarterback also had an opportunity in an interview to talk about how battling up against a tough Clemson front influenced his development throughout his years.

“Being able to play against guys like that definitely made me better, and I truly learned how to trust my offensive line. Just to see guys with that work ethic pushed me to work harder, I lived with Will (Heldt), he lives like a pro.”

Clemson QB Cade Klubnik talked a bit about practicing against a dominant Clemson front every day in practice and how it’s prepared him for the NFL. pic.twitter.com/aMdy21SAEt

— Tyler Brooke (@TylerDBrooke) January 23, 2026

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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson football quarterback Cade Klubnik at Shrine Bowl practice