Cade Klubnik, the Clemson football quarterback, finds himself in an interesting position as a Heisman favorite and a long shot. The odds for potential recipients of the 2023 Heisman Trophy were recently released, and they brought little surprise to the table.
Caleb Williams, the Southern California quarterback, is favored to repeat and secure his second Heisman Trophy, a feat not achieved since Archie Griffin did it in 1974-75. Williams sits at +550, meaning a successful $100 bet would yield $550.
Following closely behind Williams are LSU’s Jayden Daniels and Texas’ Quinn Ewers, both at +1200. These strong preseason predictions are dominated by quarterbacks, with Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik sitting at +1600.
What catches the eye is Klubnik’s presence on the list. The young quarterback is still unproven and is on the brink of his first season as Clemson’s starter. Unfortunately, history is not on his side when it comes to Clemson’s Heisman hopes.
Clemson has never had a Heisman winner, and the prestigious trophy tends to favor players from Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, or Oklahoma. Clemson fans have experienced this disappointment firsthand, as their most deserving candidates, Trevor Lawrence and Deshaun Watson, finished as distant runners-up in 2018 and 2016, respectively.
Recent history also casts a shadow on Clemson’s Heisman aspirations. Last season, DJ Uiagalelei stepped in for a COVID-sidelined Lawrence and showcased his talent, making him a popular Heisman choice heading into the 2021 season. However, Uiagalelei’s hopes were quickly dashed as he struggled with interceptions, finishing 11th in completion percentage and 12th in passing efficiency in the ACC.
Given this backdrop, it’s understandable why Clemson fans may feel reserved in their preseason excitement for Klubnik. While he shows promise for a breakout season, his lack of experience and evidence may prevent the fan base from going all in just yet.
It’s worth noting that Clemson’s biggest Heisman victory to date came from a defensive standout, Christian Wilkins, who received the William V. Campbell Trophy, also known as the Academic Heisman, in 2018. However, until the Heisman’s focus shifts away from quarterbacks to defensive tackles, Clemson will have to cherish Wilkins’ achievement.
In conclusion, while Cade Klubnik is both a Heisman favorite and a long shot, the odds may not be in his favor given Clemson’s history and recent disappointments. Clemson fans are cautiously optimistic about his potential, but they also understand the challenges he faces as an unproven quarterback. Only time will tell if Klubnik can overcome these obstacles and prove himself worthy of the Heisman Trophy.
