Who Is Cade Klubnik?
Cade Klubnik is a young American football quarterback who has moved from a decorated high school career at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas, to Clemson and now the NFL.
The New York Jets selected Klubnik in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 110 overall pick after trading up to acquire him. The Jets viewed the Clemson product as a developmental quarterback with the potential to become more than just a backup.
As of August 2026, Klubnik is listed by the Jets as their No. 10 quarterback, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 207 pounds.
His arrival in New York has generated significant interest because of his combination of accuracy, mobility, college experience and winning background.
Cade Klubnik Girlfriend and Wife
One of the most searched questions about Cade Klubnik concerns his relationship with Macey Matthews.
Klubnik and Matthews have known each other since their school years in Austin, Texas. Matthews was his longtime high school sweetheart, and their relationship continued throughout his Clemson career.
The couple announced their engagement at the end of December 2025. Their relationship then reached another milestone in 2026.
Klubnik and Matthews married on June 28, 2026, in Austin, Texas, according to People. The couple shared wedding photos publicly in July.
Therefore, searches referring to “Cade Klubnik’s girlfriend” generally point to Matthews, but she is now his wife.
Their story has followed Klubnik through some of the biggest stages of his football career, from Westlake to Clemson and eventually the NFL.
Cade Klubnik High School
Klubnik attended Westlake High School in Austin, Texas, one of the state’s prominent football programs.
His high school career was exceptionally successful. According to Clemson’s official biography, he played in 38 career games and his teams won 37 of them. He finished his final two seasons with a 27-0 record as a starter.
As a junior in 2020, Klubnik helped Westlake win the Texas state championship. He followed that with another undefeated championship season as a senior in 2021.
His senior statistics were particularly impressive:
- 3,251 passing yards
- 43 passing touchdowns
- 3 interceptions
- 71.3% completion rate
- 465 rushing yards
- 12 rushing touchdowns
Overall, Klubnik completed 481 of 687 passes during his Westlake career for 7,426 yards, 86 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. He also rushed for 1,319 yards and 31 touchdowns.
Those numbers helped make him one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in the 2022 recruiting class.
He was rated as a five-star prospect by several recruiting services and was ranked among the nation’s top quarterbacks. He also earned the 2021 Elite 11 MVP, Texas Gatorade Player of the Year and All-American Bowl National High School Player of the Year honors.
Why Was Cade Klubnik Highly Rated?
Klubnik entered college with a reputation for being more than a traditional pocket passer.
His high school production showed three major strengths:
- Accuracy: He completed 70% of his career high school passes.
- Mobility: He produced 1,319 rushing yards and 31 rushing touchdowns.
- Decision-making: He threw only seven interceptions on 687 career attempts.
That combination made him a highly attractive quarterback prospect.
His ability to make plays outside the pocket also became an important part of his identity at Clemson.
Cade Klubnik College Career
Klubnik committed to Clemson in March 2021 and enrolled in January 2022. He played four seasons for the Tigers from 2022 through 2025.
His Clemson career included two ACC Championship Game MVP awards and 40 starts.
2022 Season
Klubnik’s freshman season began behind D.J. Uiagalelei, but he eventually received his opportunity.
He played in 10 games and made one start, completing 61 of 100 passes for 697 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.
He also rushed for 139 yards and two touchdowns.
His biggest early moment came in the ACC Championship Game against North Carolina. Klubnik completed 20 of 24 passes for 279 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing touchdown.
He was named ACC Championship Game MVP.
2023 Season
Klubnik became Clemson’s full-time starter in 2023.
He started all 13 games and completed 290 of 454 passes for:
- 2,844 passing yards
- 19 passing touchdowns
- 9 interceptions
- 63.9% completion rate
He also rushed for 182 yards and four touchdowns.
The season gave Klubnik valuable experience as Clemson’s offensive leader.
2024 Season
The 2024 campaign was arguably Klubnik’s statistical peak at Clemson.
He completed 308 of 486 passes for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also rushed for 463 yards and seven touchdowns.
His 36 passing touchdowns ranked third nationally and tied for the second-most in a single season in Clemson history.
Klubnik also led Clemson to another ACC championship and was named ACC Championship Game MVP for the second time.
That season strengthened his reputation as a potential early-round NFL Draft selection.
2025 Season
Klubnik’s final college season was more challenging.
He started all 12 games and completed 257 of 392 passes for 2,943 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions.
He added 94 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.
Although his production declined from the previous season, Klubnik finished his Clemson career with impressive overall numbers.
Cade Klubnik College Stats
Here is a snapshot of his Clemson passing production:
| Season | Games | Completions | Attempts | Yards | TDs | INTs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 10 | 61 | 100 | 697 | 2 | 3 |
| 2023 | 13 | 290 | 454 | 2,844 | 19 | 9 |
| 2024 | 14 | 308 | 486 | 3,639 | 36 | 6 |
| 2025 | 12 | 257 | 392 | 2,943 | 16 | 6 |
| Career | 49 | 916 | 1,432 | 10,123 | 73 | 24 |
Clemson lists Klubnik as the school’s career record-holder for completions and pass attempts. He also finished third in career passing yards and fourth in passing touchdowns.
He finished with 10,123 passing yards, 73 passing touchdowns and 24 interceptions, along with 878 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns.
Cade Klubnik Jersey Number
Klubnik wears No. 10 with the New York Jets.
The Jets announced their 2026 rookie jersey numbers in May, listing Klubnik as No. 10. The team’s official roster also currently lists him as QB #10.
The number gives Jets fans a simple identifier for the rookie quarterback as he begins his NFL career.
Cade Klubnik and the New York Jets
The Jets selected Klubnik at No. 110 overall after moving up in the fourth round.
New York sent two fourth-round selections, Nos. 128 and 140, to Cincinnati to move up 18 spots and select the Clemson quarterback.
The selection gave Klubnik an opportunity to learn behind veteran quarterback Geno Smith.
The Jets have viewed him as a developmental player with significant upside. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney described Klubnik as highly competitive, skilled and capable of eventually becoming an NFL starter.
Cade Klubnik Jets Preseason Debut
Klubnik made his Jets preseason debut on August 14, 2026, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With Geno Smith sidelined by an ankle issue, Klubnik unexpectedly started the game. He completed 5 of 7 passes for 56 yards over 16 offensive snaps.
He helped guide the Jets to a field-goal drive on his opening possession and later led a touchdown drive.
The Jets eventually lost 24-16, but Klubnik’s performance became one of the biggest positives from the game.
His calm operation of the offense also strengthened his case in the competition to become Smith’s primary backup.
Is Cade Klubnik the Jets’ Starting Quarterback?
No. As of August 2026, Geno Smith remains the Jets’ expected starting quarterback.
Klubnik is competing for the backup role and has been battling for playing time during training camp and the preseason.
However, his early performances have attracted attention. After his preseason debut, reports described him as a strong candidate for the backup position.
That makes the rookie quarterback an intriguing player to watch heading into the regular season.
What Makes Cade Klubnik an Interesting NFL Prospect?
Klubnik brings several qualities that could help him develop in the NFL.
Mobility
He is comfortable moving outside the pocket and can gain yards as a runner.
Accuracy
Klubnik has repeatedly identified accuracy as one of his strengths. His college completion percentage was 64% across 1,432 attempts.
Experience
He started 40 games at Clemson and played 49 games overall.
Winning Background
From Westlake to Clemson, Klubnik has experienced championship-level football. He won three consecutive state championships at Westlake and two ACC titles with Clemson.
Mental Toughness
His 2025 season tested him after the statistical success of 2024. His ability to respond to that difficult season became part of his NFL evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Cade Klubnik’s girlfriend?
Cade Klubnik’s longtime girlfriend was Macey Matthews. The couple grew up together in Austin, Texas, and later became engaged. They married on June 28, 2026.
Where did Cade Klubnik go to high school?
Klubnik attended Westlake High School in Austin, Texas. He helped Westlake win three consecutive state championships from 2019 through 2021.
Where did Cade Klubnik play college football?
He played college football at Clemson University from 2022 through 2025.
What are Cade Klubnik’s college stats?
Klubnik finished his Clemson career with 10,123 passing yards, 73 passing touchdowns and 24 interceptions. He completed 916 of 1,432 passes and also rushed for 878 yards and 17 touchdowns.
What jersey number does Cade Klubnik wear?
Klubnik wears No. 10 for the New York Jets.
What round was Cade Klubnik drafted?
The New York Jets selected Klubnik in the fourth round with the 110th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Is Cade Klubnik on the Jets?
Yes. Klubnik is a quarterback for the New York Jets. The team’s official roster lists him as a rookie quarterback wearing No. 10.
Final Thoughts
Cade Klubnik’s journey from Westlake High School to Clemson and finally the New York Jets has been built around winning, quarterback experience and resilience.
His Clemson career produced more than 10,000 passing yards, 73 touchdowns and two ACC Championship Game MVP awards. Now, after being selected 110th overall by the Jets, Klubnik has the opportunity to develop behind Geno Smith and compete for a major role in New York.
His No. 10 jersey, strong college résumé and impressive preseason debut have already made him one of the more interesting young quarterbacks to watch during the 2026 NFL season.
Leave a Reply