Kirk Herbstreit gave out his annual ‘Herbie Awards’ in a primetime special on ESPN on Friday night.
Herbstreit’s first award was for the nation’s best quarterback — an honor he gave to Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik. Herbstreit chose Klubnik over Garrett Nussmeier, who will face Clemson in Week 1, and Florida quarterback DJ Lagway.
Here’s the official announcement:
During the ESPN show, Herbstreit credited Klubnik for turning his career around after he got off to a relatively slow start as Clemson’s starter. In 2024, Klubnik set a career-best mark in passer efficiency with a rating of 148.2. He also averaged a career-high 7.5 yards per attempt and threw for 36 touchdowns while leading Clemson to the College Football Playoff.
Now entering his third offseason with Clemson offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, Klubnik is widely-regarded as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks. He’s one of the preseason Heisman Trophy favorites and is expected to contend for the award that has eluded Clemson stars for decades.
Klubnik and Clemson will open the 2025 season against LSU on Aug. 30. Herbstreit will be on the call for that game.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
