Austin’s own Cade Klubnik is headed to the bright lights of New York. The former Westlake High star and Clemson quarterback was scooped up by the New York Jets with the No. 110 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday, a cross-country leap that turns a local standout into the Jets’ latest developmental gamble under center.
Jets Trade Up To Nab Klubnik At No. 110
The Jets were not content to sit and wait. They jumped up the board in the fourth round, sending picks No. 128 and No. 140 to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for Nos. 110 and 199, according to NFL.com. That maneuver put them in position to grab a quarterback they clearly view as a long-term project with intriguing upside late on Day Three.
Clemson Resume: A Peak, Then A Dip
Klubnik’s college tape tells a story of a big rise followed by a cooler encore. In 2024 he broke out in a major way, throwing for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns, per the ClemsonTigers.com roster. His 2025 season was quieter, with roughly 2,943 passing yards and 16 touchdown passes, according to ClemsonTigers.com, a production dip that likely nudged him into the third day of the draft instead of the premium rounds.
Westlake Roots: Austin’s Quarterback Factory
Before he was slinging it in Death Valley, Klubnik was already a legend in Austin. At Westlake, he went 27-0 as the starting quarterback and helped the Chaparrals roll to three straight state championships, according to On3. That run locked in his status as one of the city’s most decorated prep players and made him a top recruit long before the NFL came calling.
Where Klubnik Fits With The Jets
In New York, Klubnik arrives as a clear developmental piece. The Jets’ official depth chart has him slotted behind veteran Geno Smith, with Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook also in the room, per the New York Jets. The expectation is that he will open his rookie season as a project for the coaching staff, learning the pro game from the sideline while the veterans handle the live snaps.
Scouting Notes And Projection
Draft analysts see a mixed bag. Klubnik earns praise for his timing, touch, and a workable blend of arm talent and mobility. At the same time, scouting reports have flagged slower reads and inconsistent post-snap processing, concerns highlighted by PFF in its draft guide. The consensus: he profiles as a classic late-round flyer for a team willing to give him a patient, multiyear runway.
A Hometown Send-Off
Back in Austin, local coverage followed Klubnik’s journey from Westlake standout to Clemson starter and finally to draft pick, with the Austin American-Statesman noting his Chaparral roots in reporting on his selection. With his move to New York now official, Austin football fans have one more hometown storyline to watch on Sundays.
