The Stakes Are High: Quinn Ewers Faces Cade Klubnik in a Playoff Grudge Match
When the biggest moment of your career collides with your past, the pressure reaches a boiling point. For Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers, the upcoming playoff clash against Clemson Tigers is far more than just another game. It’s a deeply personal showdown, pitting him against familiar foes—Cade Klubnik and R.J. Mickens—who share a history with Ewers that dates back to their high school days.
Ewers isn’t just leading the Longhorns into a critical postseason matchup; he’s walking into a rematch laced with history and high stakes. Klubnik, now Clemson’s quarterback, was the one who outperformed Ewers back in the 2021 Texas 6A-Division I State Championship. Adding to the drama is Mickens, a former Southlake Carroll teammate of Ewers and now a safety for Clemson. With Texas’ season riding on this game, Ewers has a lot to prove—not just to his team, but to himself.
Texas’ Journey: Battling Adversity and Eyeing Redemption
The Longhorns have had a solid season, boasting an 11-2 record, but those two losses—both to the Georgia Bulldogs—were devastating. Texas fell short in Week 8 and again in the SEC Championship, raising questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. Head coach Steve Sarkisian and Ewers now face the ultimate test: proving their legitimacy on the playoff stage.
Meanwhile, Clemson comes into the game as the No. 12 seed. Though they narrowly secured a win in the ACC Championship against SMU, head coach Dabo Swinney’s Tigers are eager to make a statement. Klubnik, their standout quarterback, has been steadily building his reputation and is determined to remind the world of his talent.
A Look Back: High School Rivalry Revisited
The history between Ewers and Klubnik adds a unique layer to this matchup. In January 2021, Ewers’ Southlake Carroll faced Klubnik’s Austin Westlake in the Texas state championship at AT&T Stadium. Klubnik delivered a near-perfect performance, throwing three touchdowns with no turnovers, while Ewers posted impressive numbers—350 passing yards and three touchdowns—but was hampered by three costly turnovers. Westlake emerged victorious with a decisive 52-34 win.
Now, under the bright lights of college football’s biggest stage, Ewers and Klubnik meet again. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Ewers Speaks Out: A Reunion with Mixed Emotions
In a recent appearance on The Field Talk podcast, Ewers reflected on the upcoming matchup. When asked about his thoughts during the playoff bracket reveal, he shared his curiosity about their potential opponent. “It’s funny,” he noted. “I get to play against somebody I played with in high school. He’s number nine, RJ Mickens, the safety for them. He’s a good buddy of mine. It’s gonna be fun to play him.”
While Ewers emphasized the friendship, he acknowledged the competitive edge. Mickens, who knows Ewers’ playing style inside out, could pose a serious challenge.
A Game of Redemption and Rivalry
For Ewers, this game represents a chance to rewrite the narrative. The shadow of that high school loss has loomed large, and this playoff clash offers him the opportunity to prove he’s grown as a player. Klubnik, on the other hand, has his sights set on solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer on the big stage.
Adding to the intrigue is Mickens’ familiarity with Ewers’ tendencies, which could influence Clemson’s defensive strategy. The matchup has all the makings of a Texas-sized showdown, with precision and poise going head-to-head against raw talent and determination.
A Game for the Ages
This isn’t just another playoff game—it’s a battle of wills, a clash of egos, and a test of resilience. Both quarterbacks have their own motivations: Klubnik aims to continue his winning ways, while Ewers is determined to shake off his high school demons and lead Texas to victory.
When the lights shine bright at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, the stakes will be clear. For Quinn Ewers, it’s about more than advancing to the next round—it’s about redemption. For Cade Klubnik, it’s about proving his place on the grand stage. And for fans? It’s a showdown they won’t want to miss.