Side-by-Side Look at Duke's Mensah and Clemson's Klubnik

With Duke and Clemson squaring off on Saturday, here is a look at the quarterback comparison.

Aug 28, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) comes running out onto the field before the start of the game against the Elon Phoenix at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images | James Guillory-Imagn Images

Quarterback play is going to be monumental in determining the winner between the Duke Blue Devils and Clemson Tigers on Saturday.

While Darian Mensah has been quietly one of the most productive quarterbacks in college football this season, Cade Klubnik - similarly to Clemson - has been vastly disappointing throughout the season.

Oct 18, 2025; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik consoles quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) after the game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-GREENVILLE NEWS-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images | Ken Ruinard-GREENVILLE NEWS-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

With all of that being said, here is how the quarterbacks compare to each other heading into this weekend's polarizing matchup.

Darian Mensah

Sep 27, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) runs out of the pocket in the first quarter against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Season Stats: 70.3 completion percentage, 2,211 passing yards, 315.9 passing yards per game, 8.9 yards per attempt, 17 touchdowns, two interceptions, with a 165.8 Quarterback Rating

The sophomore quarterback has looked nothing like that, as his game appears as polished as a four-year starter. Additionally, this is Mensah's first year in Duke's program, which highlights how special he has been this season.

Assessing Mensah's play through the Blue Devils' first seven games of the season has been easy on the eye. Unlike several quarterbacks who are quick to abandon their reads and progression to escape the pocket and run, Mensah allows the entire play to develop.

Rather than utilizing his legs to create yards on the ground, the former Tulane quarterback employs his legs to maneuver in the pocket and create advantageous throwing lanes.

Sep 6, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) scrambles against Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Alec Bryant (3) during the fourth quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

This is evident when watching NFL games on Sundays, but Mensah is one of the few college quarterbacks who does not look to take off and run when routes are still developing.

Cade Klubnik

Oct 11, 2025; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) throws a pass against the Boston College Eagles during the second half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Season Stats (six games): 65.8 completion percentage, 1,530 passing yards, 255 passing yards per game, 7.6 yards per attempt, 11 touchdowns, five interceptions, with a 142.5 Quarterback Rating

If someone were looking at each of these quarterbacks' stats for this season, that person would associate the statistics above with Mensah, not Klubnik.

Sep 3, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils helmet during pregame activities before the start against the Charlotte 49ers at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

However, the senior quarterback has been underwhelming and disappointing after being viewed as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft prior to the season.

Despite being a four-year starter at a blue blood program, Klubnik is not as refined as he should be at this point in his career.

Oct 11, 2025; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) throws for a Boston College Eagles interception during the second half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

However, Klubnik is an extremely good athlete, who can extend plays with his feet, while being a threat to tuck and run. That is specifically dangerous when opposing defenses play man coverage with defenders' backs toward the Clemson signal caller.

Klubnik possesses adequate arm talent, but there are times he struggles with accuracy against formidable opponents. In Week 1 against the LSU Tigers, Klubnik completed 19-of-38 passes for 230 yards, 0 touchdowns and one interception.

Oct 12, 2024; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; A battle scarred Clemson Tigers helmet during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The 6'2", 210-pound quarterback is capable of producing a strong outing, but he will have to operate more cleanly within the pocket to do so.

As always, make sure you stay up to date with all Duke content by following us on Facebook, by clicking HERE and following us on X (formerly Twitter) HERE