Two of Texas high school football’s most celebrated quarterbacks shared the spotlight on Saturday night, and the stakes could not have been higher. Cade Klubnik and Garrett Nussmeier—both former Lone Star State stars and now Heisman favorites—met in a top-10 college football clash. LSU left Memorial Stadium with a gritty 17-10 victory.
Klubnik carved his name into Texas high school lore at Westlake, one of the state’s premier programs. He passed for 7,426 yards, 86 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions, guiding the Chaparrals to three consecutive state titles. His brilliance broke school records once held by Drew Brees, Nick Foles, and Sam Ehlinger, cementing him as one of Westlake’s greatest ever quarterbacks.
By his senior season, Klubnik had become the face of Texas high school football. He earned MVP honors at the Elite 11, along with MaxPreps Player of the Year and Texas Gatorade Player of the Year. A five-star recruit, he committed to Clemson and arrived with sky-high expectations, determined to add more championships at the next level.
Nussmeier’s path carried its own unique edge. Constantly moving due to his father Doug’s coaching career, he developed resilience early. At Marcus High in Flower Mound, he exploded for 3,788 yards and 38 touchdowns as a junior. He followed with 2,815 yards and 33 scores as a senior, proving himself among the state’s elite quarterbacks.
His arm strength and confidence attracted national attention, with offers from Texas, Texas A&M, Georgia, Miami, and others before choosing LSU. Once in Baton Rouge, Nussmeier showcased the same toughness he learned under the Texas lights, embracing competition and carving out his role as the Tigers’ leader. Saturday night felt like the natural progression of that journey.
When the two finally lined up opposite each other, their high school pedigrees were evident. Nussmeier delivered the defining moments, completing 28 of 38 passes for 230 yards and hitting Trey’Dez Green for the game-winning score. Klubnik finished with 230 yards of his own but was slowed by LSU’s defense and Clemson’s struggling rushing attack.
It was a heavyweight matchup that lived up to its billing: two quarterbacks forged in Texas high school football, both Heisman hopefuls, leading national title contenders under the primetime spotlight. This time, Nussmeier emerged victorious. But the echoes of their high school greatness suggest future battles will remain just as captivating.
