Clemson University’s football program is gearing up for a crucial season, and a recent visit from NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano has injected fresh enthusiasm into the team. The interaction took place in 2025 at Clemson’s Poe Indoor Facility, where Logano’s presence energized quarterback Cade Klubnik and the players just weeks before their important matchup against LSU. Klubnik described the visit as a “top five thing” he has experienced with Clemson football, highlighting the significant motivational impact.
The Tigers, fresh off a 10-4 record in 2024 that included an ACC title but an early playoff exit to Texas, are under pressure to reclaim their national championship status, which they last achieved in 2018. Head coach Dabo Swinney’s strategy to inspire his squad involved bringing in a proven winner like Logano, whose own championship pedigree in <a href="https://www.big14news.com/nascar/”>NASCAR parallels Clemson’s pursuit of football glory.
During his visit, Logano performed a dramatic burnout in his No. 22 car outside the facility, an event that fired up the Clemson team. Klubnik admitted his unfamiliarity with NASCAR but was nonetheless thrilled by the spectacle. Logano’s presence and winning mindset are being credited with lifting team morale at a critical time in fall camp.
Clemson QB Cade Klubnik says having NASCAR driver Joey Logano hang out w/ the team today was a “top five thing” he’s experienced with Clemson football. “I’m not a NASCAR guy, but that was awesome.” Says he was “fired up” when Logano did burnouts outside the facility— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) August 19, 2025
Joey Logano’s Championship Mentality Resonates With Clemson’s Ambitions
Joey Logano, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, carries a clear and relentless focus on victory, an outlook he expressed even before the 2025 season began. His determination to avoid complacency and strive for excellence aligns closely with the mindset needed for Clemson’s upcoming football campaign.
Well, I mean, the bottom line is that the goal never changes. The goal is to win the championship, whether you won last year or not,
Logano said during a February interview before the season’s start.
But the big thing is just fighting complacency and being OK with what happened. You’ve got to remember what you did last year will not be good enough to win this year.
This philosophy is now influencing Cade Klubnik and the Tigers as they prepare for a competitive 2025 season, symbolizing a shared desire to reclaim a top spot in college football.
Logano’s visit also included Penske’s President of NASCAR Operations Michael Nelson, a Clemson alumnus from Anderson, South Carolina, and former Clemson cornerback Sheridan Jones, who currently serves as a NASCAR pit crew member. The crossover between Clemson football and NASCAR racing is not new and underscores a growing connection between the two sports.
Strong Ties Between Clemson Football and NASCAR Pit Crew Talent
Clemson University has become a notable source of athletic talent for NASCAR pit crews, with several former football players making transitions into racing support roles. Clemson’s emphasis on speed, strength, and coordination makes its athletes ideal candidates for quick and efficient pit stops during NASCAR races.
One notable example is Tig Willard, a former linebacker at Clemson, who now works as a tire specialist for Ryan Preece’s RFK Racing team and assists Trackhouse Racing. Landon Walker, an offensive lineman who played for Clemson during the early 2010s and briefly joined the Cincinnati Bengals, was the first Tiger to successfully shift from football to a NASCAR pit crew role. Walker, originally from North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, broadened this path for other Clemson athletes.
The relationship between Clemson football and NASCAR was further deepened earlier this year when Clemson’s P.A.W. Journey Business program formed a partnership with NASCAR during an event in Las Vegas. This collaboration continues to provide opportunities for current and former players to explore careers in motorsports team operations.
Cade Klubnik Embraces Leadership and Growth in Final Season
After overcoming doubts early in his Clemson career, quarterback Cade Klubnik has emerged as a confident leader and Heisman Trophy contender as he enters his final collegiate season. His performance in 2024 included leading Clemson to its first College Football Playoff appearance since 2020, though they suffered a narrow defeat against Texas in the opening round. Klubnik views that loss as a driving force for personal and team improvement.
I think for me, I just got to really show on an elite level what I can do and what this team is capable of,
Klubnik explained during an ACC Network segment.
Fall camp has been a period of growth and cohesion for the Tigers, with many veteran players returning to maintain continuity. Klubnik shared his satisfaction with progress made but stressed the considerable effort still needed before facing LSU.
It’s been a really good camp… With all the veteran guys coming back, I feel like we didn’t have to start anything over. Excited to get into a new routine and start playing some games.
There’s a lot of work to do.
Klubnik aims to enhance Clemson’s offensive efficiency and accuracy while continuing to develop leadership qualities. Trusting in offensive coordinator Garrett Riley’s system, the quarterback is focused on building stronger connections with his receivers to improve scoring consistency and team performance. His ultimate objective remains to guide Clemson back into the playoff conversation and contend for a national title.
Building Momentum Ahead of the LSU Challenge
With momentum swelling from Logano’s visit and the team’s steady progress in fall camp, Clemson is preparing to meet LSU in a highly anticipated showdown. The Tigers’ aspiration to secure their first national championship since 2018 depends heavily on the focus, resilience, and inspiration demonstrated by players like Klubnik, supported by the coaching staff’s strategic preparation.
Joey Logano’s dedication to winning and refusal to settle on past achievements has become a rallying point for Clemson. As the season approaches, the Tigers will look to embody that same relentless spirit on the football field, aiming not only to contend but to reclaim their place at the summit of college football.
