Report: Will Heldt agrees to deal to return to Clemson defense in 2026
Will Heldt has agreed to return to Clemson in 2026, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Heldt led Clemson with 7.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss during the 2025 regular season.
Heldt could have turned pro with his sights set on the 2026 NFL Draft. Instead, the 6-foot-6 EDGE rusher be spending that time preparing for his senior season with the Tigers.
NFL Draft analysts like Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, among others, have spoken on Heldt’s potential as an EDGE at the professional level. Kiper said that scouts should take a “hard look” at Heldt in April’s event, while McShay had more of a harsh review on his tape at Clemson this year. Ultimately, he’ll head back to Clemson for another year in 2026 to help lead the Tigers’ defense and improve his draft stock.
2025’s breakout season was his best yet despite it being his first season at Clemson. He spent the first two years of his college career at Purdue, breaking onto the scene with a strong sophomore campaign before entering the transfer portal ahead of this season.
Clemson is one of the few programs in the country that doesn’t often turn to the NCAA transfer portal to help improve its roster. Instead, head coach Dabo Swinney and staff opt for a traditional way of building its roster — through high school recruiting and player development.
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Heldt was one of Clemson’s three transfer portal additions this past offseason. He joined the Tigers alongside fellow EDGE Jeremiah Alexander and WR Tristan Smith.
He largely flew under the radar despite a strong sophomore campaign with the Boilermakers. Heldt was the No. 679 player in the 2025 On3 Transfer Portal Rankings, and No. 61 player at his position.
It’s worked out for him so far, and he’s now set to return to Clemson to help lead the Tigers to an improved season in 2026. First, Clemson will take on Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl.
Clemson finished the 2025 regular season with a 7-5 record, winning each of its last four games after a 3-5 start tot he season. They were able to qualify for a bowl after defeating Furman 45-10 on Nov. 22. The finish is well below preseason expectations for the Tigers, who began the year ranked No. 4 in the AP Poll.