<a href="https://www.on3.com/sites/tiger-illustrated/">Clemson</a> defensive tackle <a href="https://www.on3.com/rivals/peter-woods-96251/">Peter Woods</a> has officially announced his intention to enter the <a href="https://www.on3.com/pro/category/nfl-draft/news/">2026 NFL Draft</a>. It closes the book on a decorated three-year career with the Tigers, positioning himself as one of the top prospects in the upcoming class.



NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2002096725788668219?s=20">reported</a> that Woods, widely viewed as a potential high first-round pick, informed teams of his decision through his agency, Young Money APAA Sports. CEO Adie von Gontard confirmed the declaration.



The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place April 23–25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Woods is expected to be among the headlining names after establishing himself as one of college football’s most disruptive interior defenders.



A former five-star recruit, Woods arrived at Clemson as one of the most highly touted defensive line prospects in the 2023 recruiting cycle. He played high school football at Thompson High School in Alabaster, Alabama, and was ranked as the No. 19 overall recruit nationally, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted composite of major recruiting services.



On the field, Woods delivered consistent production across three seasons in Death Valley. He appeared in 35 games for the Tigers, recording 84 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and five sacks, while also adding a pass breakup and two forced fumbles. His combination of power, quickness and versatility along the interior made him a centerpiece of Clemson’s defensive front.



Beyond the numbers, Woods was viewed as a tone-setter for a defense that leaned heavily on physicality in the trenches. His ability to disrupt plays before they developed often allowed Clemson’s linebackers and edge rushers to thrive, and his NFL projection has only grown with each season.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-on-peter-woods-nfl-draft">More on Peter Woods, NFL Draft</h2>



Moreover, Woods <a href="https://x.com/35Pwoo/status/1998453346714214704/photo/2">confirmed</a> his decision in a heartfelt statement. He expressed gratitude to his faith, family, teammates and the Clemson program.



“First and foremost, I’d like to thank God for giving me the tools to play this game at a high level,” Woods <a href="https://x.com/35Pwoo/status/1998453346714214704/photo/2">wrote</a>. “I know for a fact that without Him, none of this would be possible.”



He also reflected on his time with the Tigers and the brotherhood he built along the way: “It has been an honor to wear the paw these last few years, and it will always be a part of me, but the time has finally come,” Woods added. “I am excited to announce that I WILL BE DECLARING FOR THE 2026 NFL Draft.”



With his size and proven production, Woods now turns his focus toward the next step of his football journey. It’s one that could see him hear his name called early in Pittsburgh next spring.

Peter Woods

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Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods declares for 2026 NFL Draft

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