The Clemson football program got some great news earlier this week with star defensive end Will Heldt deciding to return to Clemson for his senior season in 2026.

Heldt met with the media on Wednesday and explained his decision, discussing when he knew that he was going to return – and what it is about Clemson that made him want to come back for his senior campaign.

“About when I announced it is about where I came to that decision,” he said. “But pondering on that for the last few weeks, praying, talking to family and talking to staff and teammates, and just felt it was best for my future. But just excited about the opportunities that this place gives me, excited to develop myself further and chase a championship next year with these guys.”

Heldt leads the Tigers in sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (15.0) this season, while tallying 42 total tackles, three pass breakups, 10 quarterback pressures and a forced fumble across 12 games (all starts).

Of course, Heldt transferred to Clemson last offseason following two productive seasons at Purdue. He played in all 24 games for the Boilermakers from 2023-24, totaling 68 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five sacks and a fumble recovery over his two seasons.

The 6-foot-6, 260-pounder earned third-team All-ACC honors this season.

Heldt says his decision came down to either returning to Clemson for the 2026 season, or moving on to the NFL, and that transferring again was not a consideration.

“For me, it was one of those two – it was either declare [for the 2026 NFL Draft], or come back here,” he said. “And just felt that best for my future, best for me to stay here and to continue to develop myself.”