Will Heldt has made a major instant impact for Clemson’s defensive front this season after joining the Tigers following two productive seasons at Purdue.

Last December, Heldt became the first-ever defender to join the Tigers via the transfer portal. While head coach Dabo Swinney had taken a small number of backup quarterbacks out of the portal in the past, last offseason was the first time he felt the need to add impact players to his roster out of the portal.

Bringing in Heldt from the portal filled the need Clemson had at defensive end opposite star pass rusher T.J. Parker, and Heldt hasn’t wasted any time making his own mark in 2025.

Heldt chose the Tigers over schools like LSU and Texas A&M, and he will be back in orange and white next season after deciding to return to Clemson for his senior campaign in 2026.

So, what would his sales pitch be to potential transfer candidates, as for why they should make the same decision as he did, to come to Clemson?  

Heldt met with the media this week and was asked for his sales pitch to transfers considering Clemson, coming off a 7-5 regular season that was certainly disappointing by the program’s lofty standards and sky-high preseason expectations.

“I think just looking at the track record of this program and Coach Swinney, it speaks for itself,” Heldt said.

“The guy wins championships. It’s what he does. So, I think that’s my first pitch.”

Heldt was one of three transfers Swinney signed last offseason, along with wide receiver Tristan Smith and linebacker Jeremiah Alexander.

Heldt and the Tigers are set to take on Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Dec. 27 (noon, ABC).

Heldt has been a force off the edge and a frequent bright spot along Clemson’s defensive line, earning third-team All-ACC honors this season. The 6-foot-6, 260-pounder has been one of the most productive players on defense, leading the Tigers in sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (15.0) while tallying 42 total tackles, three pass breakups, 10 quarterback pressures and a forced fumble over 12 games (all starts).