CLEMSON — Last year, Clemson allowed 4.7 rushing yards per carry, the worst mark for a Clemson run defense since the 1975 Tigers gave up 5.3 yards per carry.

However, despite Clemson’s inability to stop the run in 2024, most consider the Tigers’ defensive front to be the best in college football this coming season.

What changed?

Will Heldt for one.

The former Purdue defensive end was specifically sought after for his ability to set the edge and solidify the left side of the defensive line, an area the Tigers were exploited at all season.

Heldt completes a front that already has All-American caliber players in Peter Woods, T.J. Parker and DeMonte Capehart.

The other reason why people think Clemson will be much better on the defensive front is Tom Allen. The defensive coordinator has built a career on the reputation he knows how to stop the run and make his team a better tackling squad.

Allen comes from Penn State, where he led the Nittany Lions to a No. 9 ranking in rushing defense (101.1 ypg) and a No. 7 mark in yards per carry allowed (3.05) and tied for fourth nationally in rushing touchdowns allowed (10).

“Peter Woods and T.J. Parker anchor the best defensive front in the country and trying to run against Tom Allen’s defense presents a formidable challenge to foes,” Lindy’s Magazine says about the Tigers’ defensive front.

Lindy’s is not the only publication that thinks Clemson has the nation’s best defensive front. Pro Football Focus recently ranked the Tigers’ unit as the best, as did Phil Steele, while Athlon ranks them No. 2.

“Thanks to a pair of potential first-rounders in edge T.J. Parker and defensive tackle Peter Woods, this star-driven unit for the Tigers mirrors some of Clemson’s best all-time,” Lindy’s wrote. “DeMonte Capehart and transfer Wil Heldt give the Tigers extra tenacity at the line of scrimmage that will provide this unit’s needed improvement against the run.”

Athlon ranks Heldt as the No. 1 ranked defensive linemen coming out of the transfer portal, as his 10 tackles for loss fills a need off the edge for the Tigers.

Parker and Woods are both listed as first-team preseason All-Americans by Athlon and Lindy.