On December 16, 2025, Will Heldt made his decision to stay at Clemson public on social media, with the standout defensive end choosing to return for his senior season instead of moving on to the NFL.
Ahead of the 2026 campaign, Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked Heldt among the top 10 returning edge defenders in college football.
Heldt, a third-team All-ACC selection last season, checked in at No. 8 on the list.
“Clemson is losing two projected first-round picks from its defensive line in Peter Woods and T.J. Parker, but the Tigers still have a star returning in Heldt,” PFF’s Max Chadwick wrote. “The Purdue transfer made an immediate impact in 2025, placing third among returning Power Four edge defenders with an 84.4 PFF overall grade. His 87.8 PFF pass-rush grade on true pass sets ranked 14th in the Power Four, and he also logged a very solid 77.9 PFF run-defense grade.
“Heldt is tied as the sixth-most-valuable returning Power Four edge defender since 2024, according to PFF Wins Above Average.”
Heldt’s outstanding first year as a Tiger in 2025 saw him tally 48 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, four pass breakups and a forced fumble over 13 games (all starts). He led Clemson in both sacks and tackles for loss while finishing fourth on the team (and first on the defensive line) in tackles.
Heldt came 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 was one of only 12 players nationally to reach 10 tackles for loss and five sacks in each of the past two seasons.
Heldt recently reflected on his decision to return to Clemson, saying he didn’t contemplate transferring elsewhere for his final year of college eligibility in 2026.
“Honestly, for me, the decision was to declare [for the 2026 NFL Draft] or stay here. There was never any other considerations,” Heldt said on Feb. 25, when Clemson started 2026 spring practice.
“But just felt it was best for me and my family and my future to stay here, and happy to be with these guys and chase a championship.”
Among the others on PFF’s list of the top 10 returning edge defenders are three players Clemson is scheduled to face during the 2026 season — South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart (No. 3), Miami’s Damon Wilson II (No. 9) and LSU’s Princewill Umanmielen (No. 10).
