Clemson defensive end Will Heldt on his decision to return for 2026
Will Heldt had a simple choice to make after Clemson’s 2025 season ended.
Following his first year with the Tigers , the defensive end had to decide whether to declare for the draft or return to Clemson for one more season. Looking for another school wasn’t something he considered as he weighed his options.
In mid-December, Heldt announced on social media that he would be coming back to Clemson for the 2026 season, giving himself another opportunity to finish his college career with the Tigers.
“Honestly, for me, the decision was to declare or stay here. There was never any other considerations,” Heldt said. “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.”
When making that decision, Heldt said he leaned heavily on someone he trusts more than anyone.
“Man, my dad’s my rock,” Heldt said. “I leaned on him a lot. He’s the guy I call whenever I feel like I need a piece of advice on anything.”
Heldt quickly became one of Clemson’s most productive defenders during the 2025 season. Starting all 13 games, he finished with 48 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He also recorded four pass breakups and forced a fumble on his way to earning third-team All-ACC honors.
He led Clemson in both sacks and tackles for loss while ranking fourth on the team in total tackles, the highest mark among the Tigers’ defensive linemen.
Still, the season as a whole didn’t go the way Clemson expected. The Tigers finished 7-6 overall and 4-4 in ACC play before ending the year with a loss to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl.
Even after that frustrating finish, Heldt believes Clemson can reach its goals this season.
“Yeah, 100 percent,” he said. “Obviously, disappointing in my first season. But yeah, I came here to win a championship. I think it’s that simple. I have no doubt that we’re gonna make that happen, and that’s the goal this year. I’m excited to get back to work. I know we’re a long way from getting to that point, so just focused on what’s in front of us right now.”
Before transferring to Clemson, Heldt spent two seasons at Purdue and appeared in all 24 games from 2023-24. During that time, he totaled 68 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five sacks and a fumble recovery.
At 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds, Heldt has consistently created problems for opposing offenses. Over the past two seasons, he has been one of just 12 players in the country to record at least 10 tackles for loss and five sacks in each year.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson star edge Will Heldt explains returning for one more season
