Will Heldt is a Clemson Tiger.
Heldt, who started at defensive end for the Purdue Boilermakers and became one of the best defensive linemen in the country during the 2024 season, entered the transfer portal and now marks the second impact player Clemson has received a pledge from in a big about face for a program that has used the portal less than sparingly.
Will Heldt committed to the Tigers following visits to Clemson, LSU, and Texas A&M, but with the Bayou Bengals having already received two commitments from other defensive ends in the portal, it was considered a two-team race between the Tigers and Aggies, who had a similar need to add an impact defensive lineman.
During the 2024 season, Heldt, from Carmel, IN, recorded 37 solo tackles and five sacks. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 265 pounds, he is a giant of a player who should make an immediate impact for Clemson next season. He is a sophomore who will have two years of eligibility remaining.
ESPN analysis report had the following to say about Heldt:
Purdue produced one of the top edge rushers in the portal last offseason in Nic Scourton, and now Heldt looks as if he’s up next. The young rush end racked up 56 tackles, 16 pressures, 10 TFLs and 5 sacks while starting every game as a sophomore for the struggling Boilermakers. The former three-star recruit has plenty of room to grow, has flashed exciting potential and is set to visit LSU and Texas A&M soon.”
ESPN
Will Heldt joins wide receiver Tristan Smith, who committed to Clemson earlier this week out of the transfer portal. Heldt is ranked as high as the number one defensive end in the portal by On3 and their #20 ranked transfer target overall.
