Clemson football is exploring new territory by hosting Purdue defensive end Will Heldt, a rising star in the transfer portal. Known for his disruptive play, Heldt recorded 56 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss and five sacks during his breakout 2024 season. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 265 pounds, the sophomore has quickly emerged as one of the top defensive prospects available, ranking as the No. 7 edge rusher in the portal according to 247Sports.
Reports, including one from ESPN’s Pete Thamel, indicate Heldt will visit Clemson in the coming days. Thamel also highlighted that Clemson has never taken a scholarship defensive player from the transfer portal, making this pursuit a notable shift in strategy for head coach Dabo Swinney and his staff.
Heldt’s rapid development in 2024 came after a quieter freshman season in 2023, where he tallied 12 tackles and one tackle for loss without recording a sack. Now, with his production and potential, he could bring a significant boost to Clemson’s defensive line, bolstering their pass rush.
This move signals a potential change in Swinney’s approach to roster building. Clemson was the only Power Five program in 2024 without a single transfer player on its roster, a strategy Swinney staunchly defended by emphasizing loyalty to traditionally recruited athletes. However, the Tigers’ pursuit of Heldt—and other transfer targets, including wide receivers—shows they are now willing to tap into the portal to address key needs.
For Clemson fans who have called for more aggressive use of the transfer portal, this shift is an exciting development. Whether Heldt ultimately joins the Tigers remains to be seen, but his visit marks a significant step in Clemson’s evolving recruitment strategy.
