Clemson is making a notable move in the NCAA transfer portal, as the Tigers are set to host Purdue transfer EDGE rusher Will Heldt for a visit. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Heldt will get a firsthand look at the Clemson program in the coming days. This visit is significant, as Clemson has never previously signed a scholarship defensive player from the transfer portal. While the Tigers have brought in a few offensive players from the portal, none have made a significant on-field impact.
Heldt, who has two years of eligibility remaining, would be a key addition to the Clemson defense. Throughout his 24 games at Purdue, he tallied 68 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and five sacks. His production spiked during the 2024 season, where he was a standout pass rusher for the Boilermakers under head coach Ryan Walters.
LSU and Texas A&M are also in the mix for Heldt’s services, with the defensive standout visiting both Baton Rouge and College Station. His potential move to Clemson could be a game-changer for the Tigers’ defense. Heldt, a former three-star recruit from Carmel, Indiana, was ranked as the No. 679 overall prospect in the 2023 class. His impressive college production has far exceeded his high school ranking, making him a highly sought-after player in the transfer portal.