Note: The following appears in the North Carolina football digital gameday guide, available HERE.
For defensive end Will Heldt, the decision to return to college football for another season was never simply about football.
Heldt grew up in Carmel, Ind. and attended Carmel High School, where he played under Head Coach John Hebert. He began his high school career strong, but a massive growth spurt heading into his junior year helped pave the way for major recruitment interest for the then-linebacker. Heldt grew from 6’2”, 180 pounds at the end of his sophomore season to 6’5", 225 pounds at the beginning of his junior year.
In his first varsity season, Heldt led the Greyhounds in tackles with 108, including 61 solo tackles and 11 tackles for loss. He was named All-Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference and also recorded four sacks, two caused fumbles, two recovered fumbles and an interception.
That production helped establish Heldt as one of the top defensive players in the state, but his development was only beginning. His combination of size, athleticism and production eventually led him to Purdue, where he continued to make an impact on the defensive side.
Heldt spent his first two seasons with the Boilermakers, playing all 24 games while gaining valuable experience against some of the best competition in the nation. By the time he entered the transfer portal, he had already established himself as an experienced defensive end with 865 snaps under his belt.
The decision to leave Purdue, however, was not an easy one. For Heldt, transferring meant leaving behind teammates, coaches and people who had become an important part of his life.
But Clemson quickly made an impression.
Heldt remembered his official visit as one of the first moments when he understood what made Clemson different. After getting off the plane, he went directly to Head Coach Dabo Swinney’s house, where approximately 20 players and members of the coaching staff had gathered.
“I got off the plane and went straight to the head coach's house, where there were 20 guys and a bunch of staff members. It definitely made me feel special and wanted.”
The experience helped Clemson feel less like a new destination and more like home.
“It was a bunch of guys hanging out. They just wanted to hang out and love on each other. That was a great experience.”
Once he arrived in the Upstate for good, Heldt quickly settled into his new surroundings. While there were differences between Purdue and Clemson, he said there was no single adjustment that defined his transition. Instead, he focused on learning the program, establishing himself in the defensive room and remaining consistent with the process that had gotten him to that point.
“At the end of the day, I just stuck to who I am in my process and my preparation.”
That process translated into a strong first season with the Tigers.
Heldt finished the 2025 season with a team-high 15.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, establishing himself as one of the most productive players on Clemson’s defense. But when reflecting on the season, Heldt did not point to his statistics.
Instead, he pointed to his effort.
“I was proud of how I fought all season…the effort, down in and down out.”
That mentality is a pillar of Heldt’s game. Whether defending the run or rushing the passer, he preaches consistency with every snap.
“If you do your job and you do it violently and with a bunch of passion and effort, the plays will come to you.”
His approach also shaped the way he developed into a leader at Clemson.
Although he was new to the program, Heldt entered the Tigers’ locker room as one of the more experienced players on the defense. He understood that earning the respect of his teammates would have to come before trying to lead them.
“First and foremost, when you come into a new room, you try to lead by example and let people see your actions first. People want to see that from you before they hear you.”
As the season progressed, Heldt earned the trust of his teammates and became a leader in the locker room. That leadership has carried into his final season, as he helps guide a defensive unit that believes it has developed a special chemistry.
“We've definitely rallied together. We have become one unit.”
The defense has centered its mentality less around outside expectations and more around the work happening inside the building every day.
“We're not worried about any expectations or anything other than doing the work every single day. The results will come.”
After his breakout 2025 campaign, Heldt had the opportunity to declare for the NFL draft. Instead, he chose to return to Clemson for one more season.
The decision was rooted in the same things that drew him to Clemson in the first place…the people, the culture and the opportunity to compete for something bigger.
“A lot went into it, but what it came down to is the people here, how comfortable I felt coming back and the opportunity to chase wins and championships.”
The Tigers had fallen short of their goals the previous season, and Heldt carried that disappointment into the offseason.
“We felt like we fell a little short last year. I felt like I had that chip on my shoulder coming back to help step up into a leadership role, help lead this group and win some games.”
His family also played an important role in the decision. Heldt has frequently leaned on his family throughout his football career, particularly his father, Tom, whom he describes as his role model and “rock.”
“My family is the biggest reason why I do what I do. My dad is my role model.”
Now, Heldt is looking to become an even more polished player in 2026. He wants to expand his pass-rush arsenal and find more ways to impact the game, but his goals extend beyond individual production.
His focus remains on the defense and the team around him. Away from football, Heldt has found plenty of ways to enjoy the place he now calls home. He likes spending time with his friends on the lake and playing golf, even if he admits his game still needs work.
“I like to hang out on the lake…Clemson is a great place for that, with the lakes around here. I’m not very good at golf, but it's fun. I love to hang out with my friends on the golf course.”
That side of Heldt may not be immediately apparent to fans who watch him play.
“A lot of people think I'm actually really stoic and kind of soft-spoken. But I think once you get to know me, I'm a little more of a fun personality.”
On Saturdays, Heldt is the relentless edge rusher attacking opponents with power, passion and effort. Away from the field, he describes himself as more relaxed and outgoing than his on-field demeanor might suggest.
“We're gonna give it our all. We’ve put our heads down and have gone to work all offseason.”
For Heldt, his second season at Death Valley represents one more chance to compete and help lead the defense to a championship. The people, the culture and the chance to leave Clemson having given everything he had brought Heldt back for one more season.
Now, he has one final opportunity to make it count.