TAKE ADVANTAGE → Get THREE Months of CST+ for just $1.00
Few programs in college football can claim to have as much top-end defensive line talent as Clemson. That was true during the Tigers’ run of six straight College Football Playoff appearances from 2015 through 2020, and it remains the case heading into the 2025 season.
A recent ESPN NFL mock draft by Matt Miller underscored just how loaded this group is: two Clemson defensive linemen are projected to be among the top six picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Additionally, Miller has quarterback Cade Klubnik as the top pick, giving Clemson a staggering three of the top six picks, which would be an NFL record for a single school. (Alabama’s 2021 class currently sets the standard with three of the Top 10 selections.)
This season’s defensive line, led by junior DE T.J. Parker and junior DT Peter Woods, is a testament to the program’s ability to identify, develop, and deploy elite pass rushers and interior disruptors—and it sets the stage for what could be another national title push in Dabo Swinney’s 17th full season.
The duo, along with Klubnik and wideout Antonio Williams, will be in attendance at the ACC Kickoff in two weeks, but it won’t be the last time they are headlining for the Tigers this season.
Parker, a Phenix City, Alabama native, is slotted No. 3 overall to the Tennessee Titans by Miller. As a sophomore, he exploded onto the national radar, finishing the 2024 campaign with 11 sacks and six forced fumbles, routinely wreaking havoc in opposing backfields.
Parker’s combination of first-step quickness and power has drawn comparisons to former Clemson star Clelin Ferrell, though scouts say his ceiling is higher. According to Miller, Parker has “the best quickness off the corner in the class” and the versatility to line up as a stand-up rusher or with his hand in the dirt.
“He’s a nightmare matchup for college offensive tackles,” said an AFC scout quoted in the ESPN piece. “You can’t overset him because he’ll dip and bend around you, but he’s also strong enough to bull rush. He’s the kind of guy who can change your protection plan.”
For Clemson’s defense, Parker’s presence forces opponents to slide protection his way, opening lanes for other playmakers, like Woods, who anchors the interior.
Woods, a junior from Alabaster, Alabama, projected No. 6 overall to the Carolina Panthers in Miller’s mock, has been lauded for his blend of quickness and leverage. At 6’3 and 315 pounds, he posted three sacks and 17 pressures in just 11 games last season despite battling an early-season foot injury.
A former five-star recruit, Woods is expected to be fully healthy this fall. His ability to collapse the pocket and occupy double teams will be critical to Clemson’s efforts to remain one of the nation’s stingiest run defenses.
“When Woods is healthy, he’s unblockable in one-on-one situations,” Miller wrote. “He’s so explosive off the ball that centers and guards can’t keep him from disrupting the play.”
It’s not just Parker and Woods who will make life miserable for opposing offenses. Clemson’s defensive line rotation is as deep as it’s been in years, blending veteran experience with emerging young talent:
- DeMonte Capehart, a senior with 31 career games played, returns as a steady interior presence. Last season, he logged 4.5 tackles for loss and proved valuable in short-yardage packages. His size (6-5, 305) and experience will help anchor Clemson’s run defense.
- Will Heldt, a Purdue transfer who racked up five sacks and 56 total tackles in the Big Ten last season, brings length and versatility off the edge. At 6-6, Heldt has the wingspan to disrupt passing lanes and can slide inside on passing downs.
- Vic Burley, a rising sophomore who flashed as a rotational tackle in 2024, recorded two sacks as a true freshman. Coaches expect him to be a factor in the interior rotation this fall.
- Stephiylan Green, another promising sophomore defensive tackle, will compete for snaps inside after seeing limited action in 2024. His athleticism and strength give the Tigers even more options up front.
That depth ensures Clemson can rotate fresh bodies and maintain relentless pressure across four quarters—something that wore down even elite offensive lines last season.
New defensive coordinator Tom Allen is expected to improve Clemson’s exotic pressure packages to maximize this group’s versatility, especially on third downs. The Tigers finished last season 37th nationally in sacks per game (2.5) and 24th in tackles for loss (6.9) under Wes Goodwin. Allen’s disruptive style, combined with the experience the Tigers have up front, is a perfect recipe in year one.
Clemson opens the 2025 season against LSU on August 30, and all eyes will be on the trenches. If the defensive line delivers as expected, the Tigers won’t just be chasing another ACC title—they’ll be chasing another national championship.
