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What was supposed to be a College Football Playoff campaign has turned into a test of resolve. Clemson entered the 2025 season ranked inside the Top 5, but at the bye week, they sit at 1–3 (0–2 ACC) after losses to LSU, Georgia Tech, and, most recently, a sobering 34–21 defeat at home to Syracuse.
Junior defensive tackle Peter Woods, a former five-star prospect from Alabaster, Alabama, has found himself at the center of Clemson’s struggles. Projected as one of the nation’s top NFL draft picks, Woods addressed both accountability and hope during his media session this week.
“Nobody expected us to start the season off like this,” Woods admitted. “I mean, this is not what y’all thought. This wasn’t in Coach Swinney’s notes for the bye week. It’s all about how you respond. I’ve been here before.”
That message of response has become the team’s rallying cry. Woods recalled his senior year at Thompson High, when his team began 0–2 but rebounded to win a state title. He believes Clemson can find a similar trajectory.
The Tigers held a players-only meeting earlier in the week, a session Woods described as “needed” and “great.” Offensive lineman Collin Sadler, wide receiver Antonio Williams, and veteran offensive lineman Walker Parks were among those who spoke.
“Guys are hurting,” Woods said. “But everybody was on the same page. We owe it to ourselves. We owe it to those seniors, our fans, and just everybody to be better all across the board.”
The defensive line, anchored by Woods and fellow former five-star T.J. Parker, has drawn criticism for not generating enough pressure. Clemson allowed 154 rushing yards to Syracuse, exposing gap integrity issues. Woods didn’t shy away from the critique.
“If I had 10 sacks and 15 TFLs, we’d still be 1–3. So my answer is the same—I’ve got to get better,” Woods noted. “I take full accountability for that. I’m sure T.J. will say the same.”
Last season, Woods recorded 32 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks, showcasing disruptive potential. However, in 2025, Clemson’s defensive front has yet to consistently control games.
Woods also pointed to transfer Will Heldt as a standard-bearer for energy and effort.
“He’s our robot. That’s who he is. That’s who he’s been. I hope he can continue to play at a high level.”
Heldt, who transferred from Purdue, has quickly emerged as one of the Tigers’ most reliable defenders, shining a brighter spotlight on those names that have been in Clemson for a while who aren’t lighting up the field with elite play.
The bye week offers Clemson a chance to regroup before a pivotal trip to Chapel Hill on October 4. The Tar Heels are coached by Bill Belichick and haven’t played well this season, making this a game that should be one Clemson wins—unless they continue to play the way they have to open the season.
For Woods, the focus remains inward.
“Right now, it’s just about Clemson and how Clemson can be better and respond. We’ll sprinkle in UNC stuff, but it’s about us.”
After a decade of dominance under Dabo Swinney, Clemson finds itself in unfamiliar territory. But if Woods’ words are any indication, the Tigers aren’t folding—they’re responding.
