The 2026 campaign marks a significant shift for Clemson's defensive front, as the program will introduce three new starters along the line. The changes come after a season that saw the Tigers improve their run defense and pass rush, but also exposed a lack of experience at defensive tackle.
Will Heldt emerges as the top returner after transferring from Purdue last year. In his debut season he logged 46 tackles, including 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble and two pass breakups, establishing himself as a key pass‑rusher.
The remaining spots will be filled by a mix of unproven returners and newcomers, including transfers and junior‑college signees. Coach Dabo Swinney has repeatedly emphasized that the defensive tackles represent a "huge unknown" and that the team must avoid major injuries to prevent inexperienced players from being thrust into action prematurely.
A New Era of Uncertainty
Defensive coordinator Tom Allen, in his first season, succeeded in raising the unit’s performance, cutting the average yards allowed per game from 160.6 in 2024 to 105.5 in 2025 and adding 35 sacks over 13 games. Despite these gains, Allen acknowledges that the line’s depth remains untested.
Among the candidates to fill the void are Amare Adams, who returns after injuries limited him to 10 games, and Andy Burburija, the program’s first junior‑college recruit who posted 45 tackles and 11 sacks in his second year. Devarrick Woods was added from the portal in May after Kourtney Kelly’s season‑ending ACL tear.
Lawson, entering his fifth year after a breakout season, is expected to start opposite Heldt, while spring‑game performers London Merritt and Darien Mayo each showed flashes of production with multiple tackles for loss and sacks.
Coach Swinney’s Caution
Swinney has stressed that the line’s development will be measured by how quickly the new pieces gel and by the team’s ability to stay healthy. "We need someone to step up and take pressure off of Heldt," he said, underscoring the delicate balance between opportunity and risk.
The upcoming season will test whether the combination of established returners, strategic transfers and untested talent can sustain the defensive improvements achieved last year. If the unit clicks, Clemson could maintain its upward trajectory; if not, the team may face early setbacks that could affect its national standing.