Clemson's Peter Woods dubbed the top returning DT in college football

Peter Woods has been the subject of a ton of hype this offseason.

After a solid 2024 campaign at defensive tackle in which he recorded 28 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble, Woods has been receiving a ton of praise from experts.

Woods didn't have eye-popping numbers in 2024, but his play spoke for itself. He was disruptive on essentially every play he was in for and made life difficult for opposing offenses. Woods always had to be accounted for and his presence helped the rest of the defense by making their jobs easier.

The top-50 recruit from the 2023 class was expected to be really, really good at Clemson, but no one quite expected this level this soon.

Heck, he's even being called a surefire first-round 2026 NFL Draft pick.

As if that's not enough praise, Pro Football Focus revealed its top returning defensive player at each position for the 2025 season and Woods was listed at the defensive tackle spot.

I'm a little surprised that Woods is the only Clemson player on this list because I think Avieon Terrell could make a legitimate case for cornerback and TJ Parker also has a good chance to be the best defensive end in the country this year.

That's how good Clemson's defense is.

Woods has had an impressive career up to this point for Clemson and I think the 2025 season is going to show NFL scouts that he's a clear first-rounder. Enjoy Woods while you can, Clemson fans, because he won't be on campus much longer, if all goes as planned.