Peter Woods will be heading to the NFL.
The All-ACC defensive tackle made his announcement on his social media platforms this afternoon. This move should have been expected, but the Clemson staff and fans were hoping that Woods might decide to stay for another year.
Thank You Clemson Family 🧡. pic.twitter.com/ibamSl7xtq
— Peter Woods (@35Pwoo) December 9, 2025
"Thank you for welcoming a young kid from Alabama with open arms and showing him what it means to be a Tiger. I wouldn't be the man or player I am today were it not for the impact this culture had on my life," Woods said in his statement. "It's been an honor to wear the paw these last few years, and it will always be a part of me, but the time has finally come."
Woods has been a dominant force for the TIgers. He had 30 tackles and two sacks this year while handling double teams on nearly every snap. The former FWAA All-American played several spots on the defensive line, moving from the outside to the interior as needed. And this year Woods added an extra element in goal-line packages as a lead blocker or short-yardage back. He had two rushing touchdowns.
Big men gotta eat!! Touchdown Peter Woods!! pic.twitter.com/T9ljg95kxM
— Clemson Sports (@ClemsonSports) October 12, 2025
Woods is expected to go high in the NFL Draft
The 6-foot-3, 310-pound lineman is the top-rated defensive tackle on many draft boards, including ESPN's Mel Kiper. He made the top five on Bruce Feldman's list of college football "freaks" with his 700-pound squat, 385-pound power clean, and 4.85 speed in the 40-yard dash. All of those numbers should translate well for Woods as the NFL Draft Combine.
Woods is almost universally projected to be selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft and some mock drafts have him going in the top five and as high as second overall.
He was a four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class coming from Thompson High School in Alabaster, Alabama. Woods was ranked nationally in the top 100 and selected Clemson over Alabama, Michigan, Texas, LSU and more. He played in the Under Armour All-America Game.
Woods joins cornerback Avieon Terrell as Tigers that have declared for the upcoming NFL Draft.