Clemson is 1-3. Yes, you read that right. Many predicted that Dabo Swinney’s team would return to winning ways at home against Syracuse. What followed was a 21-34 embarrassment. Steve Angeli showed up, and despite Cade Klubnik’s heroics, the Tigers’ didn’t have enough to challenge the Orange. Such were the dire straits that Swinney asked Clemson’s defensive unit to make a significant contribution in the run game.

Peter Woods, usually a dominant defensive tackle, was told to play at running back. “I’ve seen it all,” Clemson writer Chapel Fowler writes on X. “Clemson just lined up DT Peter Woods as its running back and handed the ball off to him for a first down on 4th and 1 around midfield vs. Syracuse.” That was wild but totally fitting for a team looking to punch through any wall in front of them. This wasn’t just a gimmick. Woods stands at 6-foot-3, weighs a solid 315 pounds, and his game is all about physicality and brute strength. Handing the ball to him in short yardage showed how Clemson creatively leans on their defense’s muscle to complement its offense.

But let us remind you, Woods is standing tall as one of the hottest names in the 2026 NFL draft conversation, and for good reason. Woods’ performance last season, where he played more off the edge, earned him serious respect and put him on many radar screens as a potential first-rounder. This kind of game action is pure gold for Woods’ draft talk. Showing he can carry the rock and convert tough yards adds a layer of versatility that scouts love. Now, while Woods is making waves quietly but powerfully, Clemson’s other defensive star, T.J. Parker, isn’t shy about making headlines of his own. At ACC Media Day, Parker straight-up demanded a touchdown from Dabo Swinney this season.

“I told Coach Swinney,” Parker said. “I said if I’m gonna come here, I need at least one touchdown before I leave.” The sophomore edge rusher, who led with 11 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss last year, told the world he wants a clean, earned offensive touchdown, not just a lucky scoop or pick-six. Parker’s high school days already boast a 110-yard game with three catches and a touchdown. He reminded Dabo Swinney that he can run routes and catch passes, too. And imagine the roar when No. 3 wheels out for a go-route or lined up tight end and snags a touchdown in Death Valley.

But here’s where Dabo Swinney stirs the pot. While Parker’s demanding his moment on offense, it’s Peter Woods who’s been getting the spotlight in those creative, non-traditional plays like lining up in the backfield for short-yardage situations. Despite both projecting as early 2026 NFL draft picks, coaches have trusted Woods more on offense so far. But if we’re talking about TJ Parker’s 2025 season so far, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. He has produced just 10 tackles, one sack, and one tackle for loss through three games. And Tom Allen has been tweaking schemes to get Parker into more one-on-one situations where he can wreak havoc.

“I want to allow his strengths to be magnified,” Allen said. “It’s about how we structurally play, and we’ll make some adjustments there to help him in that regard.” You see, Peter Woods has been the embodiment of those strict Clemson standards. He shows up every day at 4:30 a.m. for workouts long before most people are out of bed. Plus, he played selflessly out of position last year. And is now back in his natural spot on the interior defensive line, ready to fully showcase his disruptive power.