The Clemson Tigers’ linebacker room for the 2025 season is set to be an exciting blend of youth and experience, with the addition of transfer Jeremiah Alexander, the veteran presence of Wade Woodaz, and the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, Sammy Brown. The Tigers look to reestablish a reputation for having one of the most stout defenses in the country (with help from new defensive coordinator Tom Allen). With a mixture of athleticism, versatility, and depth, this unit is poised to make a significant impact and elevate the Tigers’ defense to new heights. Here’s a way-too-early look at Clemson’s 2025 linebacker room.
Wade Woodaz: The Proven Leader
Entering his senior season as a Tiger, Woodaz has proven he belongs on this defense, coming off a career year with 82 total tackles, 4 solo tackles, 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and one interception. Standing at 6’3″, Woodaz is known for his sideline-to-sideline range, excellent tackling ability, and great instincts for reading plays.
As a well-rounded linebacker, Woodaz excels in both run defense and pass coverage. This makes him a prime candidate to step into an even bigger role with the departure of Barrett Carter, and he could be one of the breakout stars in 2025.
Sammy Brown: The Freshman Standout
Considered one of the top prospects in the nation, Brown proved why he entered the program with a consensus 5-star rating out of high school. Right when Brown stepped into the program, he demonstrated he was a starter, tallying 80 total tackles, 48 solo tackles, and 5 sacks despite being a freshman. These stats were more than enough to earn him ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, making him the first Tiger to win the award since Andrew Mukuba.
Brown is an exceptional athlete with a rare combination of speed and power. He’s known for his ability to cover ground quickly, both in pass coverage and as a tackler. Brown can rush the passer and is also extremely effective against the run, often finding himself in the backfield. With the addition of new defensive coordinator Tom Allen, Brown could find himself all over the field, with a chance to be the Tigers’ most impactful player.
Jeremiah Alexander: The Playmaking Transfer
After entering the transfer portal from Alabama, speculation about Alexander joining the Tigers in 2025 immediately grew, as he was one of Clemson’s top recruits in the 2021 recruiting cycle. Alexander soon returned home, choosing the Tigers over schools like Ole Miss, Auburn, and Oklahoma.
As a prototypical edge rusher, Alexander’s size and explosive athleticism will be a nightmare for offensive linemen. While he’s primarily known for his ability to rush the passer, his versatility as an outside linebacker means he can drop into coverage when needed. His pass-rushing ability, particularly on third downs, will be an asset to Clemson’s defense, and Alexander is expected to make an immediate impact wherever he plays.
Drew Woodaz: The Question Mark
Drew Woodaz, the younger brother of Wade, enters his Sophomore season with some question marks surrounding him. Standing at 6’2″, Drew has excellent athleticism, with the ability to both cover ground in coverage and attack the line of scrimmage. While Drew’s skills are more specialized as a coverage linebacker, he also has the potential to be a force against the run. Drew will look to make a name for himself and fight to climb up the depth chart in his first season.
The Big Picture
With the departure of Barrett Carter, many fans considered the linebacker room for the Tigers a huge question mark heading into 2025. That is, until Dabo Swinney brought in another key piece in Jeremiah Alexander. The combination of speed, quickness, playmaking ability, and strength will give this linebacker corps more than enough talent to succeed in 2025.
The Key Question:
Was the addition of Jeremiah Alexander exactly what the Tigers needed for their defense? Will Drew Woodaz step up, or will another unsung hero emerge to make an impact?
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