J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
Size:
Height: 6042
Weight: 265
Arm: 33 ¾”
Hand: 10 ½”
Accomplishments:
First-Team All-Big-Ten (2023, 2022)
“J.T. Tuimoloau is a physical EDGE rusher who wins by overwhelming his opponents with speed-to-power conversion, collapsing them into the pocket.”
Strengths:
Prototype size and strength
Run defense/ability to set the edge
Versatility
Instincts and play recognition
Concerns:
Pass-rush plan/production
Pad level
Hip flexibility
Athletic traits
Film Analysis:
J.T. Tuimoloau is a three-year starter who has developed into one of the top defensive players in college football for the Buckeyes. A once highly-touted five-star recruit, Tuimoloau boasts an enticing physical frame paired with impressive play strength at the point of attack, both against the run and the pass. He frequently flashes the potential to live in the opposing backfield. A tone-setter for Ryan Day’s defense, Tuimoloau is a leader on the defensive line and a key contributor in Ohio State’s push toward a National Championship. He wins with instinct, play recognition, and a rare combination of size and strength.
Tuimoloau has the build of a traditional 4-3 defensive end but is also effective as a stand-up edge rusher. He consistently sets hard edges against the run, preventing backs from bouncing plays outside. While maintaining outside leverage, he flashes his jersey for the ball carrier to see, forcing them to cut back into the heart of the defense. His blend of power and arm length makes him effective at stacking, peeking, and shedding blocks in the run game. He demonstrates impressive body control and contact balance, staying upright through chips and double teams.
As a pass rusher, Tuimoloau stresses the outside shoulder of offensive tackles with a strong first step, long arms, and overwhelming power. He understands how to sell a speed rush before converting to power and driving through a blocker’s chest. He has overpowered some of the top offensive tackle prospects over the past two seasons. Tuimoloau uses his wingspan effectively to keep himself clean, limiting the ability of blockers to engage or control him. His spin move is quick, efficient, and adds to his pass-rushing toolbox. His athleticism also shows when he’s asked to drop into zone coverage—he has the agility to redirect if the quarterback scrambles.
Tuimoloau still has room to grow as a pass rusher. He primarily attacks the outside arc, and while he has the wingspan and power to win, he doesn’t consistently use inside-hand counters to disengage or neutralize offensive linemen’s punches. Improving his ability to dislodge blockers’ hands will help him compensate for his limited hip flexibility, which makes it difficult for him to corner sharply and flatten his rush path. He lacks the ideal bend that teams often look for in a blindside rusher. Additionally, developing a more consistent pass-rush plan will improve his effectiveness—too often, it appears he’s “winging it” after the snap. His pad level can also be inconsistent, with too many reps where he pops upright instead of staying low through the drive phase. While he flashes solid vertical burst, he lacks elite athletic traits overall.
Tuimoloau projects as a strong-side defensive end in an even front (4-3) alignment. He offers ideal size and strength to seal off edges in the run game and collapse the pocket by walking offensive tackles back into the quarterback. He also has the potential to be an effective wide-9 stand-up rusher on third downs. With continued development of his pass-rush plan and hand usage, Tuimoloau can overcome his limitations in bend and explosiveness to become a disruptive and reliable three-down defensive lineman.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 – Adequate Starter
Exposures: Oregon (2024), Penn State (2024), Texas (2024), Notre Dame (2024), Notre Dame (2023), Penn State (2023), Purdue (2023), Michigan (2023), Iowa (2023)
