Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams is among the most dominant, productive, and experienced interior defenders in the 2025 NFL Draft. Williams played his best football this past season as a leader on a National Championship-winning Buckeyes team. He carried that momentum over to the NFL Combine, where his position drills were incredibly smooth and quick at 334 pounds.
Williams recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Williams reflected on his incredible journey at Ohio State, which culminated in a national title, his experience at the NFL Combine, his skill set as a run defender and pass rusher, and more.
JM: You enjoyed four incredible seasons with the Ohio State Buckeyes, culminating in a National Championship in 2024. How did you see this program evolve from your arrival to finally getting over the hump?
Tyleik Williams: What a journey it was. We went through a lot of things with a bunch of great people. We built a brotherhood, a bond that was unbreakable. I think that’s what led to us winning the National Championship this year.
We got closer over the years. You could tell the talent was always there, the coaching was always there. We got closer with one another by building more trust than in years prior. It showed this year. Like I said, our bond was unbreakable. That goes a long way in a winning season.
We’ve been through so much together. It was blood, sweat, and tears. We experienced wins and losses, great wins together. It was a lot. The journey made us tougher. I wouldn't have had it any other way. I’m glad I went to Ohio State.
JM: It was truly special. You became a full-time starter these past two years, totaling 100 tackles and 18 tackles for loss. You have to wait your turn at Ohio State. That’s just the way it goes for everybody. Talk to me about your ascension and your work ethic to elevate yourself into a starting role.
Tyleik Williams: I was like No. 2 or 3 in the rotation during my first season. I was getting on the field and I put some good reps out there. Sophomore year, I was more like a No. 1 or 2, but I was still rotating in and out of the lineup.
Two years ago, I became more of a starter and I knew I had to step into that role. I had waited long enough. I knew I had the potential to go start and make plays, and contribute to the defense. It was all about my mindset. I had to grow up. I had to go out there and do what I knew I was capable of doing.
It all came together for me this past season. My technique, all the practice reps, the film study, it all showed on the field. I was dominant and explosive. I showed the true range of my capabilities this past season.
JM: You also showed an improved ability to make plays in the backfired. What do you think it is about your game that allows you to make plays behind the line of scrimmage?
Tyleik Williams: I’m great at getting off the ball. I think my get-off is among the best, especially at my size. My movement skills are rare for a guy my size. It catches teams off guard.
My defensive line coach, the way our drills were set up in practice, we were taught to attack relentlessly by using our hands. That’s what I’ve been doing these past few seasons at every practice. It became natural for me to make plays on the field. I know how to find the ball.
JM: How would you describe your pass rush arsenal? What are your go-to moves and counters?
Tyleik Williams: Right now, I work everything off of power. Scheme-wise, we were very disciplined. I wasn’t allowed to freelance like a lot of these guys in the draft were. I definitely have great reps as a pass rusher.
We had a very strict plan of how we wanted to attack teams. We had to play within the structure of a disciplined defense. I was tasked with bull rushing and collapsing the pocket. I definitely have a lot of pass-rushing moves in my arsenal. I haven’t shown everything I’m capable of in that department yet.
JM: Ohio State asks you to play within the structure of the defense. You were incredible at the NFL Combine. Running position drills at 334 pounds, you were smoother and quicker than anybody should be at that size. 334 shouldn't move like that. I imagine you were thrilled with the performance.
Tyleik Williams: Yeah, I was definitely thrilled. I thought I had a great day. I was very pleased with everything I did. The bag drills, I received a lot of praise from the coaches in attendance. I thought it was a good day.
JM: What feedback are you hearing on positional versatility? Where do teams see you playing at the next level?
Tyleik Williams: Everything from 4i to zero. That’s what most teams are saying. Every team has said I’m athletic enough to play the 4i, but I’m also stout enough to play zero or one-technique.
JM: Have you met with many teams throughout this process, such as formal interviews at the NFL Combine? Do you have any visits coming up?
Tyleik Williams: Yeah, I met with almost every team at the NFL Combine. Whether that was formals or informals, I met with nearly all 32.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. This has been an outstanding conversation. What kind of impact is Tyleik Williams going to make at the next level?
Tyleik Williams: I think I’m going to make a huge impact. I’m a dominant, explosive player. I’m a big dude who moves well for my size. I’m going to make plays for our defense. I do more than sit and hold blocks. I’m going to go get the football. I have a high football IQ. I see plays before they happen.
