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Main Photo: [Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch] USA Today Sports

Colts Rookie is Primed to Become an Impact Player

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Mike Roberts | Last updated Jul 26, 2025 4:30 PM ET

In the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Ohio State defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau. Will he become an impact player in Indy?

Without a doubt, Tyler Warren was the highlight of the Colts‘ 2025 draft. The former Penn State star fills one of the team’s biggest needs. He’s a playmaker tight end who could emerge as Indy’s best tight end since Dallas Clark.

Sure, Warren could turn out to be a great pick for the Colts. But don’t forget about Tuimoloau. He’s coming off a sensational collegiate career and will look to replace Dayo Odeyingbo, who signed with the Chicago Bears this offseason.

J.T. Tuimoloau is Primed to Become an Impact Player for the Colts

Looking Back at His Career

J.T. Tuimoloau attended Eastside Catholic High School in Sammamish, Washington. He starred at defensive end and tight end and also played basketball.

Tuimoloau then landed at Ohio State. He went on to have a stellar career with the Buckeyes. The Seattle area native recorded 144 tackles, 43.5 tackles for a loss, 23.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and 12 passes defensed over 54 games. Tuimoloau earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and was named a second-team All-American in 2023.

Last season, Tuimoloau had career-highs in tackles (61), tackles for a loss (21.5), and sacks (12.5). He also helped Ohio State win a national championship. The Buckeyes won the title game 34-23 over Riley Leonard (Tuimoloau’s new Colts teammate) and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

The Colts Certainly Need Him

The Colts produced 51 sacks in 2023. It was the most since the franchise relocated to Indianapolis. However, they recorded only 36 sacks last season.

Perhaps not having Samson Ebukam, who missed the year with an Achilles injury, was the main reason behind that. Ebukam led the Colts with 9.5 sacks in 2023. He’s back and ready to go. But it’s unclear whether he’ll be the same player before the injury.

Needless to say, the Colts need all the pass-rushing help they can get. And they’re hoping J.T. Tuimoloau can be of assistance. He possesses an array of pass-rush counters needed to deconstruct pass sets. Plus, he has the desired size (6-foot-4, 265 pounds) and strength to play as a hand-in-dirt defensive end.

Kwity Paye and second-year player Laiatu Latu are expected to start at defensive end for the Colts in 2025. Tuimoloau will compete for snaps alongside Ebukam and Tyquan Lewis. But with Paye possibly leaving as a free agent in 2026, Tuimoloau could become a starter next season. And he and Latu might develop into a dangerous pass-rushing duo later on.

Tuimoloau waited until a few days before training camp to finally sign a contract with the Colts. Yet, he said he’s focused on learning the team’s new defense (via Indystar.com).

“At one point, I forgot,” Tuimoloau said. “I was so focused on getting ready and learning (Lou Anarumo’s) defense, wanting to be a big contributor to the defense. For me, once I got drafted, it was like, How quick can I get in the playbook, I’ve got to get in shape, I’ve got to critique my skill set and moves.”

It sounds like Tuimoloau has the work ethic needed to excel in the NFL. Look for him to be an impact player at some point.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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