Indianapolis adds defensive lineup help in Ohio State’s JT Tuimoloau.
The Indianapolis Colts were in need of some help along the defensive line. They found it in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Ohio State’s edge rusher, JT Tuimoloau.
Tuimoloau is coming off his most productive year for the Buckeyes in 2024, recording 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, 61 total tackles (35 solo) and 21.5 tackles-for-loss. Tuimoloau is also a three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection.
The #Colts needed to replenish at DE and select Ohio State edge JT Tuimoloau with the No. 45 pick. Three straight years as first team All-Big Ten. Had 12.5 sacks his last season.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) April 26, 2025
Indianapolis lost former second-round pick Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency when he signed with the Chicago Bears. Additionally, Kwity Paye is entering a contract year, and outside of last year’s first-round pick, Laiatu Latu, the Colts simply couldn’t afford to go into the 2026 season being too thin with its depth along the defensive line.
Tuimoloau now joins a new-and-improved Colts’ defense to go along with other big-time additions of the offseason in cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Cam Bynum. As mentioned by Zach Hicks of Horseshoe Huddle, Tuimoloau not only fits with Colts new defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, but he is also a good run-stopping defensive end and will pair nicely with Latu.
JT Tuimoloau Pick: Lou Anarumo type of edge rusher. Big bodied player with long arms and good against the run. Wins with power and finishes sacks. Good pairing with Laiatu Latu, who is more of a rush winner that struggles to finish sacks
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) April 26, 2025
Tuimoloau also had quite the playoff run for the Buckeyes, ultimately playing a pivotal role In Ohio State’s postseason run in 2024. Tuimoloau’s efforts helped Ohio State eventually capture a national championship title against Notre Dame back in January, as he recorded 6.5 sacks, 20 quarterback pressures and 10 tackles-for-loss in all four of the team’s playoff games.
Tuimoloau clearly fits everything Colts general manager Chris Ballard looks for in a defensive end. He’ll bring a much-needed presence to an already talented defensive line group in Indianapolis in 2025.