JT Tuimoloau Joins Colts with Championship-Caliber Experience
INDIANAPOLIS – When Colts GM Chris Ballard spoke with Ohio State head coach Ryan Day on Friday during the NFL Draft, most of the conversation centered around the many Buckeyes expected to be selected. But one name stood out: defensive end JT Tuimoloau.
As the first round came and went without Tuimoloau being picked, Day couldn’t help but voice his surprise.
“Ryan goes, ‘I’m trying to figure out why he didn’t go in the first round,’” Ballard recalled. “We had a strong grade on JT, and Ryan was really effusive in his praise.”
That endorsement from Day, highlighting Tuimoloau’s talent and intangibles, only solidified what the Colts already felt about the three-time All-Big Ten first-team selection.
When the Colts were on the clock at No. 45 overall, Ballard—known for his willingness to trade back—didn’t hesitate. Tuimoloau was still on the board, and the Colts made their move.
“I felt really fortunate to get him,” Ballard said. “He’s a big guy, a really good athlete. He can bend, he knows how to rush, he’s got good length. We’re excited.”
At Ohio State, Tuimoloau primarily played on the edge but was also moved inside on passing downs. The Colts value his power-driven style—he’s not just about speed off the edge, but rather a blend of force and athleticism.
Asked to describe his game, Tuimoloau said, “It’s passionate and powerful—a mixture of speed and power. You’re getting an all-around player who’s always hungry and never wants to settle.”
Just hours before being drafted, Tuimoloau was out enjoying a golf scramble, calm and relaxed ahead of what would become a life-changing moment. Off the field, he was a team guy—hosting fight nights, Super Bowl parties, and other get-togethers with teammates. That, he says, comes from his Polynesian roots.
What really stood out to the Colts, though, was how Tuimoloau finished his college career. In Ohio State’s playoff run—facing Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame—he recorded a sack in each game, totaling 6.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss in that four-game stretch.
The Colts believe Tuimoloau brings a high floor into the NFL, and they’re adding him to a defensive line room Ballard already feels confident in.
“We’ve got a good group,” Ballard said. “Dayo (Odeyingbo) was a really good player for us, and the market reflected that when he signed with the Bears. You can never have enough pass rushers—especially with a 17-game season. That’s a grind. You need depth, and Tuimoloau gives us another guy who can go
