JT Tuimoloau returns to Ohio State in 2024: Star Edge joins the list of Buckeyes who reject NFL this offseason.
JT Tuimoloau joins a talented group of draft-eligible Buckeyes in returning to Ohio State.
The good news for Ohio State’s 2024 football roster continued on Friday, as star defensive end JT Tuimoloau revealed he will return for his senior season. Tuimoloau joins other draft-eligible Ohio State defenders like defensive end Jack Sawyer, cornerback Denzel Burke, and defensive tackle Tyleik Williams in choosing to stay with the Buckeyes for another season.
In a social media statement announcing his decision, the former five-star prospect cited “a sense of unfinished business, and an unbreakable bond with my Buckeye brothers”. Ohio State finished 11-2 for the third consecutive season, but lost to arch rival Michigan for the third time in a row. Tuimoloau and the majority of the other players on the program’s 2024 roster have yet to win a game against Michigan, a Big Ten championship, or a College Football Playoff triumph.
Even in an era when the financial potential of one’s name, image, and likeness might make staying in college appealing, Tuimoloau’s decision is rather surprising. In the 2023 CBS Sports NFL Draft Prospect Rankings, he was ranked fourth among edge players and 23rd overall.
He also appeared in the first round of a recent mock draft by CBS Sports draft expert Josh Edwards. Despite his promising professional future, he will return to anchor a defense that is improving under the direction of coordinator Jim Knowles.
Tuimoloau received first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2023 after recording 38 tackles, seven of which were for loss, and five sacks. He also deflected two passes and recovered one fumble. The 6-foot-4 product of Edgewood, Washington, had a stellar October, recording sacks in three consecutive wins over Purdue, Penn State, and Wisconsin.
One indication of his dedication to the Buckeyes occurred in December, when he chose to stay with the team for the Cotton Bowl game against Missouri, recording a sack. With Tuimoloau, Williams, Sawyer, Ty Hamilton, and others returning, the Buckeyes should have one of the nation’s most formidable defensive lines next season, following significant progress in 2023.
Ohio State ranks 59th in total defense in 2021. Knowles’ arrival boosted it to 13th in 2022. In 2023, they climbed to third place, trailing only Big Ten East rivals Michigan and Penn State in terms of fewest yards allowed per game (265.4).
Offense also receives good news.
Though Ohio State is losing great receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the draft, the Buckeyes have managed to keep some top-tier, draft-eligible offensive talent, including receiver Emeka Egbuka and highly ranked offensive lineman Donovan Jackson. This should help the Buckeyes maintain their strong offensive floor.
CBS Sports previously ranked Egbuka as the No. 20 overall prospect in the draft class, and he had the tools to be a No. 1 target. Jackson, a former five-star prospect, was named first-team All-Big Ten this season on the offensive line’s interior.
Ohio State’s biggest uncertainty heading into the 2024 season is at quarterback, with the departure of starter Kyle McCord to Syracuse. The Buckeyes signed longtime former Kanas State quarterback Will Howard through the transfer portal, but it’s evident the club is still dealing with a drop off at the position after a wave of great signal callers that included CJ Stroud, Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and J.T. Barrett.
Nonetheless, the remainder of the squad appears to be rounding into shape, as indicated by a strong crop of returning players and newcomers like standout Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins.
