The Indianapolis Colts have officially locked up one of the most heralded defensive prospects from the 2025 NFL Draft. On July 18, 2025, the team agreed to terms with second-round pick J.T. Tuimoloau, the former Ohio State defensive end who was selected No. 45 overall. The four-year contract is worth $9.942 million and includes a substantial $4.135 million signing bonus. According to a report from KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, the deal is 88.02% guaranteed, marking one of the more favorable financial structures for a non-first-round rookie this year.
Tuimoloau’s signing is not only a significant milestone for the player but also for the Colts, who have now officially completed the signing of all members of their 2025 draft class just days before rookies are set to report for training camp on July 21. The timing and structure of Tuimoloau’s deal are reflective of a broader shift across the NFL landscape, where rookie contracts—especially among second-round picks—are trending toward greater guarantees. His deal becomes the seventh such contract in the second round to include a high percentage of guaranteed money, following in the wake of recent signings by San Francisco’s Alfred Collins and the Chargers’ Tre Harris.
For Colts general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen, locking in Tuimoloau was a priority—not just for roster logistics, but because of what the 6-foot-4, 270-pound edge rusher brings to the table. In 2024, his final season at Ohio State, Tuimoloau recorded 12.5 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss, and five forced fumbles. He was a three-time All-Big Ten selection and served as the centerpiece of a Buckeyes front seven that ranked among the best in the country. His relentless motor, football IQ, and positional versatility made him a prized target for a Colts team looking to retool a pass-rush unit that underperformed last season.
Tuimoloau’s ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks will be critical for a defense that finished 25th in the NFL in sacks in 2024. That ranking was a clear point of concern during offseason evaluations, especially after the departure of Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency. The front office made no secret of its desire to add impact players to the defensive line, and Tuimoloau, who some scouts projected as a late first-round talent, became the cornerstone of that plan when he fell to the Colts in Round 2.
“He brings something we really need—power, speed, and the ability to create pressure from multiple alignments,” said Ballard during the post-signing media session. “What separates J.T. is his ability to rush not just off the edge, but also from the interior on third downs. That kind of flexibility opens up options for us, schematically.”
Indeed, the Colts envision Tuimoloau as more than a traditional defensive end. In today’s NFL, versatility is currency, and Tuimoloau has it in abundance. At Ohio State, he lined up at both defensive end positions and was frequently moved inside in sub-packages to exploit mismatches against guards and centers. His hand usage, leverage, and ability to read protections made him a favorite among Buckeyes coaches and a nightmare for Big Ten quarterbacks.
Now, those skills will be put to the test in a Colts defensive front that features former first-rounder Kwity Paye and promising rookie Laiatu Latu. While Paye enters a critical fourth season, and Latu brings an exciting upside from his days at UCLA, Tuimoloau’s presence provides immediate depth and long-term potential. The three of them form a trio of young, high-ceiling edge players that could define the Colts’ defensive identity moving forward.
“It’s about having a wave of guys you can rotate through to stay fresh and keep the pressure coming,” said Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. “With J.T., we’re getting a guy who’s already played at a high level against elite talent. That experience matters.”
Experience is indeed one of Tuimoloau’s strengths. Over three full seasons in Columbus, he developed a reputation as a game-wrecker with a knack for making big plays in key moments. Whether it was his dominant 2022 performance against Penn State—where he logged two sacks, a forced fumble, an interception, and a touchdown—or his consistent leadership in the Buckeyes locker room, Tuimoloau impressed coaches and scouts alike with his maturity and work ethic.
The Colts also admired his football intelligence. During pre-draft interviews and meetings, Tuimoloau reportedly blew away the Colts’ staff with his ability to dissect film, explain offensive protections, and understand the nuances of various pass-rush concepts. That kind of cerebral approach bodes well for a player transitioning to the complexities of an NFL defense.
Tuimoloau’s path to Indianapolis was anything but preordained. Coming out of Eastside Catholic High School in Sammamish, Washington, he was a five-star recruit and the No. 1 defensive end in the 2021 class. He chose Ohio State over offers from Alabama, Oregon, and USC, and quickly became a fixture on the Buckeyes’ defense. Now, after carving out a legacy in Columbus, he begins a new chapter with the Colts—one that comes with high expectations but also plenty of opportunity.
As for the financials, the nearly $10 million deal is not just a reward for past production—it’s an investment in Tuimoloau’s potential to become a cornerstone piece. The Colts were aggressive in ensuring the contract’s structure reflected that belief. The $4.135 million signing bonus, combined with the high guarantee percentage, sends a message: Tuimoloau is not just another rookie—he’s expected to contribute early and often.
With rookies reporting to training camp on July 21, Tuimoloau will waste no time acclimating to the Colts’ system. Early reps will likely come in rotational packages, particularly on third down where his ability to rush inside could be most valuable. Over time, however, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him compete for a starting role.
Tuimoloau joins a Colts organization still in the midst of a roster transformation, but one that believes it has found a key defensive building block in the former Buckeye star. With a franchise quarterback in Anthony Richardson on the offensive side and emerging defensive talent around him, the foundation is being laid for sustained competitiveness in the AFC South.
For Tuimoloau, the message is simple: bring the same relentless energy and playmaking instincts he showed at Ohio State to a Colts defense in need of difference-makers. If he does, the investment will be more than justified.
The next few weeks of training camp and preseason will offer a glimpse of how ready he is to make that leap. But for now, both Tuimoloau and the Colts can celebrate a deal done, a roster complete, and a future that looks just a little bit brighter with No. 44 in blue and white.
