It didn't take long for J.T. Tuimoloau to earn his first career start.
In just his fourth game as a Buckeye, Tuimoloau started opposite Zach Harrison at defensive end against Akron on Saturday night.
Tuimoloau is one of four true freshmen in the starting lineup for Ohio State against Akron along with fellow five-star prospects Kyle McCord (who's also making his first career start against Akron) at quarterback and TreVeyon Henderson at running back as well as four-star cornerback Denzel Burke.
Tuimoloau's entry into the starting lineup comes partially out of necessity, as veteran defensive ends Tyreke Smith, Javontae Jean-Baptiste and Tyler Friday are all unavailable for Saturday's game. That said, the recruiting class of 2023's No. 4 overall prospect also earned the opportunity by impressing Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson with his play in the first three games against Minnesota, Oregon and Tulsa.
“He came in in great shape,” Johnson said of Tuimoloau. “And he’s got a really high football IQ. Which means that he understands the game a lot. He’s a great study of the videotapes. He studies a lot. He meets with me all the time, watches the videotape, so that advanced him really quickly.
“He’s done really well ... he’s got some really good technique that he came in with and we’re just trying to enhance that.”
Tuimoloau is one of two first-time starters on Ohio State's defense against Akron along with Cameron Martinez, who replaced Lathan Ransom in the starting lineup at cover safety.
