The Beavers had a severe lack of production at the position last season, but are healthy again.
Interior defensive line play is the key to stopping the run, and Oregon State struggled mightily in 2024.
The Beavers were 107th in the country, allowing nearly 186 rushing yards per game. And that same group of defensive tackles managed just 1.5 sacks all season — with OSU finishing dead last as a team in the category at just seven sacks total.
Much of the struggle was rooted in lack of execution, but five of the Beavers’ top defensive tackles were either injured or missed the season due to off-field concerns. With that personnel back, and the position beefed up a bit in the portal, OSU expects significant improvement in 2025.
Projected DT depth chart:
DT — Thomas Collins (R-So.), Jacob Schuster (R-Sr.), Tahjae Mullix (R-Jr.)
DT — Tevita Pome’e (R-So.), Jojo Johnson (R-So.), Tygee Hill (R-Jr.)
Position grade: C+
Analysis:
When healthy, it’s hard to look at the Beavers’ defensive tackles on paper and not foresee what OSU coaches believe will be major strides on the interior. But that relies on potential for a young position group, and an injury or two could test its depth.
Collins in particular is someone the Beavers hope will have a breakout year, transitioning from his second to third season in the program out of Gothenburg, Sweden. Pome’e, the former Oregon transfer, is also entering his redshirt sophomore year and was thrust into a key role due to last year’s injuries.
The OSU defensive lineman view that trial by fire as a positive, even if production was scarce.
OSU also restructured its coaching staff to better serve individual position groups. Instead of one big defensive line room, the Beavers now have a defensive tackle room and a separate room for edge rushers, each under a different assistant coach. That individualized approach could prove valuable in development.
Newcomers include Western Carolina transfer Tahjae Mullix, and one other returner coaches were impressed with in the spring is Jojo Johnson. How the group shakes out could fluctuate throughout the season if the Beavers aren’t seeing the kind of changes they are hoping for.
Other OSU position previews:
OSU early opponent previews:
— Ryan Clarke covers the Oregon State Beavers for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at RClarke@Oregonian.com or on Twitter/X: @RyanTClarke. Find him on Bluesky: @ryantclarke.bsky.social.
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