TJC NT Tonga Lolohea Commits to Baylor over Kansas State, BYU

Tyler Junior College nose tackle Tonga Lolohea‍ (6-4, 322) gave his pledge to the Baylor staff following official visits to Baylor and Kansas State over the weekend. He also held an offer from BYU among others. 

Lolohea, the No. 24-ranked junior college prospect in the country according to 247Sports, was offered on Dec. 11 by Baylor defensive line coach Dennis Johnson and then took his official visit a week later.

“Felt amazing, honestly, especially being from Texas,” Lolohea said. “Getting the offer from them was great. He gave the opportunity for me to play there and I was in awe and thankful. He said my size and the way I move was something they love and need which was great to hear from them.”

The junior college prospect finished the 2023 seasons with 21 tackles, 3.0 for loss, and one sack.

Lolohea will give the Bears some much-needed size at the nose tackle positon as the staff was never able to truly replace Apu Ika following the 2022 season. Lolohea will give the defense a better chance at doing that and helping this defense rebound after allowing 185 rushing yards (5.04 YPC) per game last season.

Lolohea has two years of eligibility remaining. He played high school ball at Euless (TX) Trinity High School.