Matayo Uiagalelei

NFL Draft Profile: Matayo Uiagalelei

Position: Defensive End / EDGE | School: Oregon | Class: Junior

Height: 6'5" | Weight: 272 lbs | Archetype: Balance

College Career Summary

Matayo "Young Concrete" Uiagalelei arrived in Eugene as a five-star phenom from St. John Bosco. After a solid true freshman season (2023), he exploded in 2024, leading the Big Ten with 10.5 sacks and earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors. In 2025, Uiagalelei transitioned from a "flash" pass rusher to a more disciplined, every-down force. While his sack production dipped slightly as he saw constant double-teams and chips, his presence anchored one of the nation’s top defenses. A former elite tight end prospect, his unique blend of 270-pound power and refined athleticism makes him a rare versatile piece capable of playing in multiple fronts.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 40

• Total Tackles: 86 (30 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 24.0 (8.5 in 2025)

• Sacks: 17.5 (5.0 in 2025)

• Career Highs: 10.5 Sacks (2024), 1 INT (2024), 1 Forced Fumble (2025)

• 2025 Honors: Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Finalist

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
Idaho	1 Tkl, 1.0 Sack	B+	Handled FCS competition; speed-to-power was evident.
Boise State	3 Tkl, 1.0 Sack	A-	Disciplined edge setting against Ashton Jeanty.
@ Oregon State	0 Tkl	C+	Quiet day in a blowout; focused on gap integrity.
@ UCLA	4 Tkl, 2.0 TFL, 1.0 Sack	A	High Motor. Relentless in his homecoming game.
Michigan State	3 Tkl	B	Controlled the line; allowed LBs to flow freely.
Ohio State	5 Tkl, 1.0 Sack	A+	Star Impact. Crucial sack in a top-5 matchup.
@ Purdue	1 Tkl	B-	Constant double teams; impact felt more than seen.
@ Illinois	1 Tkl	B	Stayed home on read-options; assignment perfect.
@ Michigan	4 Tkl, 0.5 Sack	B+	Physical battle; neutralized Michigan's run game.
Maryland	2 Tkl, 1.0 TFL, 1.0 Sack	A-	Acceleration off the snap was elite.
@ Wisconsin	2 Tkl	B	Gritty "Big Ten weather" game; high Mental Toughness.
Washington	3 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	B+	Rivalry impact; forced multiple early releases.
B1G Champ: OSU	1 Tkl, 0.5 Sack	A-	Leadership. Constant vocal presence in the win.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Pro-Ready Frame: At 6'5", 272 lbs, he is built like a veteran. He has a massive wingspan that he uses effectively to lockout tackles.

• Functional Power: His "heavy hands" are his best weapon. He can shock a 320-pound tackle and drive them backward into the quarterback's lap.

• High-Level Processing: His IQ stands out. He rarely falls for counter-moves or misdirection, showing elite Play Recognition in the run game.

• Versatility: Has experience as a 5-technique, 7-technique, and even a "ghost" stand-up linebacker. This flexibility is gold for NFL DCs.

Weaknesses

• Pass Rush Bag: While powerful, he lacks a high-level counter. If his initial bull-rush or long-arm is stopped, he can become a "tester" rather than a "finisher."

• Lateral Agility: He is a linear, explosive athlete. He doesn't have the elite "sink" or ankle flexion to turn the corner at a 45-degree angle.

• Secondary Burst: After the initial contact, he sometimes stalls. He needs to improve his Acceleration in short areas to finish more sacks.

Scheme Fit: Ideal Base 4-3 DE who can reduce inside to 3-tech on passing downs.

NFL Comparison: Carlos Dunlap / AJ Epenesa

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 19/20 | Physical Tools: 18/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 17/20 | IQ: 18/20

Final Grade: 89/100

Matayo Uiagalelei is a "blue-collar" star. He lacks the flashy, bendy athleticism of a speed-rusher like David Bailey, but he is a significantly more complete football player. He is an elite Run Stopper who has the power to play 10 years in the NFL. His 2025 film shows a player who can neutralize a team's best offensive tackle and still provide 6-8 sacks a year. Because of his size and frame, he won't fall out of the first round.

Draft Projection: 1st Round (Late) / Early 2nd Round