Friday Feature #8: Caleb Lomu
Utah found itself on the outside looking in when the 1st CFP Bracket was announced earlier this week. With the top 2 teams in the Big 12 facing off this weekend in Lubbock, the Utes have a chance to push their way up the ranking and into CFP consideration. The main reason they’re in the mix is their stout offensive line, bookended by two of the best OTs in all of college football. The left side is manned by Redshirt Sophomore Caleb Lomu, who is having another stellar season. Check out my detailed scouting report on Lane below:
Background & Measurables
Name: Caleb Lomu
Year: Redshirt Sophomore
Size: 6’6, 308 pounds
Position/Scheme Fit: Starting Tackle in a Pro-Style offense
Former 4-star recruit out of Gilbert, Arizona, in 2023. He chose Utah over schools like Michigan, Arizona and California. He redshirted in 2023 after playing in three games on special teams and on the offensive line. Lomu earned the starting LT job ahead of the 2024 season and hasn’t looked back. While Spencer Fano is typically the first name mentioned when discussing NFL prospects on Utah's offensive line, Lomu is also catching the eye of pro evaluators. The 6-foot-6, 308-pound left tackle allowed only two sacks last season, despite starting all 12 games. He was named a Midseason Freshman All-American by The Athletic for his performances and was named to the Academic All-Big 12 Team.
He was named to both the Shrine Bowl 1000 and Senior Bowl 300 ahead of the 2025 season as he returned to play LT for the Utes. He was named to the 2025 Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List, and through 9 games, he has yet to allow a sack and has given up only 6 pressures.
Detailed Scouting Report
Strengths
1. Effective pulling across the line. Good mover in space and has been part of some complex blocking assignments for the Utes. Rarely looks out of place or rushed in his run blocking sets.
2. He is an excellent athlete for the position. Moves really well and could be an all-pro at Guard, due to his movement skills and footwork. As a Redshirt Sophomore, he has plenty of room to grow as well.
3. Plays with a wide base and a strong lower half. When he gets to his spot, he is hard to move and can put smaller rushers on their back early in the rep and dominate.
4. A very solid pass blocker overall. No sacks allowed this year and only 6 pressures this year, with one exception being the game against Texas Tech. Outside of that, he has been as advertised, protecting Dampier’s blind side.
5. Versatile prospect who can play either tackle spot and has the toughness to play inside. Has also rarely missed a snap since stepping in as a Redshirt Freshman at LT in 2024.
Development Points
1. Can be beaten off the edge by quicker, more elusive rushers. Can get too square to the line and not get enough depth on his pass-block reps. Can get outside quicker, and not leave him as susceptible to bendier edges
2. Grip strength on inside counters can drop at times. Needs to keep his hands more active and can work on his technique consistency to ensure his hand usage is there on every snap.
3. Still a bit raw in his understanding of certain pass-blocking assignments. Struggles to pass on rushers effectively, and can allow untouched rushers to the QB too often.
4. Pad level can drift high, allowing rushers to beat him underneath. Needs to get lower to the ground and be lighter on his feet on certain reps. Struggled a bit vs Romello Height of Texas Tech and gave up 3 pressures in the game.
Conclusion
Lomu has the potential to be an excellent starting offensive lineman at the next level, either inside or outside. He shows excellent movement skills, fluidity in his footwork and calmness in his pass sets. He can mature his hand usage, and has room to grow as a run blocker, but he forms one half of a potent pair of tackles for the Utes and could continue to grow his stock as Utah competes for the Big 12 championship and CFP.
Grade: 6.9/9.0 (1st-2nd round grade)
Player Comp: Kingsley Suamataia
Team Fits: Texans, Rams, Giants