BYU has landed a significant addition to its 2025 recruiting class with the commitment of three-star defensive lineman Nehemiah Kolone, a highly sought-after prospect out of Oklahoma. Kolone made his decision to join the Cougars during his official visit to Provo, capping off months of effort from BYU’s coaching staff to secure his pledge. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 255 pounds, Kolone brings size, athleticism, and versatility to a BYU program looking to bolster its defensive front for the future.
Kolone is currently rated as the 24th-best player in the state of Oklahoma by 247Sports, and his recruitment featured serious interest from a number of Power Four programs. In addition to BYU, he took official visits to Michigan State and Oklahoma State, the latter being close to home. Despite offers from other notable schools like Arizona, Baylor, Kansas, Kansas State, and Texas Tech, Kolone ultimately chose BYU, signaling both his belief in the program and the success of the coaching staff’s recruiting efforts.
At Stillwater High School, Kolone has played both defensive tackle and defensive end, but his long-term projection at BYU is on the interior defensive line. His physical profile draws comparisons to former BYU standout John Nelson, and coaches believe he could follow a similar developmental path. With his blend of size and athleticism, Kolone has the tools to make an immediate impact once he adapts to the college game.
Kolone’s high school production speaks to his potential. As a sophomore, he recorded 64 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks in 12 games. Although his junior season was somewhat hampered by injuries, he still managed 35 tackles and 6 tackles for loss in just nine appearances. When healthy, he’s a game-wrecker who commands attention on the defensive line.
Kolone’s athleticism is one of his most impressive traits. At Stillwater, he often lines up as a stand-up end and showcases an explosive first step and quick hands. He plays with aggression, utilizing leverage and power to disengage from blocks and finish plays. There’s an instinctive, almost linebacker-like quality to his approach, and his pass-rushing repertoire is already advanced for a high school player. As he continues to develop under defensive line coach Sione Po’uha, there is strong belief that his best football lies ahead.
For Kolone to reach his full potential at the college level, he’ll need to add some weight to his frame and further refine his understanding of defensive schemes. His aggressive nature—while a strength—could also be exploited by more seasoned college offenses, so growth in discipline and technique will be essential.
Ultimately, Kolone’s commitment is a major win for BYU. After more than a year of consistent recruiting efforts, the Cougars have secured a high-upside defensive lineman with both the physical tools and mindset to become a standout in Provo. His decision is not only a testament to the staff’s persistence but also a clear signal of BYU’s growing appeal to top-tier talent beyond its regional footprint.
