DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Returning players
Josh Papu
Tevita Tuha
Carson Tujague
Bryan Vogl
2025 players not returning
Kone Aumua-Uiagalelei (Transferred to San Jose State University)
Naki Fahina (Graduation)
Gabriel Iniguez (Graduation)
Bo Maile (Graduation)
Iverson Report (Transferred to Snow Junior College)
2026 post-spring ball attrition
NONE
2025 total production lost
34 games
14 starts
55 tackles
3.5 tackles-for-loss
1.0 sack
4 quarterback hurries
2025 total production returning
27 games
7 starts
83 tackles
5.0 tackles-for-loss
0.5 sacks
5 quarterback hurries
1 pass breakup
2025 total production transferring in (transfer portal/junior college)
17 games
12 starts
22 tackles
4.0 tackles-for-loss
2.0 sacks
New Faces in 2026
Curtis “Tiki” Bell Jr. 6’4″ 310 (3*) – Episcopal HS, VA
2025 (Sr.) Stats: 19 tackles, 10.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sack
2024 (Jr.) Stats: 61 tackles, 39.0 tackles-for-loss, 5 forced fumbles, 2 blocked kicks
Offers from: Charlotte, Georgetown, Monmouth, Richmond
Primary recruiter: Donte Wilkins
https://www.hudl.com/profile/19958021/Tiki-Bell
Ronnie Mageo 6’5″ 295 (3*) – Baylor University – (1 year to play 1)
2025 (Jr.) Stats: 2 tackles
2024 (So.) Stats: 2 tackles at Baylor University
2023 (RsFr.) Stats: 11 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks
2022 (Fr.) Stats: Redshirted at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MS)
Offers from: UNKNOWN
Original offers from: Baylor
Primary recruiter: Donte Wilkins
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11714004/Ronnie-Mageo
Ta’avili Tuitama 6’2″ 305 (NR) – New Mexico State University – (1 year to play 1)
2025 (RsJr.) Stats: 20 tackles, 4.0 tackles-for-loss 3.5 sacks, 4 QB hurries
2024 (Jr.) Stats: 2 tackles; Redshirted the 2024 season at New Mexico State
2023 (So.) Stats: 40 tackles, 9.5 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks at Snow Junior College
2022 (Fr.) Stats: 9 tackles 0.5 tackles-for-loss
Offers from: UNKNOWN
Original offers from: New Mexico St
Primary recruiter: Donte Wilkins, Jordan Pulou
https://www.hudl.com/profile/17963084/Taavili-Tuitama
Quincy Wright 6’2″ 315 (3*) – Arkansas State University – (1 year to play 1)
2025 (Jr.) Stats: Saw action in 1 game at Arkansas State University
2024 (So.) Stats: 14 tackles 2 pass breakups at Sam Houston State University
2023 (RsFr.) Stats: 1 tackle
2022 (Fr.) Stats: Redshirted at Oregon State
Offers from: Southern Mississippi
Original offers from: Arkansas, Colorado St, Kansas, Liberty, Marshall, Minnesota, Oregon St
Primary recruiter: Donte Wilkins
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11520694/Quincy-Wright
2026 OUTLOOK
1-TECHNIQUE DEFENSIVE TACKLE
TA’AVILI TUITAMA
Ta’avili Tuitama is a transfer from New Mexico State University who will enter the 2026 season as a senior and use his final season of eligibility with the Aggies.
As a junior with the red Aggies last season, Tuitama played in 12 games with 7 starts, logging 20 tackles, 4.0 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, and 4 quarterback hurries.
During his 4-year career at New Mexico State and Snow Junior College (UT), Tuitama has played in 32 games with 16 starts and totaled 71 tackles, 14.0 tackles-for-loss, 7.0 sacks, and 4 quarterback hurries.
According to On3 Sports, Tuitama is rated as the 1,393rd-best transfer portal player in the country and the 148th-best defensive tackle in the transfer portal. Utah State was Tuitama’s first transfer portal scholarship offer, and he accepted not long after being offered. He originally held an offer from New Mexico State.
First and foremost, Tuitama brings starting experience to the table. The Aggies were in desperate need of a battle-tested player. He has gained a reputation as a disruptive force. He has a knack for collapsing the pocket, and even if he doesn’t finish the play, it starts with him. He prefers an aggressive play style and displays a good feel for when to disengage from a block to pursue the ball carrier. He is a physical player who enjoys battering opposing offensive linemen but also has the agility to be effective in various defensive schemes, which makes him so much more effective as a player.
JOSH PAPU
Sophomore Josh Papu will compete for the number two spot on the depth chart at this position.
As a reshirt freshman last season, Papu played in 3 games and was credited with 2 3 tackles.
In his 2-year career with the Aggies and Snow Junior College (UT), Papu has played in 3 games and totaled 3 tackles.
In 2023, as a high school senior at Tafuna High School (ASM), Papu was credited with making 10.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. Due to his playing high school football in American Samoa, there are limited stats available.
Utah State was Papu’s first scholarship offer, and he accepted not long after being offered.
Papu is an incredibly strong athlete. He has enough size that has him ready to plug and play. It’s not just his size that is attractive, either. His film shows improving athleticism, strength, and technique. Due to his size and strength, he shows up very well on run plays. He eats up opposing offensive linemen and then sheds them with ease to make plays. On passing plays, he shows the ability to reach the passer and is developing his technique rather than relying on pure strength and speed to beat his man.
QUINCY WRIGHT
Quincy Wright is a transfer from Arkansas State University who will enter the 2026 season as a senior and use his final season of eligibility with the Aggies.
As a junior with the Red Wolves last season, Wright saw action in just one game but did not record any stats.
During his 4-year career at Arkansas State, Sam Houston State, and Oregon State, Wright has played in 20 games with 4 starts and totaled 15 tackles and 2 pass breakups.
According to 247Sports, Wright is rated as the 2,569th-best transfer portal player in the country and the 270th-best defensive tackle in the transfer portal. He chose the Aggies over an offer from Southern Mississippi. He originally held offers from Arkansas, Colorado State, Kansas, Liberty, Marshall, Minnesota, and Oregon State.
Wright gets a great initial push after the snap, and opposing blockers seem unable to match his strength. He is a high-motor player who rips through the offensive line. He thrives on disrupting things in the backfield. He is agile enough to change directions and pivot in tight spaces to gain a step on opposing offensive linemen and make a play. He has the talent to make an impact right away.
CURTIS “TIKI” BELL
True freshman Curtis “Tiki” Bell enrolled at Utah State in January and gave himself a huge advantage by going through spring ball.
Last season as a senior at Episcopal High School (VA), Bell battled an early-season injury, returning late in the season to play in 2 games with 2 starts and log 19 tackles, 10.0 tackles-for-loss, and 1.0 sack.
During his 2-year career with the Maroon, he played in 11 games with 11 starts and totaled 80 tackles, 49.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sack, 5 forced fumbles, and 2 blocked kicks.
According to On3 Sports, Bell was rated as the 2,697th-best player nationally, the 239th-best defensive tackle, and the 57th-best player in Virginia. He chose the Aggies over offers from Charlotte, Georgetown, Monmouth, and Richmond.
Bell is a very versatile player. His excellent athleticism allows him to play anywhere along the defensive line. His combination of speed and quickness is tough to find in a player his size. He moves fluidly in small spaces at the line of scrimmage. He gets off his blocks easily due to his strength and agility. He uses short bursts of speed to get into the backfield. He displays good form tackling to cause fumbles or complete a tackle for loss. His use of countermoves to get past opposing offensive linemen is rare for such a young player. He is constantly causing mayhem with huge hits.
3-TECHNIQUE DEFENSIVE TACKLE
CARSON TUJAGUE
Sophomore Carson Tujague is looking to capitalize on a huge first season as an Aggie.
As a redshirt freshman last season, Tujague played in 13 games with 12 starts and racked up an impressive 72 tackles, 4.0 tackles-for-loss. 0.5 sacks, 5 quarterback hurries, and 1 pass breakup.
During his 2-year career with the Aggies and byu, Tujague has played in 13 games with 12 starts and totaled 72 tackles, 4.0 tackles-for-loss. 0.5 sacks, 5 quarterback hurries, and 1 pass breakup.
According to 247sports, Tujague was rated as the 244th-best linebacker nationally and the 47th-best player in Virginia. He chose the Aggies over an offer from Wyoming. He originally held offers from byu (PWO), Florida International, and Navy.
Tujague is physically strong, and he uses that to push back opposing offensive linemen to get into the backfield. He was a linebacker in high school and still has the mobility and footspeed that will serve him well at the line of scrimmage. He initiates contact after the snap to gain the advantage and flies past opposing offensive linemen to disrupt plays. He stays low when moving around and doesn’t overpursue on plays. He has the versatility to play all over the defensive line at this level. He has the unteachable ability to hunt ball carriers and has a search-and-destroy mentality. His aggressive play on the field is really impressive.
TEVITA TUHA
Preferred walk-on junior Tevita Tuha will be a solid number two option here this season.
As a sophomore last season, Tuha played in 11 games and recorded 8 tackles and 1.0 tackle-for-loss.
During his 2-year career at Utah State and Snow Junior College (UT), Tuha has played in 20 games and totaled 30 tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss, 0.5 sacks, 1 pass breakup, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 3 blocked kicks.
Tuha chose the Aggies over offers from Eastern New Mexico and Murray State.
Tuha displays very active feet for a player his size. He does a good job of not getting caught up at the line of scrimmage. He keeps his head up and his eyes into the backfield. Once he locates the opposing ball carrier, he goes in for the play. He tackles well and is able to make tackles on his own using sound technique. He has the strength to pull away from an opposing offensive lineman. He is versatile enough to play both defensive tackle and defensive end. He has a non-stop motor and an infectious approach to the game that rubs off on his teammates.
RONNIE MAGEO
Ronnie Mageo is a transfer from Baylor University who will enter the 2026 season as a senior and use his final season of eligibility with the Aggies.
As a junior with the Bears last season, Mageo saw action in 4 games and was credited with 2 tackles.
During his 4-year career at Baylor and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MS), Mageo has played in 17 games with 9 starts and totaled 15 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, and 2.0 sacks.
According to On3 Sports, Mageo is rated as the 2,795th-best transfer portal player in the country and the 301st-best defensive tackle in the transfer portal. Utah State was his first scholarship offer, and he accepted not long after being offered. He originally held an offer from Baylor
Mageo is a physical tackler. He is very effective out in the flat and at the line of scrimmage. He is unusually agile for a player his size, and he shows a strong ability to change directions quickly. Once the ball is snapped, he is relentless in his pursuit of the ball. He eats up blocks and fights through double teams to significantly alter plays and make tackles. Once he gets into his pass rush, he does a good job of remaining active and engaged in the play while keeping his hands up to disrupt passing lanes. Thanks to his upper-level athleticism, he has the versatility to line up at multiple spots on the defensive line.
BRYAN VOGL
Adding depth to the position is junior preferred walk-on Bryan Vogl.
As a sophomore last season, Vogl spent the season on the Aggie practice squad.
During his 3-year career at Utah State, Vogl has not seen any action but has been an active participant on the Aggie practice squad.
Vogl chose the Aggies over an offer from Black Hills State.
Vogl has exceptional speed for a player at his position. He uses that speed to anticipate the snap and quickly knife into opposing backfields and disrupt plays before they get a chance to develop. He made a living creating tackles-for-loss his entire high school career. He relentlessly hunts opposing quarterbacks and running backs. He also has the athleticism to become a dynamic contributor on several special teams.
PROJECTED 2026 PRESEASON DEPTH CHART
1-TECHNIQUE NOSE TACKLE
00 Ta’avili Tuitama (6-1, 305, Sr., TR, 3)
92 Josh Papu (6-3, 290, So., SQ, NR)
00 Quincy Wright (6-2, 325, Sr., TR, 3*)
00 Tiki Bell (6-3, 335, Fr., HS, 3*)
3-TECHNIQUE DEFENSIVE TACKLE
28 Carson Tujague (6-3, 280, So., 1L, 3*)
55 Tevita Tuha (6-2, 270, Jr., 1L, NR)
00 Ronnie Mageo (6-5, 290, Sr., TR, 3*)
98 Bryan Vogl (6-2, 260, Jr., SQ, NR)
Coming up on Friday: Defensive Ends