Jacob Ponton
Texas Tech#182 overallScouting Report
Jacob Ponton is one of the largest offensive tackles in the 2027 class, a former 3-star recruit who has already worked his way into Texas Tech's starting tackle rotation after a redshirt year. Listed between 6-7 and 6-8 and up to roughly 315 pounds after a reported 25-pound addition for the 2025 season, he wins a fair number of reps on length and mass alone and has learned to use that reach to his advantage. Vikings Wire's summer scouting report on his Utah, BYU and Oregon tape frames him as a piece of clay with real moldability left, noting that he has played only 18 games and is still scratching the surface. The best part of his game right now is how quickly he moves for his frame: the kick-out step is clean, he keeps his balance through the set, and he flashes the athleticism to reach and climb when the offense asks him to move. When he gets his hands fastened he is very hard to shed, and he has shown he can sit down and anchor against power rushers rather than get walked into the quarterback. His career tape backs up the run game as his stronger half, ahead of his pass protection. He allowed 6 sacks and 26 total pressures on that workload, a 4.5 percent pressure rate that says the pass sets are still uneven rep to rep. He was called for 10 penalties on 1,042 career snaps, so there is technique and timing cleanup ahead of him. Draft Scout still lists him as a future Day 3 name on a long development runway, which reflects both the age of the profile and how little tape exists. With Texas Tech expected in big games again in 2026, the exposure is there for him to prove the traits translate against better edge rushers.
NFL Comparison
Of his 20 closest coming out: 0 stars, 7 starters, 11 backups, 2 didn't stick.
Draft Movement
Up 3 spots since Aug 17
Strengths
- Rare size for the position at 6-7 or better and roughly 315 pounds after adding 25 pounds for 2025
- Quick footwork to kick out of his stance without losing balance in the set
- Moves unusually well for his frame and shows the athleticism off when asked to reach or climb
- Strong grip, once he fastens on a rusher he keeps him squared in front of him
- Anchors well against power and can sit down on a rush rather than give ground
- Uses his length to win reps early and beat rushers to the contact point
- Better run blocker than pass blocker on tape
- Already durable and available, 18 games and 1,042 career snaps before his third season
Weaknesses
- Pass protection lags well behind the run game
- Gave up 6 sacks and 26 pressures on 572 pass blocking snaps, a 4.5 percent pressure rate
- 10 penalties on 1,042 snaps points to hand placement and timing that still need cleaning
- Very little tape to judge, only 18 career games played
- Still a developmental prospect rather than a finished technician, described as moldable clay
- Needed a significant weight addition to hold up, so the frame is still filling in
- Has not yet been tested week to week against top-tier edge rushers
College Stats
Career through 2025: 18 games, 470 run blocking snaps, 572 pass blocking snaps, 6 sacks allowed, 26 pressures allowed, 4.5 percent pressure rate, 10 penalties on 1,042 snaps
College Market Value
Our model prices him at $621K on the open college market, built from production, pedigree, role and Texas Tech's program money. No credible deal has been reported for him this season.
Every P4 player priced, math public: College players & NIL · Roster spend
Measurables
Awards & Honors
Honorable Mention All-Big 12 (2025); FWAA Freshman All-America Team as a redshirt freshman; All-District 26-6A first team in each of his final two high school seasons