Roster Rundown | Defensive Line

Louisiana Tech opens the 2025 season at home on August 30 against Southeastern Louisiana.

With kickoff fast approaching, we’re diving headfirst into an in-depth look at every position on the roster. Over the next few weeks, you’ll meet 50+ new Bulldogs, get insider nuggets, and maybe even a few bold predictions.

Next, turn your attention to a revamped defensive line that returns only a limited portion of last season’s production.

Roster Holdovers (5)

Zion Nason (6’2, 293) | Nason enters the 2025 season as the clear veteran leader of the Tech defensive line, bringing with him 22 games of collegiate experience. The Canton, Mississippi native was sidelined for the first nine games of 2024 due to academic issues but made a late-season return, registering five tackles over the final four contests. With his experience, Nason is expected to anchor the Bulldogs’ defense as the starting nose tackle.

Christian Davis (6’3, 328) | A Ruston native, Davis transferred to Louisiana Tech from Northwestern State ahead of the 2024 season and made an immediate impact. The 328-pound nose tackle appeared in all 13 games, capping the year with a season-high four tackles in the Independence Bowl against Army. In 2025, Davis is expected to share nose tackle duties with veteran lineman Nason.

Jacob Bradford (6’1, 290) | Jacob, the younger brother of former Louisiana Tech defensive lineman Jordan Bradford, recorded two tackles in the Bulldogs’ Independence Bowl matchup against Army last December. The Pass Christian, Mississippi native is expected to be part of the two-deep rotation on the defensive line in 2025.

Judd Rouyea (6’2, 267) | Rouyea, a former walk-on out of Catholic High School, enters his third season with the Bulldogs and is making a strong push for a starting role. He saw action in 12 games as a reserve last season and recorded a tackle in the Independence Bowl against Army. Rouyea is positioning himself as a key contributor on the defensive front in 2025 due to a high motor that is always running hot.

Trevell Vivians (6’2, 311) | Vivians joined the Bulldogs from Hinds Community College ahead of the 2024 season. The imposing nose tackle redshirted during his first year in Ruston, using the time to develop within the program.

New Faces (9)

Donovan Rieman (6’4, 265) | Rieman arrives at Louisiana Tech from Kansas State with two years of eligibility remaining. The Enid, Oklahoma native appeared in five games over three seasons with the Wildcats. Rieman is currently projected to be part of the two-deep rotation at defensive end for the 2025 season.

Emmanuel Oguns (6’5, 260) | Oguns brings a physical edge to the Bulldogs’ defensive line after spending the 2022 season at Lamar and the past two seasons at Tyler Junior College. Now in Ruston with two years of eligibility remaining, the disruptive defensive end is expected to compete for — and likely secure — a starting role when the 2025 season kicks off.

Lane Condry (6’4, 270) | Condry spent his freshman season at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, where he recorded 10 tackles across seven games. In 2025, he’s expected to add depth to the Bulldogs’ defensive line rotation.

Caleb Sims (6’5, 276) | Sims joins Louisiana Tech from Texas A&M–Commerce with one year of eligibility remaining. He tallied 16 tackles over 12 games for the Lions last season and is expected to provide experienced depth along the Bulldogs’ defensive line in 2025.

Jayden Madkins (6’2, 275) | Madkins arrives at Louisiana Tech from Tyler Junior College with two years of eligibility remaining. After a highly productive season with the Apaches — where he posted 47 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks — Madkins carried that momentum into spring camp, quickly generating buzz within the program. His strong performance has positioned him as a potential impact player on the Bulldogs’ defensive front in 2025.

Amery Edwards (6’2, 285) | Edwards, an Alexandria native, joins the Bulldogs from Co-Lin Community College. He is expected to add depth to the interior of Louisiana Tech’s defensive line.

Kaleb Coleman (6’4, 255) | Coleman arrives in Ruston from Texas A&M–Commerce with three years of eligibility remaining. The Trophy Club, Texas native brings impressive athleticism to the Bulldogs’ defensive line and has the potential to develop into a formidable pass rusher.

Jojo Odom (6’4, 265) | Odom, a member of the Class of 2025, signed with the Bulldogs out of Jasper High School in Parrish, Alabama. Weighing in at 265 pounds, he is notably more physically developed than the typical high school signee, giving him a head start as he transitions to the college level.

Daylin Page (6’4, 236) | Page, a member of the Class of 2025, signed with Louisiana Tech out of North Forrest High School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Known for his length and athleticism, Page was ranked as the No. 33 player in Mississippi during the most recent recruiting cycle, bringing exciting potential to the Bulldogs’ defensive line.