Sione Lolohea came very close to remaining with the Oregon State football program, as it turns out. The former defensive lineman disclosed on Wednesday that he entered the transfer portal just three hours before it closed, marking one of the final, and among the most impactful, departures in an eventful offseason.
Lolohea, who progressed from an underrated three-star recruit to earning second-team all-Pac-12 honors last season, ultimately decided to transfer to Florida State, following in the footsteps of quarterback DJ Uiagalelei in the move from Corvallis to Tallahassee. Speaking publicly for the first time since his transfer, Lolohea participated in a 15-minute Q&A session with reporters covering Florida State.
The two-year starter at Oregon State, known for being their most disruptive player on the defensive line last season, revealed that he considered several schools for his final year of eligibility, including USC, Michigan State, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma State. However, he chose Florida State because he resonated with the coaching energy of Mike Norvell and believed the Seminoles were best positioned to help him develop into an NFL prospect.
Lolohea discussed various topics during his interview, including his limited background in Florida, his connection with DJ Uiagalelei, and his reasons for choosing Florida State. He highlighted the importance of development in his decision-making process and expressed his eagerness to improve his pass rush skills. Additionally, he shared insights into his unique journey from Tonga to the United States and his transition to life in Tallahassee.
Reflecting on his football career, Lolohea emphasized the challenges of learning the game after growing up playing rugby in Tonga. He detailed his versatile role in high school and the support he received from legendary coach Siuaki Livai in Hawaii. He also expressed pride in representing Tonga and his gratitude for the opportunities football has provided him.
Lolohea’s decision to transfer to Florida State was not easy, considering the short timeframe he had to make a decision and the other schools vying for his commitment. Ultimately, he was impressed by Florida State’s ability to transfer most of his credits and their commitment to his development as a player.
In closing, Lolohea expressed his excitement about joining Florida State’s defensive line and praised Coach Norvell for his infectious energy and dedication to player improvement. He acknowledged his rapid growth as a football player since starting at age 16 and looked forward to making the most of his final year at Florida State.
