Tommy Eichenberg Bio
Tommy Eichenberg (born January 11, 2001) is an American professional football linebacker for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Raiders in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 148th overall pick. Eichenberg played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2019 to 2023, where he established himself as one of the top linebackers in college football. He earned Big Ten Linebacker of the Year honors in 2023 and was a two-time First-team All-Big Ten selection. Eichenberg enters the 2025 season as a developing defender looking to cement his role in the Raiders’ linebacker rotation.
Early Life and Background
Tommy Eichenberg was born on January 11, 2001, in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland, where he developed into a highly decorated football player. As a senior, Eichenberg recorded 126 tackles, eight sacks, 23 tackles for loss, and five pass breakups. His dominant performance earned him first-team All-Ohio honors. Eichenberg was rated as a four-star recruit coming out of high school.
Eichenberg initially committed to play college football at Boston College but reopened his recruitment during his senior year of high school. He ultimately chose Ohio State over offers from several major programs, including Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa, and Kentucky.
Path to American Football
Upon arriving at Ohio State in 2019, Eichenberg redshirted his true freshman season after appearing in only four games. The experience allowed him to adjust to the college level while developing his skills in practice. He continued to work hard and prepared himself for expanded opportunities in subsequent seasons.
Eichenberg earned a starting position at linebacker entering his junior year in 2021. He made an immediate impact, finishing the season second on the team with 64 tackles. His performance demonstrated his ability to be a reliable defender at the collegiate level and set the stage for his breakthrough campaign the following year.
Tommy Eichenberg Career
Ohio State Years (2019–2023)
Eichenberg became a full-time starter at linebacker during the 2021 season, showing promise as a tackling machine and defensive leader. The following year, he delivered a career-defining performance in the 2022 Rose Bowl against Utah. Eichenberg made 17 total tackles and earned Defensive MVP honors as Ohio State edged Utah 48–45 in a thrilling victory. The performance showcased his ability to make crucial plays in high-pressure situations.
His senior season in 2023 represented the pinnacle of his college career. Eichenberg led the Big Ten in tackles and earned the conference’s Linebacker of the Year award, becoming just the second Ohio State linebacker to achieve that distinction since 2014. He also received First-team All-Big Ten honors for the second consecutive year. Eichenberg completed his Ohio State career as one of the most accomplished linebackers in program history.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2024–Present)
Eichenberg was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 148th overall pick. The selection marked the beginning of his professional career, and he signed a four-year contract with the organization shortly after being drafted. He joined a Raiders defense looking to rebuild its linebacker corps with young talent.
As a rookie in 2024, Eichenberg appeared in five games while learning the professional game. He contributed primarily on special teams units while also developing as a backup inside linebacker. His education at Ohio State, particularly his experience in complex defensive schemes, helped accelerate his transition to the NFL level.
Playing Style and Strengths
Eichenberg excels at diagnosing plays and reading the action in front of him. His football intelligence allows him to anticipate running lanes and get himself in position to make stops. He is a physical tackler who wraps up well and brings intensity to the middle of the defense. In coverage, he shows the ability to match up against running backs and tight ends in underneath zones. His experience at Ohio State prepared him to handle sophisticated defensive systems at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
The 2022 Rose Bowl victory stands as a career milestone for Eichenberg. His 17-tackle performance against Utah earned him Defensive MVP honors and announced his arrival as a difference-maker on the national stage. In 2023, his interception against Purdue proved to be a critical turning point in a close victory, demonstrating his ability to make game-changing plays. The Big Ten Linebacker of the Year award in 2023 validated his status as the top linebacker in one of college football’s premier conferences.
Tommy Eichenberg Career Statistics
Across his college and professional career, Eichenberg has accumulated significant tackle totals and contributed to multiple championship-caliber defenses. His consistency and durability have been hallmarks of his football career.
College Highlights
During his Ohio State career, Eichenberg appeared in 38 games and made over 170 total tackles. His most productive season came in 2023 when he led the conference in tackles and earned conference-wide recognition as the best linebacker in the Big Ten. The 2022 Rose Bowl MVP award highlighted his ability to perform in marquee games against top competition. His 23 career tackles for loss demonstrated his ability to disrupt opposing offenses behind the line of scrimmage.
NFL Statistics
Through the 2025 NFL season, Eichenberg has recorded 49 total tackles and one pass deflection. His rookie campaign provided a foundation, and he continues to build upon that as he gains more experience in the professional game.
| Competition | Tackles | Pass Deflections | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL (2024–2025) | 49 | 1 | 0 |
Tommy Eichenberg Family
Family Background
Football runs deep in the Eichenberg family. Tommy comes from an athletic family with strong football tradition. His older brother, Liam Eichenberg, played college football at Notre Dame and currently suits up for the Miami Dolphins in the NFL. The Eichenberg brothers both reached the professional level, a testament to their dedication and talent.
Personal Life
Tommy maintains strong ties to his Cleveland roots. His upbringing in Ohio and experience playing for prestigious programs like Saint Ignatius High School and Ohio State shaped his approach to football and life. His brother Liam has remained a supportive figure throughout Tommy’s journey from high school standout to NFL professional.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks Eichenberg’s second year with the Las Vegas Raiders and an opportunity to take on a larger role within the defensive unit. Working under coordinator Patrick Graham, Eichenberg has shown continued improvement in his ability to read offenses and fill running lanes. His work ethic and football IQ have drawn positive reviews from coaches and teammates alike.
Through the early portion of the 2025 season, Eichenberg has accumulated 49 tackles while adapting to the speed and complexity of professional football. His coverage skills have progressed, and he has shown the ability to stay on the field for multiple defensive packages. The Raiders’ coaching staff has trusted him with increased responsibilities as the season has progressed.
Looking ahead, Eichenberg aims to establish himself as a reliable three-down linebacker capable of anchoring the middle of the Raiders’ defense. His development will be crucial as Las Vegas looks to build a more consistent defensive identity. With his track record of continuous improvement from high school through college, Eichenberg possesses the foundation to become a longtime contributor in the NFL.