Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson Bio
Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson is an American professional football cornerback who currently plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. Born on January 10, 2000, in Waco, Texas, he attended Midway High School before playing college football for the TCU Horned Frogs. During his collegiate career, Hodges-Tomlinson established himself as one of the top defensive backs in the nation, earning multiple all-conference honors and winning the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award in 2022 as the country’s top collegiate defensive back. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft and has since competed at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson was born on January 10, 2000, in Waco, Texas, where he grew up in a football environment that would shape his future career. His family connection to professional football runs deep, as he is the nephew of Hall of Fame NFL running back LaDainian Tomlinson, one of the greatest running backs in league history. This family legacy provided inspiration and guidance throughout his development as a young athlete.
Tomlinson attended Midway High School in Waco, Texas, where he developed into a standout defensive player. His performance as a cornerback at the high school level attracted attention from college programs across the country, showcasing the cover skills and football instincts that would define his collegiate career. The competitive Texas high school football scene prepared him for the challenges ahead.
Following his senior season at Midway High School, Hodges-Tomlinson made the decision to continue his football career close to home, committing to Texas Christian University to play for the TCU Horned Frogs. This choice allowed him to remain in Texas while joining a program known for developing NFL talent.
Path to American Football
At TCU, Hodges-Tomlinson began his collegiate career as a freshman in 2019, appearing in 12 games and recording eight tackles. This initial season served as a learning period as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of Big 12 Conference football. He demonstrated the fundamentals of defensive back play while contributing on special teams and in nickel packages.
The 2020 season marked a significant step forward when Tomlinson earned a starting role in the TCU secondary. He started all 10 games that season, accumulating 26 tackles and establishing himself as a reliable presence in the Horned Frogs’ defensive backfield. His ability to handle the responsibilities of a starting cornerback became evident through his consistent performance against some of the nation’s top receiving corps.
By his junior year in 2021, Hodges-Tomlinson had emerged as a playmaker for TCU. In 12 games, he recorded 41 tackles, two interceptions and a touchdown, demonstrating his ability to make game-changing plays in addition to his coverage responsibilities. The 2022 senior season represented the culmination of his collegiate development, as he delivered his most complete season and captured national recognition.
Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson Career
Los Angeles Rams (2023-2024)
Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 182nd overall pick. His selection represented the realization of his dream to play professional football. As a rookie, Tomlinson appeared in 15 games during the 2023 season, recording 13 total tackles while learning the nuances of the NFL game. The transition from the Big 12 Conference to professional football required adjustments to faster receivers and more sophisticated offensive schemes.
The 2024 season brought a setback when Tomlinson was placed on season-ending injured reserve on August 27, 2024. This injury abbreviated his second professional campaign and required a focused rehabilitation effort. The experience tested his mental resilience and dedication to the sport. On March 6, 2025, the Rams waived Tomlinson, ending his tenure with the organization that had drafted him.
San Francisco 49ers (2025-Present)
On March 7, 2025, Tomlinson was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco 49ers, providing him with an immediate opportunity to continue his NFL career with a franchise known for its defensive excellence. The 49ers’ secondary has historically featured some of the league’s top cornerbacks, and Tomlinson worked to establish his role within their defensive system. He was waived on May 9, 2025, and reverted to injured reserve before being waived again on April 30, 2026.
Playing Style and Strengths
Hodges-Tomlinson plays the cornerback position with quickness, agility and competitive toughness. Listed at 5 feet 9 inches and 177 pounds, he compensates for his lack of ideal height with exceptional footwork and the ability to stay phase with receivers throughout their routes. His instincts allow him to read quarterbacks’ intentions and break on passes effectively. His college honors demonstrate his capability to match up against top collegiate receiving talent in high-pressure situations.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
The pinnacle of Hodges-Tomlinson’s career came in 2022 when he won the Jim Thorpe Award, establishing him as the premier defensive back in college football. His first-team All-American selection that same year confirmed his status as a top-tier professional prospect. His three consecutive first-team All-Big 12 selections from 2020 through 2022 reflected sustained excellence against some of the nation’s most prolific passing offenses. His draft selection by the Rams represented the achievement of his professional football dream.
College Career Highlights
Throughout his four seasons at TCU, Hodges-Tomlinson appeared in 46 games and recorded 83 total tackles, establishing himself as one of the most decorated defensive backs in Horned Frogs history. His progression from a role player as a freshman to a consensus All-American as a senior demonstrated his dedication to improvement and his ability to elevate his game when the stakes were highest.
TCU Horned Frogs (2019-2022)
The 2022 season represented the culmination of Hodges-Tomlinson’s collegiate career. Winning the Jim Thorpe Award placed him among elite company in college football history, joining the ranks of the nation’s top defensive backs. His performance throughout that season featured clutch plays in critical moments and consistent excellence in coverage. His first-team All-American recognition validated what opposing coaches had observed throughout his TCU career.
Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson comes from an athletic family with deep roots in professional football. His uncle, LaDainian Tomlinson, achieved Hall of Fame status during his NFL career, primarily with the San Diego Chargers, where he established numerous franchise and league records as a running back. This family connection to professional football provided Tre’Vius with firsthand insight into the demands and expectations of playing at the highest levels of the sport.
Personal Life
Born and raised in Waco, Texas, Hodges-Tomlinson represents the tradition of elite football talent that emerges from the Lone Star State. His journey from Midway High School to TCU to the NFL exemplifies the pathway that many professional players follow. He maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his official accounts on X and Instagram.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional chapter in Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson’s professional career as he joined the San Francisco 49ers organization. Claimed off waivers in March, he worked to establish himself within the 49ers’ defensive scheme and compete for playing time in their secondary. The opportunity to play for a franchise with championship aspirations provided motivation for continued development.
Throughout the early portion of the 2025 season, Tomlinson focused on mastering the 49ers’ defensive concepts while demonstrating the coverage abilities that had earned him All-American honors in college. The mentorship of experienced defensive backs within the organization offered valuable insights into the technical and tactical aspects of NFL cornerback play. His professional approach and work ethic positioned him for continued opportunities within the league.
Looking ahead, Hodges-Tomlinson continues working to establish himself as a reliable NFL cornerback capable of contributing to a championship-caliber defense. His collegiate accolades, professional experience and athletic pedigree provide a foundation for continued growth at the professional level. The 2025 season represents another step in his journey to fulfill his potential in the National Football League.