Ochaun Mathis Bio
Ochaun Mathis (born January 8, 1999) is an American professional football defensive end who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 260 pounds, Mathis has developed into a versatile pass rusher during his young professional career. He entered the NFL in 2023 after being selected in the sixth round of the NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. Mathis played college football at both Texas Christian University (TCU) and the University of Nebraska, earning Second-team All-Big 12 honors in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons while with the Horned Frogs.
Early Life and Background
Ochaun Mathis grew up in Manor, Texas, where he attended Manor High School. During his high school career, Mathis established himself as a talented defensive player, earning recognition as a three-star recruit by major college programs. His performance on the field attracted attention from several prominent college football programs across the state.
Upon completing high school, Mathis received scholarship offers from multiple universities, ultimately choosing to continue his football career at Texas Christian University. He selected TCU over notable programs including Oklahoma, the University of Texas, and Texas Tech. This decision marked the beginning of his journey toward professional football.
Path to American Football
Mathis arrived at TCU in 2018 and immediately began his collegiate career with the Horned Frogs. He appeared in four games as a true freshman before utilizing a redshirt, preserving a year of eligibility while gaining valuable experience at the Division I level. This initial season provided him with exposure to college football speed and intensity.
His redshirt freshman campaign in 2019 showed significant promise, as Mathis recorded 40 tackles with nine tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. These numbers demonstrated his ability to disrupt opposing offenses and established him as a player to watch on TCU’s defensive line. The development of his pass-rushing skills during this period would become a hallmark of his playing style.
Ochaun Mathis Career
TCU Breakthrough (2018–2021)
Mathis experienced his breakthrough season in 2020 when he emerged as one of the top defensive ends in the Big 12 Conference. He recorded 46 tackles with 14 tackles for loss and led the team with nine sacks. His dominant performance earned him Second-team All-Big 12 recognition, validating his development into an impact player. His ability to collapse the pocket and pressure quarterbacks became a critical component of TCU’s defensive scheme.
He followed up his 2020 campaign with another strong season in 2021, compiling 45 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and four sacks while again earning Second-team All-Big 12 honors. The consistency of his production across two seasons demonstrated his reliability and work ethic. Following the conclusion of the 2021 season, Mathis entered the NCAA transfer portal seeking a new opportunity.
Nebraska Transfer (2022)
After exploring options in the transfer portal, Mathis ultimately chose to continue his college career at the University of Nebraska. The move to the Cornhuskers represented a new chapter in his development, allowing him to compete in the Big Ten Conference against different competition. This transition tested his adaptability and football intelligence as he learned a new defensive system.
Los Angeles Rams (2023)
Mathis declared for the 2023 NFL Draft following his senior season. The Los Angeles Rams selected him in the sixth round with the 189th overall pick. The draft selection was notable because the Rams had acquired this pick in a trade with the Tennessee Titans that sent wide receiver Robert Woods to Tennessee. Mathis began his professional career with the Rams, joining a franchise with a history of developing defensive talent.
He was placed on injured reserve on September 1, 2023, during final roster cuts, which temporarily halted his rookie season progress. Mathis was later activated from injured reserve on October 7, 2023, allowing him to rejoin the team and continue his integration into the NFL. This early-career adversity tested his mental resilience and commitment to his craft.
New England Patriots (2024)
On August 25, 2024, Mathis was waived by the Rams as part of roster adjustments. He quickly found a new opportunity, signing with the New England Patriots practice squad on August 30, 2024. The move to New England placed him in a different conference and defensive scheme. Mathis demonstrated continued improvement, earning a promotion to the Patriots active roster on October 29, 2024. However, his tenure with New England ended on November 19, 2024, when he was released.
Philadelphia Eagles (2024–2025)
Mathis signed with the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad on November 22, 2024. The Eagles were in the midst of a championship season, and Mathis contributed to the team’s success throughout the playoff run. Philadelphia defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22 in Super Bowl LIX, earning Mathis his first Super Bowl championship ring. This victory represented a significant milestone in his professional career. Mathis signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles on February 14, 2025, securing his place with the organization for the following season. However, he was waived by Philadelphia on August 26, 2025, as part of final roster cuts.
Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Jets (2025)
Following his release from Philadelphia, Mathis joined the Tennessee Titans practice squad on October 21, 2025. His stint with Tennessee was brief, as he was released on October 28, 2025. Mathis then signed with the Cleveland Browns practice squad on November 11, 2025. He remained with the Browns through early December before being released on December 9, 2025. On December 16, 2025, Mathis signed with the New York Jets practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with New York on January 5, 2026, indicating the team’s interest in his long-term development. However, the Jets waived Mathis on May 11, 2026, making him available for other teams.
Playing Style and Strengths
Mathis possesses ideal size for an NFL defensive end at 6 feet 5 inches and 260 pounds. His frame allows him to set the edge against the run while also possessing the explosiveness to rush the quarterback. Throughout his college career at TCU, he demonstrated a high motor and the ability to make plays in the backfield. His experience in multiple defensive systems at both TCU and Nebraska shows his adaptability and football intelligence.
Notable Events and Milestones
The highlight of Mathis’s professional career came when he won Super Bowl LIX with the Philadelphia Eagles in February 2025. This championship victory marked the culmination of his journey from a three-star high school recruit to an NFL champion. His career has been characterized by adaptability, having played for six different teams in his first three professional seasons while continuing to work toward a more permanent role in the league.
Ochaun Mathis Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2023 to 2026, Mathis has appeared on multiple teams while working to establish himself as a consistent contributor. His professional statistics reflect his role as a situational player early in his career.
NFL Regular Season Statistics
Mathis has recorded limited statistics through his first three professional seasons. His career totals include 5 total tackles and 1 forced fumble across regular season play. These numbers represent his contributions in limited defensive snaps while primarily featuring on practice squads and special teams units.
| Season | Team | Total Tackles | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Los Angeles Rams | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | New England Patriots / Philadelphia Eagles | 5 | 1 |
| 2025 | Tennessee Titans / Cleveland Browns / New York Jets | 0 | 0 |
Ochaun Mathis Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding Mathis’s family background and parental athletic history is not extensively documented in available sources. He grew up in Manor, Texas, and attended Manor High School, where his football talents first became evident to college scouts.
Personal Life
Mathis maintains an active presence on social media, with an Instagram account under the handle shownuf_32. Beyond his football career, limited personal information has been made publicly available. He continues to pursue opportunities in the NFL while developing his skills at the professional level.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a period of transition for Mathis as he navigated through multiple organizations. After beginning the year with the Philadelphia Eagles and winning Super Bowl LIX, he was waived during final roster cuts in August. This began a pattern of short-term stints with different teams throughout the season.
Mathis spent time with the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Jets practice squads throughout the latter portion of 2025. While he did not accumulate significant statistics during these appearances, his ability to remain on NFL rosters demonstrated his value as a developmental defensive end with positional versatility. His signing of a reserve/future contract with the Jets in January 2026 indicated ongoing interest from NFL teams despite his journeyman trajectory.
The 2025 campaign highlighted both the challenges and opportunities present in the NFL. Mathis’s championship experience with the Eagles provided him with a winning foundation, while his continued roster presence across multiple teams showed his determination to maintain his professional football career. His journey reflects the competitive nature of the NFL and the perseverance required to remain in the league as a young player.