Olatunbosun "Tommy" Akingbesote (born February 25, 2003) is an American professional football player. He plays defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins and was selected by the Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL draft.
Early life.
Akingbesote was born on February 25, 2003, and grew up in District Heights, Maryland. He grew up playing basketball before switching to playing football as a junior at Charles Herbert Flowers High School as it gave him a better chance to receive a college scholarship. He was ranked a four-star prospect as well as a top-20 defensive lineman nationally, and Akingbesote committed to play college football for the Maryland Terrapins.
College career.
Akingbesote enrolled at Maryland in June 2021. As a freshman that year, he appeared in seven games, totaling three solo tackles. He appeared in 12 games, two as a starter, in 2022, posting 14 tackles and two sacks. He then recorded 28 tackles, two passes defended, a sack and a blocked field goal during the 2023 season. As a senior in 2024, he started all 12 games and was the leader among the team's defensive linemen with 32 tackles. He also recorded five tackles-for-loss (TFLs) and one sack. He competed at the 2025 East–West Shrine Bowl at the conclusion of his collegiate career. He finished his tenure at Maryland having appeared in 44 games, recording 77 tackles, eight TFLs, four sacks and two passes defended.
Professional career.
Akingbesote was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round (247th overall) of the 2025 NFL draft.