Gavin Ortega

Gavin Ortega, who has two brothers, grew up in northwest Washington with his parents (BJ and Marjorie Ortega). He was a three-sport standout at Sehome High School (where his father also played football), lettering in baseball, basketball and football. He played both ways at left tackle and defensive tackle and was named lineman of the year as a senior. He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a freshman in high school. A three-star recruit, Ortega didn’t receive any FBS offers, so he committed to Weber State over Eastern Washington and Idaho State. He became the starting right tackle as a sophomore before moving to left tackle for his junior and senior seasons, earning All-America status in 2025. Ortega has passable size for a tackle, with adequate length and bulk on his frame. He can roll his hips into contact and uses stubborn hands to stay connected in the run game. In pass protection, he stays balanced and patient mid-slide to answer different types of pass rushers. His anchor shows cracks, but most times, he can rework his hands and sit down versus power. His finishing attitude shows in both phases, and his football character is A-plus (NFL scout: “Leader of the O-line room … high care factor and his teammates feed off that.”). Overall, Ortega doesn’t have high-level size or power, but he operates well within the confines of his body and has the athleticism and competitive toughness required for the next level. He can stay at tackle, but might be a better guard.