During Week 1 of the 2026 UFL season, the Orlando Storm put together an impressive performance during their 23-16 home win against the Columbus Aviators. However, while the Storm decisively defeated their first opponent of the season, the Storm also encountered another opponent that is much more difficult to manage. That other opponent is the battle of attrition that every UFL will fight each week of the season.
Earlier this week, the Orlando Storm moved linebacker Andrew Parker to the injured reserve list which automatically holds him out for the next several games. In addition, linebacker Tavante Beckett has missed two practices this week due to an injury to his right knee. If Beckett, cannot play that Storm are already looking down the barrel of a need to rebuild their defensive front seven.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the Storm have added defensive tackle T.J. Pesefea Jr. according to UFL insider James Larsen.
A couple more #UFL roster additions, per @FOXSports roster page:
- DC #Defenders re-signed OT Matthew Foster (on top of the announced signing of OT Yasir Durant)
- Orlando #Storm re-signed DT T.J. Pesefea Jr.
Defenders badly needed help at OT. Durant back in action is HUGE.ā James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 1, 2026
Defensive tackle T.J. Pesefea Jr. has prior experience related to Orlando Storm head coach Anthony Becht. During the last two UFL seasons under defensive coordinator Donnie Abraham, Pesefea played in 18 games for the Saint Louis Battlehawks, along with Becht and Storm. While playing for the Battlehawks, Pesefea recorded 8 solo tackles, 12 assists, and 2.0 quarterback sacks.
Prior to joining the UFL, Pesefea Jr. spent time on the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad during the 2023 NFL season. Pesefea played college football at Arizona State, where he played in 40 games and registered 35 solo tackles, 41 assists, and 2.5 quarterback sacks. The Storm is bringing in support players on defense to fill in for their two linebackers, who have suffered injuries early in the 2026 season.
Pesefea brings a prototypical build for a nose guard or 1 technique, and he can establish himself as an immovable anchor in the middle of the Storm's defensive line. Pesefea has an explosive first step out of this stance and plays with a high motor, exhibiting the ability to control the middle gaps in a defensive front. However, Pesefea struggles to generate a strong pass rush from his interior defensive line position, which means he will likely be a situational player for the Storm's defense.
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