Luther Elliss

Biography

Defensive Tackles 5th Year Former Utah All-American Luther Elliss enters his fifth season as the Utes’ defensive tackles coach after being named to the role in January 2022. In his time with the program, Elliss’ players have earned five All-Conference and two Freshman All-America awards. In 2025, Elliss' group was led by Jonah Lea'ea (38 tackles, 2.5 TFL) and Aliki Vimahi (30 tackles, 2.5 TFL), helping a group that ranked 16th in scoring defense, allowing just 18.7 points per game. Anchored in the middle by the duo of Junior Tafuna and Keanu Tanuvasa, the Utes began a new era in 2024 in the Big 12. Both picked up All-Conference laurels after Utah posted a top-three conference ranking in total defense, points allowed and TFL per game, while also placing fourth in the Big 12 in rushing defense. With that duo of players instrumental in 2023, the defensive tackles room put on a season that culminated with the program’s 10th straight season of bowl eligibility—even as the injury bug hit virtually every position group on the team. Tafuna was voted Pac-12 All-Conference for the third straight season, while Tanuvasa earned CFN Freshman All-America Honorable Mention. Utah was once again among the nation’s toughest teams to beat on the ground. With the guys in the trenches leading the charge, the Utes had the fourth-leading rushing defense in FBS allowing 82.8 yards per game. It included 3.1 yards allowed per rush attempt, ranking sixth-fewest of all Power Conference programs. As a gro