Meet Jesu”lay”omi Ojutalayo, a top wide receiver prospect from Wilfrid Laurier University heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.
Name: Jesu”lay”omi Ojutalayo
Position: Wide Receiver
College: Wilfrid Laurier University
Height: 6’3
Weight: 205
Twitter: @layskillz11
Instagram: @j.ojutalayo
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?
My ability to bring multiple aspects to the game as a receiver, not only in the pass-catching side of playing football. As my time at Laurier with a group of very talented receivers, I needed to separate myself. My physical dominance in the run game allowed me to add into our run game scheme and paint a new picture in front of defensive coordinators’ eyes, creating another layer into our offence. My skills as a leader and my grit are abilities I’ve developed as a person and player.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
One thing NFL teams should know about me is the type of competitor I am. I love it when the stakes are high. I love the game-week prep. I love the offseason grind. I carry the mentality to never feel sorry for myself. The results I get are from the efforts I put into my training and film study. The rest is through the faith I have through Christ.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
If there is one cause in the world I would be able to donate to support, it would have to be sickle cell research. This is something that is very close to me, as my cousin currently has it. I know how much pain and suffering it has caused their family, so to be able to help that cause and hopefully lead to better treatments would be ideal.
Who was your role model?
My role model would have to be my dad because he has always pushed me to be the best version of myself and he leads by example showing me if I want anything I got to work for it
Who is your favorite NFL team?
Las Vegas Raiders
Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?
Jaxon Stebbings – another receiver on my team. His actions reflect the type of leader and player he is. He is a silent leader who people on the team respect because we can always count on him to be hardworking and put the team first. He is the definition of consistency.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who complain while they have control to affect the situation/outcome, but would rather complain than put action into improving the society.
Who is your favorite teacher ever?
Mr. Eduful – he is my favourite teacher, although he only taught me in summer school while I was fast-tracking to graduate early. The memories and lessons I have received from him are things I will never forget. He showed me how to be a man, strive for my goals, and has always been in my corner.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character. What was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
I would say my first three years at Laurier were the hardest moments of my life because it was a very humbling experience. My whole life I’ve been the best student and the best athlete. So when I got to school, that wasn’t the case—there were a lot of versions of me out there. I thought I was one of thousands, or so I thought. I was very new to football, so when I got to Laurier, I was the worst receiver on the team due to my limited football experience. I spent year one on scout team and being game-day ball boy. Second year, I spent on scout team but earned a spot on special teams, which was frustrating as guys in my class had already become starters. I realized I needed to create a plan to get better, which included meeting with my offensive coordinator weekly, watching film with him, working on hand-eye coordination—everything to improve my game. Which led me to start my third year. It was a mental battle for sure, but I couldn’t let that stop me.
If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house, what would it be?
Any type of seafood restaurant—shrimp, lobster, crab, oysters, you name it.
What is your favorite snack food?
My favourite snack food would have to be Oreo McFlurry with apple pie chunks.
What is your degree in?
I’m currently in Economics with minors in Geography and Leadership.
If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
• Jesus – someone who I think about in my daily life. He is the ultimate example of a role model. I would ask how to navigate life and live it with no regrets.
• Michael Strahan – he is someone who was able to leverage his successful football career into a successful entertainment career as well. The truth is, football won’t be forever, and it’s not guaranteed.
• Julio Jones – one of the best to ever do it. As a bigger-body type receiver, I would love to learn more about how to leverage that to strengthen my game.
What is your biggest weakness?
My biggest weakness would have to be expecting my work ethic from other people, which can be frustrating at times. But I’m learning to understand that’s how some people operate. I need to be locked in and focused on the game ahead, while others may play their best football with a laissez-faire approach—and that’s what’s great about life and football. Something that works for me might not for someone else, and vice versa.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at [email protected]
