Four years ago, in Decorah, Iowa, defensive lineman Joe Hjelle’s journey had just begun. He had received his diploma from Decorah High School and wrapped up his final football season as a Viking. As many high school athletes were receiving offers to play at the next level, Hjelle knew he needed an extra step; he wasn’t quite ready. He was young and aware that success at the Division I level is never guaranteed, so he created his own journey, beginning at the JUCO level.
Hjelle’s determination to reach Division I college football began with his decision to attend Iowa Western Community College. For Hjelle, the Reivers provided what he needed: the opportunity to develop in a great program, and more simply, the opportunity to play.
“Just being a part of a great program like Iowa Western and having all these great players in front of me and learning from them as well, really helped me become the best player I can be,” said Hjelle.
Coming out of high school, Hjelle was undersized as a defensive lineman. At 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds, Hjelle knew he had some work to do. As a two-star prospect, Hjelle never exaggerated who he was as a player; he knew exactly how scouts perceived him and what he needed to do to become better, and it began in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
“So coming out of high school, going the junior college route, was a very big step in my development as a football player,” Hjelle said. “I feel like in high school I was a little smaller and did not have the experience or tools yet to play at this level. And going that junior college route really helped me grow as a football player.”
Over the course of two seasons at Iowa Western, Hjelle seemed to find his footing, adapt, and develop. Some of those learning curves came during practice as he redshirted his initial season. However, in 2023, Hjelle became a key piece to the Reivers’ success. He played in 10 games, totaling 29 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 11.0 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. He helped bring the Reivers to a 12-1 record and a back-to-back NJCAA National Championship title.
After an impressive season, Tulsa came knocking, and in December of 2023, Hjelle committed to the Golden Hurricanes. In his first season at Tulsa, Hjelle played in all 12 games and tallied 19 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. In 2025, the country saw the full force of who Hjelle could become. He appeared in all 12 games and recorded 46 tackles, one sack, and 4.5 tackles for loss. Hjelle’s development had clearly taken him far during his 2025 season at Tulsa, but he wasn’t done yet. He still had one thing to check off his list: a Power Four roster spot.
As a lone transfer portal addition to the interior defensive line, Hjelle arrives in Bloomington to compete alongside veterans Tyrique Tucker and Mario Landino. He has added an extra 30 pounds to his frame since starting his career at the JUCO level, now checking in at 318 pounds. Although it seems as if Hjelle has reached the mountaintop as a Hoosier, his goals remain unchanged: become better than yesterday.
When discussing the talent of Indiana’s offensive line and competing against them, Hjelle said, “It’s been fun to go against them because they are going to make you better as a player. They are going to make everyone better.”
Hjelle will likely rotate in for Landino when needed. He offers versatility, athleticism, and veteran ability to the defensive line room. During fall camp, Hjelle spoke about the qualities he enjoys about Coach Cignetti’s coaching style, saying, “Everything is with a purpose. There is no wasted time or movements. He knows what he wants, and if you are not giving him what he wants, he will let you know.”
Well, for Hjelle, a purpose is what brought him to Bloomington. There were no wasted movements or wasted time, just a process, and one that he believed in. It is that purpose and this journey that continue to guide him as he takes his next steps as a Hoosier.
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