Meet 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Arj Lothe, QB, Indiana Wesleyan

• Name: Arjun (Arj) Lothe
• Position: Quarterback
• College: Indiana Wesleyan University
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 223 lbs
• Twitter: @_arj1_
• Instagram: @_arj1_

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft? 

My passion and love for/my dedication to the sport of football. My work ethic and preparation, day in and day out – in spite of any obstacles. All of this allows me to compete at an elite level; I can always find one more detail to outwork my opponent.

Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded?

During my sophomore year of college, I was the backup quarterback and learned more than I could’ve ever imagined. I believed I was best fit to be the starter, yet I was not given that opportunity. I started 1 game (due to the starter being injured), and I broke school records (in 1 half of playtime). For the rest of the year, I had playing time when we were up big, but nothing very impactful. Despite many influences and voices surrounding me with ideas of transferring, I knew where I wanted to be; I knew where God had put me for a reason. I continued to pursue strong relationships with teammates and coaches and decided to stay at IWU and compete for the starting quarterback role for my junior season. Due to different changes, I was given the opportunity to start as a junior, and I am forever grateful for that. In that season of life, I was challenged in my faith and found myself placing my identity in football. This allowed me to reflect, and find my true identity rooted in Jesus.

What are your hobbies outside of football? 

I spend a lot of my time in football, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have other interests. I love golfing with teammates and friends. I also love traveling on short-term trips/excursions.

What role do you see yourself playing at the next level? 

I see myself filling a role that helps my team in any way possible. I’d certainly fight for the starting spot, yet I would love the opportunity to be a practice squad leader and give the best looks possible for the defense to win big games on Sundays. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

I would donate to Athletes For The Nations. AFTN’s mission is to train athletes and coaches for success on the field and to teach them how to LIVE FOR SIGNIFICANCE in all of it. AFTN partners with organizations in the US, Mexico, Uganda, and Croatia. It would be a dream come true to support AFTN because there are millions of children that do not have the opportunities that I had as a child, and all I want to do is provide that for them. This would allow me to take the success that I have had and turn it into significance. This would help provide opportunities of schooling, athletics, and most importantly sharing the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ and what He did for us.

How do you handle coaching, especially criticism or being corrected repeatedly?

I am extremely thankful for it. I know I am not perfect, and I accept that, yet I will do everything in my power to chase after excellence. I always have the goal of taking whatever I am coached on, and fixing it, so that it will not be repeated. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

Oh man, there are too many to count. Seriously… I could choose the entire O-Line (letting up ZERO sacks all last season), Ryan Whitwell (All-American running back, who needs one healthy season to show-out), all my receivers, etc. I could talk all day about all of these guys. If I HAD to choose one, I’d say Simon Vinson. He came into college as a QB, transitioned to Tight End, and has excelled at it. He can block like an offensive lineman and can run routes almost better than any receiver. Physically, he has all the abilities, but he also has an intelligent mind and can see the field so well.

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why did you choose them? 

I would choose Jesus, my Nana (grandfather), and Peyton Manning. I feel like in saying Jesus, my reasons may be obvious. Many would say that they would ask a million questions, but I would just want to say thank you. He died on the cross for our sins, and I just want to dive at His feet in worship and thank Him for His agape love that He shows us. I would love to see my Nana again, because he passed away when I was little. I was always told that I was very close to him, yet I do not remember the memories. Lastly, I would choose Peyton Manning, because he has always been such a role model to me, and I have modeled the way I play after him. I would love to soak up as much knowledge and advice from him as possible.

If you were benched tomorrow, what would be the most likely reason? 

This would be because my previous backup beat me out. I would have taught, led, and mentored him to become a starter, and then, I would do nothing but support him through his opportunity.

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

I like to toss in the airpods and listen to 80’s music (some Michael Jackson) and some worship music too. I set up my locker in a specific way – very organized. I throw my jersey on and my pads. I lay out my socks, girdle, accessories, and anything else. About 2-3 hours before kickoff, I draw out our entire wristband and visualize different situations. I go out on the field about an hour and a half before we warmup to get my* warmup in and throw around. Once my arm feels warmed up, I enter the locker room and lock in!

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favorite snack is any type of candy, especially fruit snacks.

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in? 

I feel that I fit best in a spread offense, with RPOs and drop backs. My strength is to dissect the defense, to see the field, and to get the ball to my playmakers.

What is your degree in? 

My degree will be a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science. I want to pursue becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy with that.

What would be the first thing you buy with your first NFL check? 

I would retire my momma. Since I could remember, I have seen my mom work non-stop. It would be a dream come true to tell her that she can finally rest and live with no more stress. Even though she would probably refuse, this would be a major goal for me.

Describe a time in a game where you feel you made a mistake, and explain how you bounced back?

Against our rival, Taylor University, we were in the red zone (1st or 2nd drive of the game) and had an “interior flood” play called. The reads change with man vs zone. I made the wrong read and threw an interception. This hurt because we needed points in the red zone, and it was very early in the game. I reminded myself that there was lots of game left, and remained confident in myself, my preparation, my teammates, and my coaches. We went out and won 56-48 in a nail biter finish. This turned out to be a record-breaking day.

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

Three songs to expect are Take On Me (aha), Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Tears for Fears), and Your Love (The Outfield).