A native of Lake City, Florida, Tunsil attended Columbia High School,[1] where he played football and competed in track and field as a shot putter.

Tunsil credits his development as an offensive tackle to going up against defensive lineman Timmy Jernigan, his Columbia teammate, in practice.

Regarded as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Tunsil was listed as the highest ranked offensive tackle prospect of his class.

[2] But after a visit to Ole Miss in late January, Tunsil reportedly changed his mind and was considered a "done deal" for the Rebels.

[8] At Ole Miss in 2013, Tunsil played every game, starting all but four games—Vanderbilt, Southeast Missouri State, Alabama, and Auburn.

He was one of only two true freshmen serving as his team's full-time starting left tackle, the other being Virginia Tech's Jonathan McLaughlin.

[9] Tunsil had his first start against Texas, competing against Longhorns defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat, who finished the game with only three tackles and no sacks.

[16] In June 2015, before his junior season, Tunsil was accused by his stepfather, Lindsey Miller, of having accepted improper benefits from sports agents.

[19] His matchup with defensive end Myles Garrett, who entered the game with 8+1⁄2 quarterback sacks, was highly anticipated.

According to analysts Tunsil emerged as "the big winner", not giving up a sack and helping the Rebels to a 23–3 upset win over the Aggies.

During the Sugar Bowl game against Oklahoma State, Tunsil had a two-yard rushing touchdown as time expired in the first half.

[21] Shortly after Ole Miss's bowl game, Tunsil announced his decision to forgo his final college year and enter the 2016 NFL draft.

[28][29][30] On April 14, the Titans announced a trade of their first overall draft pick to the Los Angeles Rams,[31] who were widely believed to be looking for a quarterback rather than an offensive lineman.

Ten minutes before the draft was set to begin, Tunsil's Twitter account showed a video of him wearing a gas mask and smoking from a bong.

During a post-draft press conference, Tunsil admitted that he took money from an Ole Miss coach while a member of the school, but explained his Instagram account had also been hacked.

[65] Tunsil was arrested on domestic violence charges in Oxford, Mississippi, after an altercation with his step-father Lindsey Miller on June 25, 2015.