The Michigan Panthers released offensive lineman Ryan Nelson on Wednesday as he is signing with the Los Angeles Chargers according to James Larsen of Pro Football Newsroom.
Ryan Nelson is six foot six and weighs 325 pounds. The 25-year-old from Buena Park, California, re-signed with the Michigan Panthers on July 4, 2025.
The Michigan Panthers signed Nelson in 2023 and played 8 games, of which two were starts that season. In 2023, the Panthers ranked third in passing yards per game (181.4), sixth in yards per game (267.1), and seventh in rushing yards per game (85.7).
In 2024, he started 10 games, of which 9 were starts. Michigan’s offense was ranked third in total yards (3,007), second in rushing yards (1,252), sixth in passing yards (1,755), third in yards per game (300.7), and tied third in touchdowns (27).
The Panthers re-signed Smith on August 10, 2024. In 2025, he started 10 games. Pro Football Focus graded him a 77.8 in pass blocking. Michigan averaged 24.5 points per game, 4.5 rushing yards per game, 199.3 passing yards per game, 327.1 total yards per game, and 29 touchdowns finishing 6-4 for the season and appearing in the 2025 UFL Championship Game. He was named to the All-UFL Team.
Collegiately, Nelson played five seasons at the University of Virginia (2017-21) playing both tackle and guard in 49 games for the Cavaliers. In 2021, Virginia finished third in the country in total offense at 515.8 yards per game and ranked second nationally in passing offense (392.6). Both were UVA’s single-season records. Nelson was named Fourth Team All-ACC by Phil Steele.
