The Michigan Panthers re-signed offensive lineman Ryan Nelson on Wednesday according to the UFL Transactions page.
Ryan Nelson is six foot six and weighs 325 pounds. The 26-year-old from Buena Park, California, re-signed with the Michigan Panthers on July 4, 2025. The Panthers released him on July 16, 2025. The Los Angeles Chargers signed Nelson on July 17, 2025. He played four preseason games. The Chargers released him on August 26, 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.
