The Michigan Panthers signed defensive lineman Isaac Ukwu on Monday according to James Larsen.
Issac Ukwu is six foot three and weighs 270 pounds. The 26-year-old from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2024. In 2024, he made three tackles (2 solos, 1 assist) in two games, of which one was a start.
In 2025, he made two tackles (1 solo, 1 assist) and one sack in four preseason games. The Lions released him on September 4, 2025. The Michigan Panthers drafted Ukwu in the third round (22nd pick) of the 2024 UFL College Draft.
Collegiately, Ukwu spent six seasons at James Madison University (2017-22) with 87 tackles (44 solos, 43 assists), 27.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, five pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 28 games for the Dukes.
He was named Second Team All-CAA in 2021, First Team All-Sun Belt in 2022, and an Honorable Mention All-American by College Football Network in 2022.
Then, he transferred to Ole Miss in 2023 with 30 tackles (18 solos, 12 assists), 4.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in 13 games for the Rebels.
