Isaiah Ulysses Foskey is an American professional football defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Foskey entered the NFL after a decorated collegiate career that saw him earn consensus All-American honors. His professional journey has seen him develop as an edge rusher while adapting to the demands of the NFL level.
Isaiah Foskey Bio
Isaiah Ulysses Foskey was born on October 30, 2000, in Antioch, California. He emerged as a highly decorated defensive end during his time at the University of Notre Dame, where he showcased his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. The New Orleans Saints recognized his potential by selecting him with the 40th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. After two seasons with the Saints organization, Foskey joined the Cincinnati Bengals, where he continues his professional career as a member of their defensive line rotation.
Early Life and Background
Foskey grew up in Antioch, California, and attended De La Salle High School in Concord. During his high school career, he played both defensive end and tight end for the Spartans football team. His standout performances on the defensive side of the ball caught the attention of college programs across the country. Foskey’s high school achievements included participation in the prestigious 2019 All-American Bowl, which featured many of the nation’s top high school prospects.
His success at De La Salle, a program known for producing college-level talent, set the foundation for his transition to major college football. Foskey’s combination of size, athleticism, and football instincts made him an attractive prospect for programs seeking impact players on their defensive lines.
Path to American Football
Following his standout high school career, Foskey committed to play college football at the University of Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish offered him the opportunity to compete at the highest level of college football while receiving instruction from experienced coaches in a prestigious football program. His commitment represented the next step in his development as a future professional player.
At Notre Dame, Foskey developed his craft against quality collegiate competition in the Atlantic Coast Conference and challenging non-conference matchups. The college environment allowed him to refine his technique, build physical strength, and learn the complexities of defensive schemes at the major college level.
Isaiah Foskey Career
College Career (2019–2022)
Foskey began his Notre Dame career in 2019, appearing in four games as a true freshman. He made an immediate impact on special teams, recording five tackles and blocking a punt during his debut season. The early success provided a glimpse of his ability to influence games in multiple phases.
As a sophomore in 2020, Foskey saw increased playing time and responded with 20 tackles and 4.5 sacks. The marked improvement demonstrated his growth as a pass rusher and his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks consistently. His sophomore campaign established him as a building block for Notre Dame’s defensive future.
Foskey returned in 2021 as a starter, continuing to develop into one of college football’s most disruptive defensive ends. He earned recognition as a consensus All-American following his senior season in 2022, solidifying his status as a top NFL prospect. Over his four seasons at Notre Dame, Foskey compiled 122 tackles, 26.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and two pass breakups. His 26.5 career sacks rank among the highest totals in school history.
New Orleans Saints (2023–2024)
The New Orleans Saints selected Foskey with the 40th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The selection reflected the Saints’ belief in his potential to contribute as an edge rusher in their defensive scheme. Foskey joined a Saints organization with a strong defensive tradition and a history of developing young talent.
As a rookie in 2023, Foskey appeared in ten games during his inaugural NFL season. The transition from college to professional football presented challenges, including the increased speed of the game and the sophistication of NFL offenses. However, his collegiate experience and natural abilities provided a foundation for continued development.
Foskey returned for the 2024 season with heightened expectations following his first year of professional adjustment. The Saints coaching staff worked to refine his technique and integrate him more fully into their defensive rotation. On August 26, 2025, the Saints waived Foskey as part of their final roster cuts, concluding his tenure with the organization.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2025–Present)
Following his release from the Saints, Foskey signed with the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad on September 9, 2025. The opportunity allowed him to continue his professional development while learning a new defensive system. His transition to the Bengals provided a fresh start with a team featuring a talented defensive roster.
The Bengals promoted Foskey to the active roster on November 21, 2025, recognizing his progress during practice squad development. In eight appearances with Cincinnati during the 2025 season, he compiled four combined tackles. The limited playing time reflected the depth at the defensive end position while offering opportunities for continued growth.
On January 5, 2026, the Bengals signed Foskey to a one-year contract extension, demonstrating the organization’s confidence in his future contributions. The extension secured his place on the roster heading into the 2026 season and beyond.
Driving Style and Strengths
Foskey’s game centers on his exceptional length and initial quickness off the line of scrimmage. His 6-foot-5 frame allows him to threaten offensive tackles with speed-to-power conversion moves. Against the pass, his burst enables him to turn the corner on blockers and collapse the pocket. Against the run, his length helps him disengage from blocks and make tackles in the backfield. His seven forced fumbles at Notre Dame reflect his ability to create turnovers by dislodging the ball from ball carriers.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his most notable accomplishments, Foskey’s consensus All-American selection in 2022 stands as his highest collegiate honor. His performance that season solidified his reputation as one of college football’s premier pass rushers. His seven forced fumbles across four seasons demonstrated his consistent ability to create game-changing moments through pressure and physicality.
Isaiah Foskey Career Statistics
Foskey’s collegiate career at Notre Dame produced impressive totals across multiple statistical categories. His 26.5 career sacks showcased his ability to disrupt opposing passing games consistently. In the NFL, his early statistics reflect his development as he continues to adjust to professional competition.
College Statistics Highlights
During his four seasons at Notre Dame, Foskey appeared in 51 games and established himself as one of the most productive defensive ends in school history. His 122 total tackles included a significant number of stops behind the line of scrimmage. His 26.5 sacks placed him among the program’s all-time leaders. The seven forced fumbles highlighted his ability to create turnovers through relentless pressure. His three fumble recoveries and two pass breakups demonstrated his well-rounded skill set beyond pure pass rushing.
Professional Career Statistics
Through the 2025 NFL season, Foskey has appeared in 18 professional games across his tenure with the Saints and Bengals. He has recorded 33 combined tackles and one pass deflection. His rookie season with the Saints provided the foundation for his professional development as he learned the nuances of NFL-level competition.
| Level | Games | Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College (Notre Dame) | 51 | 122 | 26.5 | 7 |
| NFL (Total) | 18 | 33 | — | — |
Isaiah Foskey Family
Family Background
Foskey was born and raised in Antioch, California, where his athletic abilities began to emerge during his formative years. His attendance at De La Salle High School in Concord placed him in a football environment known for developing college-bound athletes. While specific details about his family background remain private, his path from De La Salle to Notre Dame to the NFL reflects a commitment to excellence cultivated through dedicated development.
Personal Life
As a professional athlete, Foskey has embraced the demands of an NFL career while maintaining connections to his California roots. His Instagram presence documents aspects of his professional journey and training regimen. The December 2025 birth date for his 2026 contract extension demonstrates the Bengals’ long-term investment in his continued development. His focus remains on contributing to his team’s success while progressing as a player in the league.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a significant chapter in Foskey’s professional career. After beginning the year with the Saints through training camp, his release during final roster cuts presented a pivotal transition. Joining the Bengals’ practice squad in September offered an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities in a new environment.
His promotion to the Bengals’ active roster in November reflected the coaching staff’s assessment of his progress during practice. Limited game appearances provided glimpses of his potential while highlighting areas for continued development. The statistical output of four combined tackles in eight games underscored the competitive nature of the defensive end position on the roster.
The season concluded with the Bengals’ decision to extend Foskey’s contract through at least 2026. The extension signals organizational confidence in his trajectory and provides stability as he enters the next phase of his career. Heading into the 2026 season, Foskey aims to earn increased playing time and contribute more significantly to the Bengals’ defensive success.