Israel Abanikanda Bio
Israel Adewale Abanikanda (born October 5, 2002) is an American professional football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). Nicknamed “Izzy,” Abanikanda grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and emerged as one of college football’s most dynamic running backs during his tenure at the University of Pittsburgh. He was selected by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft and has since played for multiple NFL franchises. Abanikanda burst onto the national scene in 2022 when he set the Pitt single-game rushing record with 320 yards against Virginia Tech, breaking a 47-year-old record held by Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett.
Early Life and Background
Israel Adewale Abanikanda was born on October 5, 2002, in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, where he developed into a highly decorated football player. As a senior, Abanikanda earned Gatorade Football Player of the Year honors for the state of New York after rushing for 1,350 yards and 20 touchdowns. His exceptional high school performance attracted attention from college programs across the country.
Entering his senior season, Abanikanda was ranked as a three-star recruit and received scholarship offers from 17 different schools. His combination of speed, vision, and elusiveness made him an attractive prospect for programs seeking a versatile running back. After careful consideration, Abanikanda made his college decision.
Path to American Football
On June 24, 2019, Abanikanda officially committed to play college football at the University of Pittsburgh. The decision marked the beginning of his journey toward professional football. Pittsburgh’s football program, known for producing NFL talent, provided Abanikanda with the platform to showcase his abilities against top collegiate competition.
Abanikanda arrived at Pitt as a true freshman in 2020 and began adjusting to the speed and complexity of major college football. Though his early contributions were modest, the experience he gained proved invaluable for his development as a player.
Israel Abanikanda Career
College Career at Pittsburgh (2020–2022)
As a true freshman during the 2020 season, Abanikanda appeared in seven games for the Panthers. He carried the ball 28 times for 95 yards and scored one touchdown, demonstrating flashes of his potential in limited opportunities. The unusual season, played during the COVID-19 pandemic, provided an atypical introduction to college football, but Abanikanda used the experience to build his foundation.
During his sophomore season in 2021, Abanikanda took on a more significant role, playing in all 13 games with six starts. He rushed for 651 yards on 123 carries and found the end zone seven times. Additionally, he served as a kick returner, bringing back seven kicks for 206 yards, averaging 29.4 yards per attempt. His versatility and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game began to establish him as a complete player.
Breakthrough Season (2022)
The 2022 season marked Abanikanda’s emergence as a national standout. He returned to Pittsburgh as a starter and quickly demonstrated his ability to take over games. In the season opener against West Virginia, Abanikanda faced a challenging matchup but showed resilience. His breakout performance came on September 10, 2022, against Tennessee, where he rushed for 154 yards, including a spectacular 76-yard touchdown run—Pitt’s longest rushing touchdown since 2018. For his efforts, Abanikanda earned ACC Running Back of the Week honors.
Abanikanda continued his stellar play throughout September. Against Western Michigan, he gained 133 yards on 31 carries and was named to the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll. On September 24, he exploded for 177 rushing yards on just 19 attempts against Rhode Island, earning ACC Running Back of the Week for the second time that season. By the end of Week 4, Abanikanda led the ACC in both rushing yards and all-purpose yards, ranking second nationally in all-purpose yards per game at 180.24 yards.
On October 8, 2022, during Pitt’s homecoming game against Virginia Tech, Abanikanda delivered a historic performance that would define his college career. He rushed for 320 yards and six touchdowns, shattering Tony Dorsett’s 47-year-old school record of 303 yards set in 1975. His six rushing touchdowns tied both the ACC single-game conference record and Pitt’s single-game record established in 1910. Abanikanda earned five national honors for that performance, including Doak Walker Running Back of the Week, Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week, Pro Football Focus National Offensive Player of the Week, and ESPN College Football Final “Helmet Sticker.” He was also named ACC Running Back of the Week for the third time that season. Abanikanda finished the 2022 campaign with 1,431 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, receiving the second-most votes for ACC Player of the Year.
New York Jets (2023–2024)
Following his standout junior season, Abanikanda declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. He was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in January 2023 to showcase his athleticism to professional scouts. The New York Jets selected Abanikanda in the fifth round with the 143rd overall pick. He joined a Jets team looking to establish a consistent running game to support their offense.
Abanikanda made his NFL debut in Week 11 of the 2023 season against the Buffalo Bills. As a rookie, he appeared in six games and recorded 22 carries for 70 rushing yards, learning the nuances of professional football while adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL. The Jets released Abanikanda on December 2, 2024, ending his tenure with the organization.
San Francisco 49ers (2024)
The San Francisco 49ers claimed Abanikanda off waivers on December 3, 2024. The opportunity to join a franchise with a strong tradition of offensive excellence presented Abanikanda with a fresh start. He reported to the 49ers and prepared for the remainder of the season. However, on July 24, 2025, the 49ers waived Abanikanda, parting ways with the young running back.
Green Bay Packers (2025)
On July 25, 2025, the Green Bay Packers claimed Abanikanda off waivers. He competed for a roster spot during training camp but was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts. The Packers re-signed Abanikanda to their practice squad the following day. His time with the Packers ended when he was released on September 8, 2025, leaving him available for other teams to pursue.
Dallas Cowboys (2025–Present)
On November 30, 2025, the Dallas Cowboys signed Abanikanda to their practice squad. The opportunity to join America’s Team gave Abanikanda a chance to develop within one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Cowboys on January 6, 2026, securing his place on the roster heading into the 2026 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Abanikanda is known for his exceptional speed, quickness, and ability to make defenders miss in open space. His 320-yard performance against Virginia Tech showcased his vision, burst through holes, and breakaway speed that allows him to turn short gains into explosive plays. Abanikanda’s versatility is another strength, as he demonstrated the ability to contribute as a receiver and kick returner during his college career. His low center of gravity and balance help him absorb contact while maintaining forward momentum.
Israel Abanikanda Career Highlights
Israel Abanikanda’s career includes notable achievements at both the college and professional levels. His most celebrated accomplishment remains his record-breaking 320-yard rushing performance in 2022, which surpassed a mark that had stood for nearly five decades. Abanikanda earned multiple All-American and All-Conference honors during his college career, establishing himself among the nation’s elite running backs.
College Accolades
Abanikanda earned First-team All-American honors in 2022, recognizing him as one of the top players in the country at his position. He was also named First-team All-ACC in the same year, cementing his status as the premier running back in one of college football’s power conferences. His 20 rushing touchdowns in 2022 led the conference and ranked among the national leaders. Abanikanda received consideration for major awards, including the second-most votes for ACC Player of the Year.
NFL Career Summary
Through the 2025 season, Abanikanda has appeared in six NFL games with the New York Jets, recording 22 carries for 70 rushing yards and seven receptions for 43 receiving yards. His professional career is still in its early stages as he continues to develop and seek opportunities with the Dallas Cowboys.
Israel Abanikanda Personal Life
Israel Adewale Abanikanda was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, to parents of Nigerian heritage, as indicated by his middle name Adewale. He attended Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn before embarking on his college football career at Pittsburgh. Abanikanda is known by the nickname “Izzy” among teammates and fans. He maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with supporters through his Instagram account. Beyond football, Abanikanda aspires to make a lasting impact both on and off the field as his career progresses.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Abanikanda as he navigated the roster carousel of three different NFL teams. After being claimed off waivers by the Green Bay Packers in July, Abanikanda was released during final roster cuts before being signed to the practice squad. He was released again in early September, creating uncertainty about his professional future. However, Abanikanda’s persistence paid off when the Dallas Cowboys signed him to their practice squad in late November, providing him with a fresh opportunity with a storied franchise. The experience of moving between organizations tested his resilience and adaptability while providing valuable exposure to different team cultures and offensive systems. As Abanikanda signed a reserve/future contract with the Cowboys in January 2026, he positioned himself for a full offseason program with his new team, aiming to earn a regular-season roster spot and contribute to Dallas’s offensive attack.