One of the best Michigan State football players from the Mark Dantonio is getting another NFL opportunity this fall. Former walk-on Kenny Willekes is getting another shot this season.
After walking on in 2015 with Michigan State, Willekes eventually earned a full scholarship and then won the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year award in 2018. He then won the Burlsworth Trophy in 2019 and was an All-Big Ten first-teamer in back-to-back seasons before getting drafted.
Willekes was selected in the seventh round by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2020 NFL Draft where he spent three seasons before heading to the UFL to play for the Michigan Panthers.
On Tuesday, it was reported that the Steelers were giving him another NFL opportunity.
BREAKING: The Pittsburgh #Steelers are signing @USFLPanthers DE Kenny Willekes, per sources.
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) August 19, 2025
Willekes is coming off a tremendous #UFL campaign in Michigan; with 31 tackles, 4 sacks, & 28 QB pressures to his name.
One of the UFL's top edge rushers from 2024-2025. #UFLtoNFL pic.twitter.com/QyGXahYXHd
Willekes has reportedly been one of the best edge rushers in the UFL and he had 31 tackles, four sacks, and 28 pressures this past season with the Michigan Panthers. He did enough to impress the Steelers and now he's going to get an opportunity to make Pittsburgh's 53-man roster this fall.
This isn't the first time this offseason that a former Michigan State star who has been dominating the UFL has signed with an NFL team. In fact, Mike Panasiuk was signed by the Saints after being one of the top offensive linemen in the UFL. He'll be playing on the offensive side of the ball, which is an interesting change for Spartan fans who have seen him play only defense at MSU.
Two former Michigan State defensive linemen (who played together) who have dominated at the UFL level are now headed to the NFL.
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