Alex Akingbulu Bio
Alex Akingbulu (born December 28, 1997) is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Dallas Renegades of the United Football League (UFL). Standing 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) and listed at 300 lb (136 kg), he plays wearing jersey No. 75 and brings a rare combination of size, mobility, and developmental upside to the offensive line. A former college player for both the UCLA Bruins and the Fresno State Bulldogs, Akingbulu has competed across the USFL, the NFL, and the UFL since entering the professional ranks in 2022. His journeyman path through multiple organizations has shaped him into a versatile tackle who continues to pursue long-term stability at the top levels of professional football.
Early Life and Background
Alex Akingbulu was born on December 28, 1997, in Los Angeles, California. Growing up in Southern California, he was raised in an environment surrounded by a deep athletic culture, with the region’s year-round warm weather allowing for consistent training throughout his formative years. He is of Nigerian descent, a heritage he has spoken about with pride and woven into his identity off the field.
During his youth, Akingbulu developed a passion for football and music, both of which would later become defining elements of his personal brand. He also created a Nigerian and African-American fusion music trio called “Young Determined Nigerians” (YDN), in which he delivers live performances during the offseason. This creative outlet reflects the same discipline and stage presence that he brings to the offensive line.
Path to American Football
Akingbulu’s collegiate career began with the UCLA Bruins from 2016 to 2017, where he began building the technical foundation required of an offensive lineman at the Division I level. He then transferred to Fresno State, where he played for the Bulldogs from 2018 to 2021. At Fresno State, Akingbulu developed into a more polished tackle, balancing the demands of high-level competition with academic achievement.
He graduated with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) from Fresno State in 2021 and is currently pursuing an MBA at the same institution, demonstrating a clear commitment to life beyond football. Although he entered the 2022 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent, his development at Fresno State positioned him well for opportunities in both the NFL and the spring football leagues that emerged in the early 2020s.
Alex Akingbulu Career
Early Career (2022)
On May 31, 2022, Akingbulu was signed by the Philadelphia Stars of the United States Football League (USFL). He played in five games at left tackle for the Stars, gaining meaningful professional experience in a competitive spring league. That season ended in the championship game, where the Stars lost to the Birmingham Stallions by a score of 33–30, an early lesson in the fine margins that define professional football.
While finishing the 2022 USFL season, Akingbulu also pursued an NFL opportunity. On July 31, 2022, he signed with the Washington Commanders. He was waived on August 30 during final roster cuts, then re-signed to the team’s practice squad the following day, giving him a soft landing within the organization.
Washington Commanders Breakthrough (2022–2024)
Akingbulu’s time with the Washington Commanders offered a slow but steady climb. On January 5, 2023, he was promoted to the active roster, a sign of growing trust from the coaching staff. He appeared in 2 NFL games during his Commanders tenure, an important benchmark for a young offensive lineman still refining his craft at the highest level.
The 2023 season brought another round of movement within the organization. On August 29, 2023, Akingbulu was waived and re-signed to the practice squad before being signed to the active roster on December 30. On August 6, 2024, he was waived by the Commanders with an injury designation, closing a two-year chapter with the franchise that nevertheless provided invaluable in-room experience.
Birmingham Stallions Era (2025)
On December 3, 2024, Akingbulu signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL), joining one of the most decorated spring football organizations in the country. The Stallions provided a respected developmental environment and a chance to compete for championships. He was waived on March 20, 2025, ending a short but meaningful stint in Birmingham.
Dallas Renegades Era (2025–Present)
On March 20, 2025, Akingbulu was claimed by the Arlington Renegades of the United Football League (UFL), continuing his career in the same spring league while joining a new organization. The transition to the Renegades offered a fresh start and a clear opportunity to compete for a starting role along the offensive line.
On January 13, 2026, Akingbulu was drafted by the Dallas Renegades, the rebranded identity of the Arlington Renegades. He is currently listed as an active offensive tackle wearing No. 75 for the Dallas Renegades, with his career trajectory pointed firmly upward as the UFL continues to grow in visibility and competitiveness.
Driving Style and Strengths
Akingbulu is recognized for his prototypical tackle frame, standing 6 ft 5 in and weighing 300 lb, a combination that allows him to anchor against powerful defensive ends in both run and pass protection. His mobility, developed across multiple college programs, enables him to mirror edge rushers and execute zone-blocking concepts effectively. Drawing on five USFL/UFL starts and limited NFL exposure, he has shown a steady improvement in technique and consistency, traits that suit a developmental, high-upside tackle role within the Dallas Renegades’ offensive scheme.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining early moments of Akingbulu’s career came during the 2022 USFL Championship Game, where he started at left tackle for the Philadelphia Stars in a narrow 33–30 loss to the Birmingham Stallions. He also marked his NFL arrival by playing in 2 games for the Washington Commanders and earning promotions to the active roster in both 2023 and 2024. His January 13, 2026 selection by the Dallas Renegades represents the latest chapter in a journeyman career defined by perseverance and constant improvement.
Alex Akingbulu Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Alex Akingbulu’s immediate family remains limited. He is of Nigerian descent and has spoken about the importance of his cultural heritage in shaping his identity and values. Beyond this background, further family details are not publicly verified.
Personal Life
Off the field, Akingbulu has prioritized academics alongside his professional football career. He graduated with an M.Ed. from Fresno State in 2021 and is currently pursuing an MBA at the same institution. He is also the founder and performer of “Young Determined Nigerians” (YDN), a Nigerian and African-American fusion music trio that performs live during the offseason, showcasing a creative side that complements his athletic pursuits.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a transitional year for Alex Akingbulu. After being signed by the Birmingham Stallions on December 3, 2024, he joined a championship-caliber UFL organization in search of consistent playing time. He was waived on March 20, 2025, but on the same day was claimed by the Arlington Renegades, providing an immediate continuation of his professional journey in the UFL.
His time with the Arlington/Dallas Renegades organization in 2025 allowed Akingbulu to settle into a stable offensive line environment and contribute to the team’s blocking schemes. Listed as an active offensive tackle, he provided depth and competition at a position that demands both physicality and intelligence.
Looking ahead, Akingbulu’s selection by the Dallas Renegades on January 13, 2026, and his ongoing pursuit of an MBA at Fresno State highlight a player balancing long-term professional ambitions with a clear post-football plan. With his combination of size, experience, and work ethic, he remains a developmental asset to watch within the evolving UFL landscape.