Israel Abanikanda Bio
Israel Adewale Abanikanda, born on October 5, 2002, is an American professional football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers and was selected by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft. Abanikanda set the Pitt single-game rushing record of 320 yards in a game against Virginia Tech in Week 6 of 2022, breaking the previous record of 303 yards set by Tony Dorsett in 1975. In that same game, he tied a school and Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) record with six rushing touchdowns.
Early Life and Background
Israel Abanikanda was born in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Abraham Lincoln High School, where he gained recognition as a standout football player. During his senior year, he was named the Gatorade Football Player of the Year for New York after rushing for 1,350 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns. Abanikanda was ranked as a three-star recruit and received scholarship offers from seventeen schools before committing to the University of Pittsburgh on June 24, 2019.
Path to American Football
Abanikanda began his collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh in 2020. As a true freshman, he played in seven games, rushing 28 times for 95 yards and one touchdown. His sophomore season in 2021 saw him play in all 13 games, where he rushed for 651 yards on 123 carries and scored seven touchdowns. He also made contributions in the kicking game, returning seven kicks for 206 yards. By the time he returned to Pittsburgh as a starter in 2022, Abanikanda had established himself as a key player for the Panthers.
Israel Abanikanda Career
Early Career (2020–2022)
During his time at Pittsburgh, Abanikanda’s performance peaked in the 2022 season. He was named to the Paul Hornung Award Preseason Watchlist and had a breakout game against Virginia Tech, where he rushed for 320 yards and scored six touchdowns. This performance earned him multiple honors, including Doak Walker Running Back of the Week and Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week. He finished the 2022 season with a total of 1,431 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, receiving significant recognition for his contributions to the team.
Breakthrough (2023–Present)
Israel Abanikanda was selected by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft, marking the beginning of his professional career. He made his NFL debut in Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills, appearing in six games during his rookie season and recording 22 carries for 70 rushing yards. Following his time with the Jets, he was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco 49ers and later signed to the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboys.
Notable Works and Milestones
Abanikanda’s signature achievement in college was setting the single-game rushing record at the University of Pittsburgh. His remarkable performance in 2022 earned him first-team All-American and first-team All-ACC honors, solidifying his status as a top running back in college football.
Israel Abanikanda Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Israel Abanikanda has received several nominations for his outstanding performances, particularly during his time at the University of Pittsburgh. His accolades include being named to the Paul Hornung Award Preseason Watchlist and earning multiple ACC Running Back of the Week honors.
Israel Abanikanda Awards Won
Israel Abanikanda has achieved significant recognition in his football career, including being named a First-team All-American and a First-team All-ACC in 2022 for his exceptional performance on the field.
Israel Abanikanda Family
Information regarding Israel Abanikanda’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Israel Abanikanda’s personal life, including his relationships and marital status, are not publicly disclosed.