Jacob Kibodi Bio
Jacob Kibodi is an American professional football running back. Born on October 4, 1998, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he played college football for the Texas A&M Aggies, the Incarnate Word Cardinals, and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL draft, Kibodi signed with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent and has since spent time with the Cleveland Browns and the Memphis Showboats. Listed at 6 feet 1 inch and 225 pounds, he continues his professional career as a power-style back with experience across multiple leagues.
Early Life and Background
Jacob Kibodi was born on October 4, 1998, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and grew up as one of three children in the same city. Before his birth, doctors advised his mother to terminate the pregnancy, explaining, according to The Advocate, that Kibodi was not growing the proper way and that he would be diminutive if she had him. Kibodi’s father encouraged her to continue the pregnancy, assuring her that everything would be alright through their faith in God, and she chose to have him.
Kibodi attended Christian Life Academy in Baton Rouge, where he joined the football team mid-season as a freshman after stepping away from the school’s band. As a junior, he totaled 76 carries for 842 yards and 12 touchdowns, along with 18 receptions for 324 yards and five touchdowns. In his senior season, he ran for 1,208 yards and 12 touchdowns and earned all-region honors, establishing himself as a three-star recruit who committed to play college football for the Texas A&M Aggies.
Path to American Football
Kibodi’s path to American football began in the backyards and practice fields of Baton Rouge, where his size and athleticism quickly translated into a featured role at Christian Life Academy. His strong senior numbers drew attention from college recruiters, and his commitment to Texas A&M marked his first step toward the highest level of college competition. The transition required him to balance his academic responsibilities with the demands of a Southeastern Conference program, an experience that helped shape his work ethic.
Jacob Kibodi Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
As a freshman at Texas A&M in 2017, Kibodi appeared in five games and rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown, giving him an early look at the speed and complexity of the college game. He played two games in 2018, gaining 26 yards, and then started two games in 2019, finishing the season with 31 rushes for 123 yards and a touchdown, along with six receptions. Looking for a fresh start, he transferred to the Incarnate Word Cardinals for the 2020 season, but did not play because the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Louisiana Breakthrough (2021–2023)
In 2021, Kibodi transferred a second time, joining the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns as a walk-on, though he did not see the field that year. The 2022 season marked a real breakthrough, as he appeared in nine games and finished fifth on the team with 37 rushes for 169 yards. As a senior in 2023, he became a featured back, running 129 times for 729 yards and seven touchdowns, while also catching nine passes for 79 yards.
Across his entire college career, Kibodi totaled 211 carries for 1,168 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, and added 19 receptions for 132 yards and another receiving score. His senior-year production at Louisiana helped him earn an invitation to the 2024 NFL draft process, even though he ultimately went unselected.
New Orleans Saints Era (2024)
After going unselected in the 2024 NFL draft, Kibodi signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent, beginning his professional career with his hometown team. He was waived on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad as he continued to develop his craft. The Saints released him on December 3, 2024, closing his first NFL chapter.
Cleveland Browns Era (2024)
On December 18, 2024, the Cleveland Browns signed Jacob Kibodi to their practice squad, giving him another opportunity within the NFL. His short stint with Cleveland allowed him to learn a new offensive system and continue refining his pass-protection and route-running skills at the professional level.
Memphis Showboats Era (2025–Present)
Kibodi signed with the Memphis Showboats of the United Football League on January 27, 2025, moving into a league designed to showcase developing professional talent. He was released on April 28, 2025, as the team adjusted its roster during the spring season. Despite the release, the move to the UFL represented a meaningful step in his ongoing professional journey.
Driving Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 1 inch and 225 pounds, Jacob Kibodi plays with the frame of a between-the-tackles power back, using his lower-body strength to break tackles and finish runs. He shows reliable hands as a receiver out of the backfield, a skill he developed throughout his college career, and he has demonstrated patience in reading blocking schemes. His time with multiple teams has also helped him grow as a special teams contributor and pass protector.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Jacob Kibodi’s story came before he was even born, when his parents chose to continue the pregnancy despite medical advice. On the field, his senior year at Louisiana, when he ran for 729 yards and seven touchdowns, stands out as the performance that launched his professional career. Signing with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2024 marked another milestone, making him a professional football player in his hometown.
Jacob Kibodi Career Statistics
Through the 2024 NFL season, Jacob Kibodi recorded 24 rushing yards on a 4.8-yard average, along with 1 reception for 15 receiving yards. His most productive stretch came during his senior year at Louisiana, where he posted 129 carries for 729 yards and seven touchdowns. Across his full college career, he finished with 211 rushes for 1,168 yards and 10 total touchdowns.
College Highlights
Kibodi’s college highlights include his 2023 senior season at Louisiana, where he led the team’s running attack with 729 rushing yards and seven scores. He also recorded a 1,208-yard, 12-touchdown senior season at Christian Life Academy, a performance that helped him earn three-star recruit status. His most recent college highlight was finishing his career with 1,168 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns across three programs.
Professional Performances
As a professional, Kibodi’s most notable performance came during his 2024 preseason work with the New Orleans Saints, which earned him a practice-squad spot. His transition to the Memphis Showboats in January 2025 also represents a key step, as he joined a UFL roster competing in the spring football season.
Jacob Kibodi Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Public information about Jacob Kibodi’s family is limited, though he is known to be one of three children raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His parents played a central role in his life even before his birth, with his father encouraging his mother to continue her pregnancy despite medical concerns. That early family support has remained a defining part of his personal story.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season opened with Kibodi signing a contract with the Memphis Showboats of the United Football League on January 27, giving him a fresh opportunity in spring professional football. He competed with the Showboats through the early months of the year before being released on April 28. His time in the UFL allowed him to log meaningful reps and showcase his skills in a competitive league.
Looking ahead, Kibodi remains an active free agent with NFL, UFL, and other professional league experience on his resume. His combination of size, senior-year production at Louisiana, and willingness to contribute on special teams makes him an attractive option for teams seeking backfield depth. Continued development as a pass catcher and protector will likely determine his next professional opportunity.