Raiqwon O’Neal Bio
Raiqwon O’Neal (born January 12, 2000) is an American professional football offensive tackle. He first played college football for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and later transferred to the UCLA Bruins. After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, O’Neal signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has since spent time with multiple NFL organizations. Born and raised in Conway, South Carolina, he now plays at the professional level in both the NFL and the United Football League.
Early Life and Background
Raiqwon O’Neal was born on January 12, 2000, in Conway, South Carolina, to his father, Malik Akram, and his mother, Dina O’Neal-Akram. Growing up in Conway, he was surrounded by a strong support system that helped shape his early interest in football. The South Carolina community, known for producing athletic talent, provided a competitive environment that pushed O’Neal toward the sport from a young age.
O’Neal attended Conway High School, where he played football and developed into a highly regarded prospect. During his high school career, he participated in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, a prestigious all-star game that pits the best high school football players from North Carolina against those from South Carolina. His performance in that game helped establish him as a recruit to watch heading into college.
Path to American Football
Before entering college, O’Neal was rated as the seventeenth-best player from the state of South Carolina, a recognition that drew the attention of several programs. He ultimately chose to attend Rutgers University, where he would begin his collegiate career as a Scarlet Knight. The decision to play in the Big Ten Conference offered him the chance to compete against top-tier competition and refine his skills as an offensive lineman.
As a freshman at Rutgers, O’Neal appeared in four games, gaining valuable experience and adjusting to the speed of the college game. In his sophomore season, he played in nine games and earned four starts, signaling his growing role within the team’s offensive scheme. The shortened 2020 season, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, saw him start eight games, catch a touchdown pass against Indiana, and earn honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference honors. He followed that up in 2021 with nine starts and another honorable mention All-Big Ten selection, solidifying his reputation as a reliable lineman.
Raiqwon O’Neal Career
Early Career (2018–2022)
O’Neal’s early college years at Rutgers laid the foundation for his development as an offensive tackle. Over four seasons with the Scarlet Knights, he gradually increased his snap count, moving from a rotational player as a freshman to a full-time starter by his junior and senior years. His two honorable mention All-Big Ten selections highlighted his consistency and his ability to protect the quarterback at a high level.
Before the 2022 college football season, O’Neal made the decision to transfer to UCLA, seeking a fresh start and a chance to compete in a new offensive system. In his lone season with the Bruins, he started all thirteen games, anchoring an offensive line that earned semifinalist recognition for the Joe Moore Award, which honors the best offensive line unit in college football. This strong showing at UCLA helped position him for a professional opportunity.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks (2023–2024)
After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, O’Neal signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While he did not make the active roster before the 2023 regular season, he was signed to the Buccaneers’ practice squad following the preseason, keeping his professional hopes alive. On September 13, 2023, he was signed to the Seattle Seahawks’ active roster from Tampa Bay’s practice squad, marking his first appearance on an NFL active roster.
On April 8, 2024, O’Neal signed with the Seahawks as a restricted free agent. However, on August 27, he was released during the 53-man roster cutdown and re-signed to the practice squad, only to be released two days later. On September 3, 2024, he returned to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice squad and later signed a reserve/future contract on January 14, 2025, signaling the team’s continued interest in his development.
Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Renegades (2025–Present)
On August 26, 2025, O’Neal was waived by the Buccaneers with an injury designation as part of final roster cuts. Shortly after, on October 21, 2025, he was signed to the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad, giving him another opportunity within the NFL. He was released by the Falcons on November 11, 2025, ending that brief chapter of his career.
On January 13, 2026, O’Neal was selected by the Dallas Renegades in the 2026 UFL Draft, beginning a new chapter in the United Football League. As a member of the Renegades, O’Neal has continued to pursue his professional football journey at the highest level available to him.
Driving Style and Strengths
O’Neal’s game is built on the fundamentals of offensive line play, with an emphasis on pass protection and run blocking. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and listed at 300 pounds, he has the size and frame to compete against professional defensive ends. His experience starting at both Rutgers and UCLA has given him versatility across multiple line positions and the poise needed to handle complex blocking schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of O’Neal’s career was his selection in the 2026 UFL Draft by the Dallas Renegades, validating his perseverance through multiple NFL practice squad stints. His honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in both 2020 and 2021 stand as evidence of his consistent performance at the college level. Additionally, his participation in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas during high school marked him as one of the top players in his state.
Raiqwon O’Neal Career Wins
Raiqwon O’Neal’s professional career has been defined more by persistence and roster movement than by championship victories. As an offensive lineman, individual win totals are not tracked in the same way as skill positions, but his continued presence on professional rosters speaks to his value as a depth piece and developmental prospect.
Other Wins and Performances
Throughout his college career, O’Neal earned honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference recognition in both 2020 and 2021, marking him as one of the conference’s notable linemen during those seasons. His selection to the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas in high school stands as another significant achievement, showcasing his status among the elite football talent from the region.
Raiqwon O’Neal Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Raiqwon O’Neal was raised in Conway, South Carolina, by his father, Malik Akram, and his mother, Dina O’Neal-Akram. His family provided a supportive environment that allowed him to pursue football from a young age, and his South Carolina roots remain an important part of his identity as an athlete.
Personal Life
Details about O’Neal’s personal life beyond his immediate family are limited, as he tends to keep his private affairs out of the public eye. He remains focused on his professional football career, which has taken him from South Carolina to the NFL practice squads and ultimately to the United Football League.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was a year of transitions for Raiqwon O’Neal. After signing a reserve/future contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in January, he was waived with an injury designation on August 26 as part of the team’s final roster cuts. The release marked the end of his second stint with the Buccaneers and forced him to seek a new opportunity elsewhere in the league.
On October 21, 2025, O’Neal found a new home when he was signed to the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad. Although his time with the Falcons was brief, ending with his release on November 11, it provided him with valuable in-season experience within another NFL organization. His ability to land on a practice squad mid-season reflected the continued demand for his services as a developmental offensive lineman.
Looking ahead, O’Neal’s outlook for 2025 and beyond centers on his selection by the Dallas Renegades in the 2026 UFL Draft. With the Renegades, he has the opportunity to compete for playing time and showcase his skills on a consistent basis. The move to the UFL represents a fresh start and a chance to build momentum as a starting-caliber offensive tackle at the professional level.