On Tuesday, the Michigan Panthers re-signed TE Cole Hikutini. Additionally, the San Antonio Brahmas added OL Willie Tyler to the roster for the 2025 UFL season:
The UFL has announced the following transactions pic.twitter.com/FRyrYnvX5Y
— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) September 24, 2024
TE Cole Hikutini | Michigan Panthers
Cole Hikutini will look to enter his third season with the Michigan Panthers. He’s been a tremendous tight end for Mike Nolan’s offense over the past two years, and is a big piece to bring back offensively.
Hikutini joined Michigan for the 2023 USFL season. That year, he posted 239 receiving yards and five touchdowns, as one of Josh Love’s favorite targets.
Well, I’m eating my words. Outstanding opening drive to this half for Josh Love and the @USFLPanthers, capped off with a TD to a wide open Cole Hikutini to pull back within one score.
Love was 3/3 for over 60 yards on this possession. #USFL pic.twitter.com/IFzamrwptE
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) June 10, 2023
In 2024, Cole’s role wasn’t as large in the receiving game – due to some of the impressive targets acquired in the offseason. That said, he still made a difference, totaling 204 yards and a score this season.
Multiple #NFL teams have interest in @USFLPanthers tight end Cole Hikutini, per league sources. After a strong season where he finished second among tight ends in yards per reception, four-year veteran expected to be back in NFL soon, previously #Vikings #Cowboys #Giants #49ers… pic.twitter.com/ilQjgRAKI5
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 2, 2024
Additionally, Cole has been utilized as a blocking tight end often, specifically in the run game (218 run blocking snaps, per PFF). Having him back with this offense is excellent news for the Michigan Panthers, and their fans.
See also
OT Willie Tyler | San Antonio Brahmas
Willie Tyler is another offensive lineman who joins this Brahmas roster. Earlier this week, GM Marc Lillibridge added Tyran Hunt. Clearly, San Antonio is looking to bring some reinforcements to the trenches ahead of Training Camp.
Willie is an intriguing prospect for the UFL. He had a few different stops in college – after transitioning from a defensive lineman to the offensive line. Tyler played at Texas for two years, but didn’t see much time on the field at all.
This led to him transferring to Louisiana-Monroe in 2021. There, he started in nine of ten games that year. Wille finished his collegiate career at Louisville, after a stint at Rutgers. With Louisville, Tyler started in all 14 games during the 2023 season. This resulted in an NFL opportunity with the New York Jets. Tyler played in three preseason games, impressing as a pass blocker – but struggling in the run game.
The #Jets have signed former Louisville OL Willie Tyler III to an UDFA deal, his agency confirms to @XPANDSports pic.twitter.com/3VPJSP43K7
— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhifer) April 28, 2024
Now, he’ll look to officially kick start his professional career in the UFL, with the San Antonio Brahmas.
What are your thoughts on Cole Hikutini coming back to the Panthers? Will Willie Tyler make the Brahmas roster in 2025? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
