Defensive linemanOsa Odighizuwais headed to The Bay.
Originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round (75th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft, Odighizuwa spent five seasons in Dallas, where he developed into one of the league's most consistent interior defenders. Across 84 career games (76 starts), he totaled 216 tackles, 17.0 sacks, and 81 quarterback hits, including a 2025 season that saw him lead all defensive tackles in quarterback hits (23).
Now, he brings his disruptive presence and pass-rushing ability to San Francisco's defensive front.
Here are five things to know about Odighizuwa:
Scott Chandler/UCLA AthleticsOdighizuwa is returning to familiar territory after playing his college ball at UCLA and growing up in Oregon. The defensive lineman spent four seasons with the Bruins before entering the NFL, then spent the last five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, making his move to the Bay Area a West Coast homecoming of sorts.
At UCLA, Odighizuwa appeared in 43 games (32 starts) from 2017-20 and totaled 120 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks. He earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors as a senior in 2020 after leading all Bruin linemen in tackles (30) and finishing second on the team in sacks (4.0).
Now, he returns to California, bringing his experience back to the West Coast as a member of the 49ers.
@osagoeshard/InstagramBeyond football, Odighizuwa is deeply committed to community work as the co-founder of the Odighizuwa Foundation, which focuses on supporting single parents and their children.
He's been recognized by the NFLPA as a #CommunityMVP after hosting a fully funded baby shower for 20 single mothers in Dallas, providing meals, essential supplies, and resources. Through additional initiatives like back-to-school drives in both Dallas and Portland, his foundation has supported more than 150 families with school supplies and resources.
Jeffrey T. Barnes/The Associated Press.Odighizuwa's style stands out just as much as his play. Known for his off-field fashion and tunnel fits, he leans into bold streetwear looksthink oversized pieces, statement jackets, and designer accessories.
He even backed it up himself onUninterrupted, naming himself as the "swag" pick when building the perfect defensive lineman. "If you have a big guy that can pull off the looks of a skill player I definitely have good swag," he said.
Jeffrey McWhorter/Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reservedOdighizuwa comes from both a Nigerian background and a football pedigree. His older brother, Owa Odighizuwa, also played in the NFL after being selected by the New York Giants in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Both Osa and Owa played at UCLA, though their careers didn't overlap. Owa was a standout defensive end for the Bruins from 201014, earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors before making the jump to the NFL.
Of Nigerian descent, the Odighizuwa brothers share strong cultural roots that have helped shape Osa's path to the league.
Jeffrey McWhorter/Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reservedBefore his NFL career, Odighizuwa was a standout wrestler in high school, winning three consecutive state heavyweight championships. He went undefeated in his final two seasons and also spent time competing in track, showcasing the athleticism that now translates to his explosiveness on the defensive line.
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