The Michigan Panthers brought back two key defensive players on Wednesday. DE Levi Bell and S Kai Nacua have officially agreed to terms for the 2025 UFL season – returning to Collin Bauer’s defense for another campaign.
The #UFL has announced the following transactions pic.twitter.com/WHgGQAhuSR
— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) October 30, 2024
DE Levi Bell
Levi Bell has had a unique journey with the Michigan Panthers so far. He was a USFL College Draft pick with the team back in 2023, and signed midway through the season. Bell immediately made an impact; as he became a starter very quickly on that defensive line.
Levi Bell and @Bspeaks9 are there for the sack! 💪
🎥: @USANetwork pic.twitter.com/YpGkd1Zpi4
— Official Jake Bates Stan Account (@USFLPanthers) May 13, 2023
Levi proved to be one of the top defenders in the entire USFL, posting 16 tackles and four sacks. Bell had one of the top PFF grades on the team, consistently showing up week in and week out. This earned Levi an opportunity with the Seattle Seahawks. He landed on their practice squad after an impressive preseason, and stayed there for a while.
WATCH: Seahawks DE Jordan Ferguson sacks QB Jaren Hall, followed up by a sack from DE Levi Bell.
Both Ferguson and Bell played in the #USFL this past season, impressing with the Michigan Panthers and Memphis Showboats.
Spring. Football. Works. pic.twitter.com/YecAbosCDx
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) August 11, 2023
Once Bell became available this year, Michigan looked to re-sign him. They did – and while Levi was primed to be a starter right away – he injured himself in warmups before his debut in week eight, so he didn’t play at all this season.
Levi still earned an NFL shot, signing with the Colts. However, for the time being it looks like his professional career will continue in the UFL, with the Michigan Panthers. He’s one of the top defensive players in the league when healthy.
S Kai Nacua
Kai Nacua had a legitimate argument to be the Defensive Player of the Year in the UFL this season. He was spectacular for the Michigan Panthers – proving to be a major piece to Bauer’s defense; one that saw a lot of success in 2024.
Kai Nacua today:
11 tackles
1 sack
2 TFLJust an outstanding performance from @KaiNacua who is primed to have a breakout year for this @USFLPanthers team. #UFL pic.twitter.com/zu5CgqwoY6
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) March 30, 2024
![Michigan PantherCast | The USFL Returns Spring of 2022 [Ep. 1]](https://i0.wp.com/pfnewsroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/michigan-panthercast-featured.jpg?resize=100%2C100&ssl=1)
Nacua played with the Panthers in 2023, but dealt with some injuries that kept him sidelined a bit that year. He finished that season with 31 tackles, a sack, and three PBU’s in six games played.
2024 told a different story. Kai started in 10 games; totaling 47 tackles, a sack, five PBU’s, and a league-leading three interceptions. Week in and week out, Nacua made quarterbacks pay for throwing his way. Having him back is excellent news for Michigan as a whole.
The Nacua Magic 🪄
Back to back weeks of leading the league in interceptions for @KaiNacua 🙌🔥 pic.twitter.com/erorFwZDde
— Official Jake Bates Stan Account (@USFLPanthers) May 2, 2024
On another note, Kai Nacua is the older brother of Rams’ star WR Puka. Also, his younger brother, Samson, plays WR for the Michigan Panthers as well.
General Manager Steve Kazor has been loading up on talent for the 2025 season. Michigan has acquired some serious playmakers, while simultaneously bringing back their best pieces. The Panthers are primed to run it back to the postseason, but the question remains: can they finally push past the Conference title game?
What are your thoughts on Levi Bell and Kai Nacua re-signing with the Michigan Panthers? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
