Uwazurike set to return in 2021

Nov 7, 2020; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike (58) celebrates a sack during their football game at Jack Trice Stadium. Iowa State would go on to win 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Brian Powers-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa State just got its biggest win of the 2021 offseason — so far.

Senior defensive lineman Enyi Uwazurike announced on Instagram he will take advantage of the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA due to the COVID-19 pandemic and return to Iowa State for the 2021 season.

The honorable mention All-Big 12 selection has been one of the cornerstones of Iowa State’s defensive line for each of the past four seasons. The Detroit native recorded 27 tackles, eight tackles for loss and three sacks during the 2020 season while sliding between defensive end and defensive tackle throughout the year.

Uwazurike will enter his sixth-year in the program with 102 total tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, two fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown on his resume.

The announcement comes after classmates tight end Chase Allen and offensive tackle Sean Foster previously made their plans to return public. On the flip side, the program has seen a handful of players announce they’ll move on from Iowa State, including all-time leader in sacks JaQuan Bailey, career kickoff return average leader Kene Nwangwu, tight end Dylan Soehner and safety Lawrence White.