Jacob Sykes

Jacob Sykes (born August 9, 1999) is an American professional football defensive end. He played college football for the Harvard Crimson and UCLA Bruins, and was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2023.

Early life Sykes was born on August 9, 1999. The son of two engineers, he grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and was known for his "off-the-charts intellect," according to the Los Angeles Times. He attended Academie Lafayette French immersion school (K-8) and is fluent in French. He took college courses while in sixth grade and in seventh grade assisted in teaching courses at Langston University. A National Honor Society (NHS) member, Sykes was a first-team all-state football player and was named their most valuable player for the 2017–18 school year.

College career Sykes committed to play college football for the Harvard Crimson and appeared in eight games as a true freshman. During his sophomore season, he totaled 36 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a blocked field goal while appearing in all 10 games. Sykes ultimately transferred to play with the UCLA Bruins, and appeared in 13 games, six as a starter, in the 2022 season, earning third-team All-Pac-12 honors from Pro Football Focus (PFF) after posting 29 tackles and a sack.

Seattle Seahawks After going unselected in the 2023 NFL draft, Sykes was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent. He was waived on August 29, 2023, as part of final roster cuts.

San Antonio Brahmas On February 6, 2024, Sykes signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League (UFL). He re-signed with the team on August 26.

Philadelphia Eagles On July 22, 2025, Sykes signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was waived on August 26 as part of final roster cuts, re-signed to the practice squad on September 10 and released from the Eagles the following day. On October 2, Sykes was re-signed to the practice squad, but was released the next day.

Orlando Storm On January 13, 2026, Sykes was selected by the Orlando Storm in the 2026 UFL Draft. He was released on March 19.