It’s been quite a journey for Nikhai Hill-Green.
The former three-star linebacker surprised many by earning the starting job in his second year in Ann Arbor. But he sustained an injury in the 2022 offseason that was nagging in nature and he ended up missing the entire season.
Hailing from Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances Academy, Hill-Green ended up following his former high school head coach, Biff Poggi, to Charlotte after he entered the transfer portal. After one year with the 49ers, Hill-Green has opted to return to the Power Five level.
On Thursday, Hill-Green announced that he’s joining the new-look Big 12 having committed to UCF.
God Is King ⚔️ @UCF_Football pic.twitter.com/eUdIJJrOlf
— Nikhai (@Nhillgreen) December 14, 2023
In 2023, Hill-Green was second on the team in tackles with 73, with 9 tackles for loss and two sacks — improving upon the 50 tackles he accrued in 2021.
Hill-Green will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Knights, with 2020 being the COVID (free) year and having redshirted in 2022.