The Michigan Panthers re-signed tight end Cole Hikutini on Tuesday according to the UFL Transactions page.
Cole Hikutini is six foot four and weighs 240 pounds. The 30-year-old from San Francisco, California, made 12 catches for 204 yards, and one touchdown in 10 games. In the 2024 USFL Conference Championship Game against the Birmingham Stallions making three catches for 15 yards.
Hikutini signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2017. He played four games making two catches for 15 yards. In the 2018 preseason, Hikutini made three catches for 34 yards in four games. The 49ers released him on September 1, 2018.
Next, Hikutini signed with the Minnesota Vikings on September 3, 2018. In the 2019 preseason, Hikutini made eight catches for 69 yards in four games. The Vikings released him on August 31, 2019. He also spent time with the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants.
Hikutini signed with the Michigan Panthers on October 7, 2022. In 2023, he made 21 catches for 77 yards and five touchdowns in nine games. In the USFL Playoffs, Hikutini made three catches for 42 yards against the Pittsburgh Maulers.
Collegiately, Hikutini played one season at Sacramento State in 2013 making 21 catches for 204 yards, five touchdowns, and one tackle (1 solo) in nine games for the Hornets. Next, he transferred to City College of San Francisco in 2014 making four catches for 658 yards, and four touchdowns in 12 games for the Rams. He was named First Team All-Bay 6 and First Team All-American.
Then, Hikutini transferred to Louisville (2015-16) making 69 catches for 1,016 yards, 11 touchdowns, and one tackle (1 solo) in 24 games for the Cardinals.
