Ukoh Essang

Biography

Ukoh Essang enters his first season as a defensive analyst working with the defensive line at UCLA in 2026. Essang arrives in Westwood after spending the 2024 and 2025 seasons as a defensive graduate assistant at James Madison. JMU’s 2025 defense ranked fifth in FBS with 266.6 yards allowed per game and 13th with 18.4 points allowed per game. The Dukes were also sixth in the country in third down defense (29.4%), 10th in defensive touchdowns (3), 28th in sacks per game (2.57) and 33rd in tackles for loss per game (6.2). During Essang's first season at James Madison in 2024, the Dukes led the nation in turnover margin (1.54) and ranked third in takeaways (29), fifth in defensive touchdowns (four) and sixth in sacks per game (3.15). The D-line alone led the country in interceptions for the position group, as four different linemen recorded an interception. Essang’s unit produced a pair of defensive touchdowns on pick-sixes while also tallying 49.5 tackles for loss, 30.0 sacks, 12 breakups, three fumble recoveries and a pair of forced fumbles. Defensive linemen Eric O'Neill and Khairi Manns highlighted the group, both earning All-America honors. O’Neill registered 18.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks while Manns added 12.5 TFLs and 9.0 sacks. As a whole, JMU’s defensive line produced a pair of defensive touchdowns on pick-sixes while also tallying 49.5 tackles for loss, 30.0 sacks, 12 breakups, three fumble recoveries and a pair of forced fumbles. Essang joined the Dukes after spe

Career Path