Isaac Gifford
Career Summary
Isaac Gifford is a defensive back from Lincoln, Nebraska, who played his college career at Nebraska before signing with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2025.
Section reviewed
Early Life
Gifford was born April 9, 2001, and is the son of Sam and Shannon Gifford. Nebraska reports that he graduated with a management degree in December 2023 and that his older brother, Luke Gifford, also played for the Huskers and in the NFL.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
High School
Gifford attended Lincoln Southeast High School. Nebraska reports that he earned All-Nebraska recognition as a senior after recording 71 tackles, six pass breakups, and an interception, while also contributing on offense; he helped Southeast reach the Class A quarterfinals.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
College Career
Gifford played in 57 career games at Nebraska, the program's third-highest total, and made 26 career starts. He started all 12 games in 2023, leading the Huskers in tackles while posting 6.5 tackles for loss and an interception, then started all 13 games in 2024 and again led Nebraska in tackles with 73.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
Path to the NFL
After his Nebraska career, Gifford entered the 2025 professional opportunity cycle. Nebraska announced that he joined the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
NFL Career
Gifford signed with Carolina as an undrafted rookie in 2025. The Panthers waived him on August 25, 2025, during their initial roster-reduction moves.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
Career Accomplishments
Gifford earned honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition in 2023 and was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. In 2024, he was a Campbell Trophy semifinalist, a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, and the recipient of Nebraska's Cletus Fischer Native Son Award.
Section reviewed
Playing Style
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Gifford worked as a defensive back and safety. His 240 career tackles rank third among Nebraska defensive backs, and his 2023 season included a team-high 86 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and nine pass breakups.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
31049, 00-0040282, 2001-04-09, Isaac Gifford, Isaac, Gifford
MFT PLAYER RANKINGS
Current player ranking
Compare current players by position using the transparent MFT statistical model.