The Detroit Lions are reportedly trying out the Michigan Panthers’ leading rusher of 2025.
For the second straight year, the Detroit Lions could be seeking reinforcements from their local UFL team. According to UFL analyst Mike Del Negro, the Lions are working out Michigan Panthers running back Toa Taua . The news was more or less confirmed by Taua himself, reposting the news on his Instagram with the caption: “S/o God! All we needed was an opp.”
Taua was a key player on the Panthers’ offense last year, helping the team reach the finals, where they eventually lost to the DC Defenders. Taua finished the season sixth in rushing yards (357) and led the league in rushing touchdowns with six—all in just seven games. His 4.4 yards per carry ranked third in the league.
Listed at 5-foot-8, 208 pounds, Taua is short, stocky, and really tough to bring down. Back in college, from 2018-22, Taua led the Nevada Wolf Pack in rushing for five straight seasons. His best year was his super senior season, in which he rushed for 911 yards (4.2 YPC) and 11 touchdowns, along with another 41 catches for 295 yards and another score.
If the Lions do end up signing Taua, he’ll have a tough time cracking the 53-man roster. Detroit is likely set with their top four running backs in Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Craig Reynolds, and Sione Vaki. Taua will have to compete with the likes of undrafted rookies Anthony Tyus III and Kye Robichaux to either justify an RB5 spot or knock one of the top-four down.
That said, if Taua makes a strong impression in training camp, he could theoretically stick around on the practice squad for a year and compete for a job during the season and into 2026.
As of right now, the Lions do have an open roster spot if they choose to sign Taua. That extra spot opened up after the Lions made Frank Ragnow’s retirement official on Wednesday .