Zero-star recruit out of Newark who developed into an FCS All-American at Villanova before signing with the Chargers.
Isas Waxter's football story is one of steady, unglamorous development: a recruit who drew no star rating out of high school, he became one of the CAA's top defensive backs by his final season at Villanova. After a brief stop in Seattle, he is now working to make the Chargers' roster as a rookie defensive back.
Path to the league
A New Jersey native out of Immaculate Conception High School in Newark, Waxter received no star rating from recruiting services despite all-county and all-conference honors in football and track. He played five years at Villanova, missing the 2022 season with a significant injury before returning in 2023 to record 26 tackles, three interceptions and eight pass breakups, earning second-team All-CAA honors. He capped his career in 2024 with Associated Press FCS All-American Honorable Mention and first-team All-CAA recognition. He went undrafted in 2025.
Career highlights
Over 46 college games, Waxter totaled three interceptions, 75 solo tackles, 19 passes defended, three forced fumbles and seven tackles for loss. His 2024 season, which brought FCS All-American recognition, was the culmination of a career that started with almost no outside recruiting attention.
2025 season recap
Waxter signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent but was released before the regular season began. The Los Angeles Chargers signed him to their practice squad on September 30, 2025, where he has worked to earn a roster spot in a crowded cornerback room.
Sources
- SI/OnSI: Chargers Roster Spotlights - Isas Waxter, From Zero Star to NFL Defensive Back
- ESPN: Isas Waxter
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Cornerback
- Group
- defense
- College
- Villanova
- Hometown
- Newark, NJ, USA
- Age
- 24
- Status
- active
