Ika grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and attended East High School. He initially committed to play college football at BYU, but later re-opened his recruitment.[1] Ika ultimately committed to play at LSU over offers from Florida, Oregon, USC, and Utah.[2]
College career
Ika joined the LSU Tigers as an early enrollee in January 2019.[3] He played in 13 games as part of the Tigers' defensive line rotation during his freshman year as the Tigers won the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship.[4] Ika entered the NCAA transfer portal after playing in the first three games of his sophomore season in 2020.[5]
Ika ultimately transferred to Baylor for the 2021 season. He also considered offers from Utah, Oregon, BYU, and Georgia.[6] Ika recorded 24 tackles with six tackles for loss and four sacks in his first season at Baylor and was named the Big 12 Conference Defensive Newcomer of the Year and second team All-Big 12.[7]
On August 27, 2024, Ika was waived by the Browns, and later re-signed to the practice squad.[11][12] He was released on October 15.[13]
Philadelphia Eagles
On October 23, 2024, Ika signed with the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad, but was released a week later.[14] He was signed to the practice squad on November 20, but released a week later.[15]