Salukis add Albany edge rusher Ibrahim Sanogo

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Saluki Football signed a late portal transfer, adding Albany defensive end Ibrahim Sanogo, an edge rusher who has totaled 18.0 sacks in 38 college games.

Sanogo played 16 games at FCS Albany (2024-25), where he recorded 47 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. A senior with one season of eligibility remaining, he was limited to just four games in 2025 due to a shoulder injury.

A native of Philadelphia, Sanogo played his first two seasons of college football at Division II California (Pa.), where he recorded 59 tackles and 14.0 sacks.

“I’ve been waiting to coach him for two years,” said SIU defensive line coach Darius Davis, who recruited Sanogo while he was coaching at Robert Morris. “One of the big reasons why he went to Albany was to win, and things haven't shaped out like he wanted them to there, and so he wants to be a part of our winning culture.”

Sanogo has 18.0 career sacks prior to transferring to SIU.

Sanogo’s 2025 season got off to an impressive start with six tackles at Iowa. In Week 2 versus New Haven, he had seven tackles and two QB hurries, followed by five tackles and 2.0 sacks at Delaware State in Week 3. Versus Cornell on Sept. 25, the game in which he injured his shoulder, he had five more tackles.

“He’s a really good pass rusher and a really athletic kid,” said SIU defensive ends coach Jake Kulig, who, ironically, recruited Sanogo to Albany. “He’s physical, has violent hands and a ton of production. He was only 220 pounds when he got to Albany and now he's around 255.”

Sanogo announced he was entering the portal on January 20, but with an expected May graduation, he waited to sign. Numerous FBS and FCS schools offered him.

“With his relationship with Coach Davis and myself, I think he realized that being here is the best situation to maximize his football ability,” Kulig said.