Coming out of high school, Ukwu decided to commit to play college football for the James Madison Dukes.
[1][2] During Ukwu's five-year career with James Madison from 2017 to 2022, he played in 28 games after suffering two season-ending knee injuries; he totaled 88 tackles, with 27.5 being for a loss, and 16.5 sacks, while being named all-conference twice.
[9][10] In Ukwu's lone season with Ole Miss, he notched 30 tackles and three and a half sacks.
[11] After not being selected in the 2024 NFL draft, Ukwu signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent.
[15] During Ukwu's three preseason games, he tallied three sacks and a forced fumble while fighting for a spot on the Lions' 53-man roster.