He played college football at Michigan State, and was three times named to the All-Big Ten team.

Willekes attended NorthPointe Christian High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

[5] In 2018, he was named the Big Ten Conference Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year after recording 78 tackles and 8.5 sacks.

[6][7] Willekes returned to Michigan State his senior year in 2019 rather than enter the 2019 NFL draft.

[20] On December 8, 2023, Willekes signed with the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League (USFL).