The Helsinki Wolverines, looking to rebound after finishing last in the Maple League in 2025, made a key move on defense for the 2026 season by signing defensive lineman Travis Chu. The 22-year-old from Brooklyn, New York, joins the Finnish club after a standout career at the NCAA Division III level with Grinnell College in Iowa.
A disruptive force up front
Chu brings an aggressive, explosive playing style to the heart of the Wolverines’ defensive line. During his four-year college career, he appeared in 34 games, accumulating 65 total tackles—17 of which were for a loss—and four sacks. His best season came as a senior in 2024, when he recorded 35 tackles and 10 tackles for loss, earning First Team All-Conference honors in the Midwest Conference.
Bringing the power
Standing at 6’0” and 298 pounds, Chu is not only productive on the field but also impressively strong in the weight room. His verified numbers include a 500-pound bench press and a 635-pound squat, demonstrating the raw power that should help him immediately compete against Maple League offensive linemen. For a Helsinki squad seeking to improve its defensive physicality, Chu represents a promising building block for the season ahead.