The college football season may be in the rearview, but that doesn’t mean the football calendar is going quiet. With the 2026 NFL Draft looming, fans are already eyeing where their favorite college stars might land. But while the NFL takes a brief breather, two other professional leagues are gearing up for action: the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the United Football League (UFL).
These leagues may not carry the same weight as the NFL, but they serve a crucial role in the football ecosystem. They’re proving grounds, second chances, and sometimes springboards for players looking to make their way (or find their way back) to the NFL. And for Oregon Ducks fans, there’s still a reason to tune in this spring.
Ducks in the Pros: North of the Border and Beyond
The CFL has long been a home for former college standouts, and several ex-Ducks have found a place there. Names like Vernon Adams Jr. and Dillon Mitchell are continuing their football journeys in Canada, showing that there’s life - and opportunity - beyond the NFL.
But when it comes to the UFL, which kicks off its season this spring, there’s only one Duck suiting up: Chase Cota.
Chase Cota: The Lone Duck in the UFL
Cota’s football journey has been anything but conventional - and that’s part of what makes his story compelling. He began his college career at UCLA, spending four seasons in Westwood before transferring to Oregon for the 2022 campaign.
That move wasn’t just about football; it was also about legacy. His father, Chad Cota, was a standout defensive back for the Ducks in the early ‘90s before heading to the NFL, where he was drafted by the Carolina Panthers.
In his lone season in Eugene, Chase made the most of his opportunity. Despite battling injury and appearing in only 10 games, he racked up 487 receiving yards and three touchdowns, playing a key role in Oregon’s Holiday Bowl win over North Carolina.
Still, the NFL didn’t come calling on draft day. Cota signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent and spent time on various practice squads, trying to carve out a spot in the league. That door hasn’t fully closed - and now, he’s got a new one to walk through.
A New Chapter in Dallas
During the UFL’s latest draft, the Dallas Renegades selected Cota, giving him another shot at professional football. For a player like Cota, the UFL is more than just a chance to keep playing - it’s a platform. The league has already served as a launchpad for players like wide receiver KaVontae Turpin and kickers Brandon Aubrey and Jake Bates, all of whom made the jump to the NFL after standout performances.
Cota will be looking to follow that same path. With his size, route-running ability, and football pedigree, he’s got the tools to make an impact. The question now is whether he can turn this opportunity into something bigger.
Why Ducks Fans Should Tune In
If you’re looking for a reason to give the UFL a shot this spring, Chase Cota is a good one. He’s a familiar face with unfinished business and a name Ducks fans already know. His journey - from college standout to NFL hopeful to UFL wideout - is one of perseverance, and it’s far from over.
So when the UFL kicks off its season, keep an eye on Dallas. Cota may be the lone Duck in the league, but he’s carrying the banner with pride - and he’s got a chance to make some noise.