The UFL season is set to kick off this Friday, with eight teams gearing up for the league’s third championship showdown in June. Each team has crafted a roster brimming with talent, spotlighting numerous former FCS players from across the nation. Let's break down who will be hitting the field this spring:
Birmingham Stallions
Leading the charge at quarterback is Michael Hiers from Samford. Protecting the line, we have Zack Johnson from North Dakota State and Armani Taylor-Prioleau from South Carolina State. JoJo Tillery, a safety from Wofford, and Colby Wadman, a punter from UC Davis, round out this promising lineup.
Columbus Aviators
Rashard Davis, a wide receiver from James Madison, will be a key target. On defense, Noah Dawkins from The Citadel brings strength at linebacker, while Michael Lawson from Western Illinois and Kedrick Whitehead Jr. from Delaware* bolster the cornerback position. Jalen Morton from Prairie View A&M and Aidan Sayin from Penn will be competing under center.
Dallas Renegades
Emmanuel Butler from Northern Arizona will be catching passes, with Josiah Ezirim from Eastern Kentucky holding down the offensive line. Brendan Hall from Montana State is set to kick, and the defense will feature Donald Payne from Stetson at linebacker. Quarterback duties fall to Luis Perez from East Texas A&M, with Bobby Price from Norfolk State and Willie Taylor III from Eastern Kentucky shoring up the defense.
D.C. Defenders
The Defenders are banking on linebacker Brian Abraham from UAlbany and quarterback Mike DiLiello from Austin Peay to lead the charge. The defensive line gets a boost with Devonnsha Maxwell from Chattanooga and Derek Roberson from Sam Houston*, alongside Joe Wallace also from Sam Houston*.
Houston Gamblers
On the defensive end, Kenny Dyson from Bryant and Malik Fisher from Villanova are set to make an impact. Nolan Henderson from Delaware* will guide the offense at quarterback, supported by Gareth Warren from Lindenwood on the offensive line. Lujuan Winningham from Central Arkansas will be a key target at wide receiver, with Marcus Yarns from Delaware* in the backfield.
Louisville Kings
Travis Bell from Kennesaw State* anchors the defensive tackle position, while Carter Bell from South Dakota adds depth at wide receiver. Linebacker Cam Gill from Wagner and running back Jalen Jackson from Villanova will be crucial to the Kings' strategy.
North Dakota State contributes Nash Jensen at guard and Nick Kubitz at linebacker. Mike McAllister from Youngstown State will be snapping the ball at center, with Jaden Shirden from Monmouth and Ian Wheeler from Howard boosting the running game.
Orlando Storm
Elijah Dotson from Northern Colorado takes the field at running back, with Mike Edwards from Campbell and Jason Ivey from North Carolina A&T securing the offensive line. Isaiah Mack from Chattanooga strengthens the defense at tackle, while Chris Rowland from Tennessee State adds versatility at wide receiver.
St. Louis Battlehawks
Ryan Coll from Richmond will be a cornerstone on the offensive line, with Harrison Frost from Mercer leading at quarterback. The backfield features Jarveon Howard from Alcorn State and Kevon Latulas from Missouri State*. Justin Smith from Norfolk State rounds out the roster at wide receiver.
As the UFL season unfolds, these players will bring their A-game, aiming to etch their names in the league’s budding history. Keep an eye on these teams as they vie for the ultimate prize this June.