UFL Alumni Making Waves in NFL Preseason
The United Football League may have folded its regular season, but its legacy lives on in the NFL’s preseason landscape. This week, 28 players who once starred in the upstart league find themselves on active NFL rosters, joining a pool of 83 former UFL athletes currently training with professional teams.
Among the NFL’s 32 clubs, the Detroit Lions stand out as the most represented, boasting seven former UFL standouts on their roster. The Lions will open their preseason slate against the Cincinnati Bengals, while other matchups pit the Green Bay Packers against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Indianapolis Colts versus the New England Patriots, and the Los Angeles Chargers take on the Houston Texans.
The spotlight falls on several former UFL stars who are looking to translate their college‑level success into professional impact. Jake Bates, who once converted a 64‑yard field goal for the Michigan Panthers, now attempts to extend that leg with the Detroit Lions, a kick that remains the longest in UFL history. Tarik Black, a Louisville Kings alumnus, has emerged as a deep‑threat receiver, hauling in seven catches of at least 20 yards during the 2026 campaign. Lucky Jackson, also a Kings teammate, led the team with 32 receptions for 392 yards and two touchdowns, positioning him as a key target in the upcoming games.
Other notable names include Jacob Saylors, the St. Louis Battlehawks’ all‑time rushing leader with 996 yards and 13 touchdowns, and Josh Johnson, a veteran who has traversed 17 NFL franchises, including a stint with the Los Angeles Wildcats of the XFL. Cornell Powell, celebrated as the 2026 UFL Sportsman of the Year for his community work through The Powell Project, adds a leadership narrative to the mix. Meanwhile, Ryan Cooper, a former defensive back with stops in Baltimore, Seattle, Miami and New York, brings seasoned experience to the Detroit Lions’ secondary, while punter Daniel Whelan, an All‑XFL selection with the DC Defenders, has held the Green Bay Packers’ punting duties since 2023.
The preseason schedule, slated for August 13, 2026, will feature six games that pit these former UFL players against one another and against NFL talent. Fans can expect to see the likes of the Arizona Cardinals face the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Tennessee Titans square off against the San Francisco 49ers, each contest offering a fresh chance for former UFL standouts to showcase their abilities on a larger stage.
As the NFL continues to scout talent from unconventional sources, the presence of former UFL players on active rosters underscores the league’s role as a developmental incubator. Whether on the field or special teams, these athletes carry the hopes of a league that proved it could produce players capable of competing at the highest level.