UFL 2026 Season Preview

By: Justin Tatuski Lee

Spring Football is back with the 2026 UFL season beginning this Friday March 26. Since its formation back in 2024, the UFL has filled that gap of the NFL offseason with a showcase of some of the youngest and best available prospects in the country. This season the UFL has made a handful of changes that may be familiar or different depending on which fanbase you ask. 

New Teams and Legacy Franchises Reestablished

One of the few changes is the teams partaking this season, still the same number of 8 teams total, but with new teams replacing the ones not returning this year. Most notably, the Michigan Panthers, Memphis Showboats, and the San Antonio Brahmas. They’re being replaced with the Columbus Aviators, Louisville Kings, and Orlando Storm; in an attempt to establish newer markets for fans in those cities. This season, a few teams will rebrand to their original namesakes and relocate to their original home venues. The Houston Roughnecks reverted to their original USFL name back in the 80s, the Gamblers and will play at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. The Arlington Renegades will revert to their original XFL team namesake, the Dallas Renegades and play at Toyota Stadium in Frisco.

New Rules This Coming Season

Since the establishment of the USFL and the XFL, each league has always been a testing ground for new rules and adjustments much like how the MLB uses the Minor league system to test such things like the pitch clock and ABS system that is coming to the MLB season in 2026. The UFL will bring in a flurry of new changes that should change the outlook of the way the game is played and excite fans. A huge basis of the rules entering this season is solely based on player safety and “turbocharging” team offenses. This season the UFL is introducing the following:

• Kicking a field goal of 60 yards or more would be worth four points instead of three.
• Teams will no longer be able to punt if they cross the 50-yard line into their opponent’s territory, except after the two-minute warning in each half. This rule applies even if the offense commits a penalty that pushes them back behind the 50-yard line.
• The Tush Push, which has been a part of massive controversy in the NFL, is a prohibited play this season. The UFL defines the play as “a play in which, after the quarterback takes the snap, he immediately drives forward as the offensive line surges and is assisted by additional players behind him who physically push him forward into the surging offensive line”.
• On 2 point conversions, the ball will be placed on the 2-yard line for a conversion attempt (previously, the ball was placed on the 5-yard line). Teams will still have the option to kick an extra point or attempt a three-point conversion from the 8-yard line.
• Adjusting the kickoff placement to increase kickoff returns. The kicking team was moved back 5 yards, from the receiving team’s 40-yard line to its 45. And the receiving team’s zone to line up was moved up 5 yards, from between the 30- and 35-yard lines to between the 35 and the 40.
• One big catch this season is the adoption of the NCAA’s rule on receptions requiring the receiver to only have one foot in bounds to complete a catch.

Players or Teams to Watch This Season.

One big implementation that may seem different from the NFL is the UFL’s draft system which is split into multiple drafts based on position, college allocations, quarterbacks, and free agents. To learn more about these drafts individually, you can check out the article on the UFL website: https://www.theufl.com/news/ufl-announces-player-selection-and-team-allocation-process-for-2026. All 8 teams have many notable players that may seem familiar to fans of college football, and fans who have followed the UFL for the last few seasons. Here are a few reasons to cheer for each team:

Birmingham Stallions

It’s easy for fans to pick the Stallions, the winners of the three league championships, and they’re ready to grab a fourth title after coming up short to the Michigan Panthers (Folded) a year ago. They’ve made the playoffs four years straight and continue to look to be the predominant franchise in the UFL. Though things may look different this season with the former Alabama great and St. Louis Battlehawk QB AJ McCarron as the head coach this season with Skip Holtz stepping to the side. Nonetheless, the Stallions have a handful of notable players of interest for the 2026 season.

• Matt Corral: One of the most recognizable names in the UFL this season, Corral comes in with a chance to prove himself where he’s had struggles with staying healthy. Last year was put on the injury reserve and didn’t get an opportunity until the USFL Conference Championship game against the eventual champs, the Michigan Panthers. Despite throwing a costly interception in the late part of the game, did lead the Stallions to two successful touchdown drives after taking over for an injured J’Mar Smith. This season, he has a chance to jump the gun and play as well as he did during his Ole Miss days.
• John Ross III: Considered one of the fastest athletes to ever step on the football field, Ross came to fame during the 2017 NFL combine where he set the record on the 40 yard dash with a time of 4.22 before it was broken by Xavier Worthy in 2024. The former 1st round, ninth overall pick had a lot of high hopes with the Cincinnati Bengals, but his NFL career never got a foothold. Now 30 years old, even if he never gets back to the big stage, he’ll have a chance to become a staple with the Stallions during the 2026 season.

St. Louis Battlehawks

One of the most passionate fanbases in the entire United Football League, the Battlehawks continue to be appointment viewing week in and week out. With the departure of longtime signal caller AJ McCarron, the team will rely on a mix of returning veterans and emerging playmakers to keep their playoff hopes alive in 2026.

• Hakeem Butler: A dominant physical presence at receiver, Butler has quietly become one of the league’s most consistent deep threats. His ability to win contested catches and stretch the field makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing secondaries. After leading the Battlehawks in receiving touchdowns last season, Butler enters 2026 looking to cement himself as the premier wideout in spring football.
• Pita Taumoepenu: A relentless edge rusher who has made a name for himself as one of the most disruptive defenders in the league. Taumoepenu’s motor and pass-rush versatility helped fuel St. Louis’ defensive success last season. Expect him to once again be near the top of the league in sacks as he anchors a defense that thrives on pressure.

DC Defenders 

Few teams embody swagger quite like the Defenders. Known for their physical style and energized home crowds, DC will look to rebound after a rollercoaster 2025 campaign that saw flashes of brilliance but inconsistency down the stretch.

• Jordan Ta’amu: A familiar face to fans of spring football, Ta’amu’s dual-threat ability continues to make him one of the most entertaining quarterbacks to watch. Whether extending plays with his legs or delivering strikes downfield, his leadership will be critical in guiding the Defenders back into championship contention.
• Abram Smith: One of the league’s toughest runners between the tackles, Smith brings a bruising presence that fits perfectly within DC’s offensive identity. When healthy, he has proven capable of carrying a heavy workload and controlling the tempo of games.

Houston Gamblers 

Returning to their historic identity, the Gamblers bring both nostalgia and intrigue into the 2026 season. Playing with a renewed sense of purpose, Houston will aim to blend old-school toughness with modern offensive creativity.

• Clayton Thorson: A seasoned quarterback with NFL experience, Thorson enters the season with an opportunity to stabilize Houston’s passing attack. Known for his strong arm and pocket composure, he could be the catalyst that pushes the Gamblers into playoff relevance.
• Mark Thompson: One of the most productive backs in spring football history, Thompson’s physical running style makes him a fan favorite. If Houston hopes to make a deep postseason run, it will likely ride on Thompson’s ability to dominate time of possession.

Dallas Renegades 

With a rebrand and relocation injecting fresh excitement into the franchise, the Renegades are poised to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the season. A revamped roster and renewed offensive philosophy could make Dallas a surprise contender.

• Luis Perez: Often referred to as “The Spring King,” Perez’s accuracy and football IQ have made him a staple across multiple spring leagues. His veteran presence provides stability for a Renegades team looking to establish consistency at the quarterback position.
• De’Veon Smith: A downhill runner who thrives in short-yardage situations, Smith’s ability to grind out tough yards gives Dallas a dependable option in clutch moments. His physicality sets the tone for an offense built around balance.

Columbus Aviators 

One of the league’s newest franchises, Columbus enters the season with a mix of optimism and uncertainty. Expansion teams often face growing pains, but the Aviators have assembled a roster capable of surprising opponents early.

• Malik Cunningham: A dynamic athlete with game-breaking speed, Cunningham’s versatility as both a passer and runner could make him one of the most exciting players in the UFL. His ability to improvise will be key for an offense still finding its identity.
• Kenny Willekes: A high-motor defender who built his reputation on relentless effort, Willekes brings leadership and intensity to Columbus’ front seven. Expect him to be the emotional heartbeat of the defense.

Louisville Kings 

Another expansion club hoping to make an immediate impact, the Kings have emphasized physical defense and explosive special teams in building their inaugural roster.

• Jarrett Guarantano: The former SEC quarterback arrives with something to prove after bouncing around professional opportunities. His arm talent is undeniable, and Louisville will look to unlock his potential in a more aggressive offensive scheme.
• Bryan Mills: A ball-hawking defensive back known for his instincts in coverage. Mills could quickly become one of the league’s interception leaders if Louisville’s pass rush generates consistent pressure.

Orlando Storm 

Bringing spring football back to a proven market, the Storm will aim to capture fan enthusiasm with an up-tempo style built around speed and defensive opportunism.

• Quinten Dormady: A confident passer who showed flashes of brilliance in previous spring leagues, Dormady’s willingness to push the ball downfield fits perfectly within Orlando’s aggressive philosophy.
• Vic Beasley: Once one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers, Beasley now looks to revive his career in the UFL. If he can rediscover even a portion of his All-Pro form, Orlando’s defense could become one of the most dangerous units in the league.

UFL and JPWest

This season, JPWest has been given access to attend a select number of games throughout the season and there will be opportunities for game coverage with our reports and photographers. Follow @JPWestmedia on Instagram to see all the updates and coverage of high school and college sports. With coverage of the UFL, this marks a significant step in the outreach of the JPWest Media brand now diving into professional sports.

UFL Opening Day Games

There are plenty of games to watch this season until Championship Saturday on June 13. 43 games in total including 2 playoff games. Here’s the schedule of the opening week slate.

Friday, March 27

• Birmingham Stallions at Louisville Kings
  ⏰ 8:00 PM ET
  📺 FOX

 📍Louisville, KY Lynn Family Stadium

Saturday, March 28

• DC Defenders at St. Louis Battlehawks
  ⏰ 12:00 PM ET
  📺 ESPN

 📍St. Louis, MO The Dome at America’s Center

• Houston Gamblers at Dallas Renegades
  ⏰ 4:00 PM ET
  📺 FOX

 📍Frisco, TX Toyota Stadium

Sunday, March 29

• Columbus Aviators at Orlando Storm
  ⏰ 8:00 PM ET
  📺 ESPN

 📍Orlando, FL Inter&Co Stadium