UFL COMPLETES TWO-DAY DRAFT
The United Football League officially ushered in the next chapter of spring football this week, as the 2026 Draft concluded after two busy days at league headquarters in Arlington.
Across the league, familiar relationships resurfaced, first-year head coaches made defining statements and returning contenders doubled down on continuity. By the end of Day Two, rosters were finalised as the competitive landscape for 2026 began to take shape.
Few teams leaned more heavily into familiarity than the Birmingham Stallions. First-year head coach AJ McCarron set the tone immediately by reuniting with trusted pieces from his St. Louis days, beginning with All-UFL offensive lineman Steven Gonzalez. McCarron continued to emphasise explosiveness and balance, adding Daewood Davis on Day One before loading up on experience during Day Two. Former Clemson standout Justyn Ross and versatile NFL veteran Laviska Shenault Jr. instantly elevate the receiver room, while Andrew Raym reinforces the interior offensive line. The addition of fan-favourite kicker Rodrigo Blankenship capped a draft focused on readiness. Defensively, the ousted champions added size and physicality up front, signaling a roster built to compete immediately.
In Columbus, Ted Ginn Jr’s first draft as a head coach addressed skill talent early, selecting wide receiver Keke Chism and running back ZaQuandre White, both proven scorers, before pivoting to the trenches. Day Two saw the Aviators invest in the front seven with J.B. Brown and strengthen the offensive line with Matthew Jones. For Ginn, the message was clear: build protection and defensive structure, then let speed and playmaking follow.
New Dallas head coach Rick Neuheisel emphasised protection, familiarity and versatility throughout both days. His opening selection of tackle Chim Okorafor set the tone, and the Renegades continued reinforcing the offensive line with Trevor Reid and Raiqwon O’Neal. Offensively, Dallas added running back Keegan Jones and made a headline-grabbing move by bringing home former Cowboys TE Peyton Hendershot. Defensively, additions like Antwuan Jackson Jr and Qwynnterrio Cole help balance a roster Neuheisel described as one he was proud of.
Fresh off a championship, the DC Defenders resisted the urge to reinvent themselves. Head coach Shannon Harris focused on continuity, retaining much of the core that delivered the 2025 title, while selectively adding impact talent via proven contributors Abram Smith, Ben Bresnahan and Jaylon Antonio, who return alongside All-UFL defenders Kai Nacua and Leon O’Neal on an already strong unit. On Day Two, DC added energy up front with Desmond Watson and offensive versatility with Xazavian Valladay and Jalen Virgil, and appear well-positioned to defend their crown.
In St. Louis, a new era began under first-year head coach Ricky Proehl, who placed a heavy emphasis on the defensive front. Already boasting Defensive Player of the Year Pita Taumoepenu, the Battlehawks added All-UFL and All-XFL calibre reinforcements across both days. Offensively, Proehl maintained continuity at receiver while shoring up the interior line and adding Taylor Morin, a record-setting wideout from Proehl’s alma mater, Wake Forest. The records Morin broke? Yes, Proehl’s…
Newcomers Louisville emerged as one of the most aggressive offense builders in the draft. Head coach Chris Redman surrounded his quarterback room with a deep arsenal, adding Isaiah Winstead, Tarik Black, Kalen Ballage and Benny Snell, while also landing tight end Trevon McKitty. Experience and versatility were priorities, but there were also some intriguing picks, including erstwhile Vienna Vikings TE Florian Bierbaumer, who joined fellow ELF veterans Maceo Beard (Defenders) and Aron Cruickshank (Storm) in making the grade.
In Orlando, Anthony Becht blended familiarity with calculated upgrades. Several players followed him from St. Louis, but the biggest splash came with the addition of proven playmaker Chris Rowland. Day Two focused on the offensive line, reinforcing the foundation with multiple additions, while defensive depth in the secondary rounded out a roster designed to compete quickly in a new market.
Houston, led by veteran head coach Kevin Sumlin, balanced nostalgia and production, starting with a reunion with defensive lineman Kyon Barrs that highlighted Day One. Offensive additions Nate McCrary, Braylon Sanders and Monaray Baldwin added explosiveness, before the Gamblers closed strong by addressing protection and pass rush on Day Two.