UFL Sends 56 Alumni to NFL Training Camps Ahead of 2026 Season
The United Football League continues to strengthen its reputation as one of professional football’s top developmental leagues, with 56 UFL and spring football alumni entering NFL training camps as teams prepare for the 2026 season.
The milestone includes a record-setting group of 23 players who signed NFL contracts immediately following the 2026 UFL season, underscoring the league’s growing role in developing NFL-ready talent.
Record Number of UFL Players Earn NFL Opportunities
Among this year’s newest NFL signees is St. Louis Battlehawks wide receiver Hakeem Butler, who signed with the Denver Broncos after another historic UFL campaign.
The 2026 Offensive Player of the Year became the first player in league history to win the award twice while also establishing himself as the UFL’s all-time leader in career receiving yards.
Several other All-UFL selections also earned NFL contracts following standout 2026 seasons, including:
- K Tanner Brown (Louisville Kings) – Signed with the New Orleans Saints after leading the UFL in scoring and earning Special Teams Player of the Year honors.
- LB Tony Fields II (Columbus Aviators) – Joined the Chicago Bears after finishing second in the league with 78 tackles.
- S Major Burns (Houston Gamblers) – Signed with the Miami Dolphins following an impressive season that featured multiple interceptions and a leadership role in Houston’s secondary.
- PR Sean Fresch (St. Louis Battlehawks) – Joined the Denver Broncos after leading the UFL in punt return yards and setting a Battlehawks franchise record.
Louisville Kings Lead 2026 Champions into the NFL
The 2026 United Bowl champion Louisville Kings have already produced four NFL signees.
In addition to Tanner Brown, United Bowl MVP running back Ian Wheeler signed with the Buffalo Bills after helping lead Louisville to its championship season.
Established UFL Alumni Continue NFL Careers
The current group of NFL players also includes several former spring football stars who have become established contributors across the league.
Among the most recognizable names are:
- Brandon Aubrey (Dallas Cowboys)
- Jake Bates (Detroit Lions)
- Adrian Martinez (San Francisco 49ers)
- KaVontae Turpin (Dallas Cowboys)
- Daniel Whelan (Green Bay Packers)
- Jacob Saylors (Detroit Lions)
- Dondrea Tillman (Denver Broncos)
- Jalen Redmond (Minnesota Vikings)
- Harrison Mevis (Los Angeles Rams)
- Christian Kuntz (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Nick Moore (Baltimore Ravens)
Their continued success highlights the UFL’s growing influence as a pathway for players seeking NFL careers.
UFL’s NFL Pipeline Continues to Grow
The league’s record-setting offseason saw 23 players sign NFL contracts shortly after the 2026 United Bowl, while dozens of additional players participated in NFL workouts and personnel evaluations.
“NFL teams are looking for football players who can contribute, and the UFL provides those players an opportunity to compete, develop, and demonstrate their abilities in a professional environment,” said UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon.
“The fact that 56 UFL alumni are entering NFL training camps is a significant milestone for our league and reinforces the quality of football being played each season. We are proud of these players and the work they have put in to earn these opportunities.”
A Proven Development League
As NFL training camps open across the country, the UFL continues to establish itself as one of football’s premier developmental leagues.
From award-winning stars like Hakeem Butler to veteran NFL contributors including Brandon Aubrey, KaVontae Turpin and Adrian Martinez, the league’s presence on NFL rosters continues to grow each year.
With 56 alumni entering training camps in 2026—including a record 23 players signed immediately following this year’s UFL season—the league has further solidified its role as an important pipeline for players pursuing NFL careers.
Source: UFL
