The 2026 UFL season once again proved to be a vital springboard for NFL dreamers. With training camps underway across the league, dozens of UFL standouts have earned invitations to compete for 53-man roster spots. From record-setting specialists to game-changing wide receivers and physical edge rushers, spring football continues to refine overlooked talent and offer second chances.

Here is a breakdown of the top 32 UFL players from the 2026 season projected to make the jump to the NFL roster or practice squad this fall.

1. Hakeem Butler | WR | Denver Broncos

• College: Iowa State
• Height / Weight: 6’5″ / 242 lbs
• Current NFL Camp: Denver Broncos
• NFL Comparison: Allen Lazard
• Why He Could Make It: A two-time UFL Offensive Player of the Year, Butler dominated the 2026 season with 641 receiving yards and a blistering 22.1 yards-per-catch average. His massive physical frame makes him a nightmare in red-zone and contested-catch situations.
• Why He Didn’t Make It in the Past: Drafted in the 4th round by Arizona in 2019, early injuries disrupted his development, leading to inconsistency with route precision and hands.

2. Tanner Brown | K | New Orleans Saints

• College: Oklahoma State
• Height / Weight: 6’0″ / 180 lbs
• Current NFL Camp: New Orleans Saints
• NFL Comparison: Brandon Aubrey
• Why He Could Make It: Named UFL Special Teams Player of the Year, Brown set a single-season record with 25 field goals, including two 60+ yarders in a single postseason game. Kicking indoors at the Superdome gives him a massive advantage.
• Why He Didn’t Make It in the Past: Went undrafted in 2023 and bounced between practice squads due to a lack of in-game pressure opportunities.

3. Cam Gill | DE/EDGE | Carolina Panthers

• College: Wagner
• Height / Weight: 6’2″ / 232 lbs
• Current NFL Camp: Carolina Panthers
• NFL Comparison: Bryce Huff
• Why He Could Make It: The 2026 UFL Defensive Player of the Year set a league record with 10.0 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. His explosive first step and bend off the edge translate well as a situational pass rusher.
• Why He Didn’t Make It in the Past: Undersized for a traditional 4-3 defensive end, he previously struggled to find the right schematic fit in base defense schemes.

4. Tony Fields II | LB | Chicago Bears

• College: West Virginia
• Height / Weight: 6’1″ / 220 lbs
• Current NFL Camp: Chicago Bears
• NFL Comparison: Quincy Williams
• Why He Could Make It: An All-UFL selection who ranked second in the league with 78 tackles, Fields brings sideline-to-sideline speed and high-level special teams instincts.
• Why He Didn’t Make It in the Past: Drafted in the 5th round by Cleveland in 2021, injuries and congested linebacker depth charts limited his defensive snaps.

5. Ian Wheeler | RB | Buffalo Bills

• College: Tulsa
• Height / Weight: 5’11” / 205 lbs
• Current NFL Camp: Buffalo Bills
• NFL Comparison: Ty Johnson
• Why He Could Make It: The United Bowl MVP showcased elite burst, vision, and pass-catching ability out of the backfield during Louisville’s championship run.
• Why He Didn’t Make It in the Past: Went undrafted in 2024 and was caught in a numbers game on roster cutdowns before receiving consistent UFL touches.

6. Major Burns | S | Miami Dolphins

• College: LSU
• Height / Weight: 6’2″ / 200 lbs
• Current NFL Camp: Miami Dolphins
• NFL Comparison: DeShon Elliott
• Why He Could Make It: Ranked near the top of the UFL in interceptions and physical tackles, offering versatile box-safety play and core special teams utility.
• Why He Didn’t Make It in the Past: Dealt with coverage consistency concerns entering the pro ranks as an undrafted rookie.

7. Sean Fresch Jr. | CB/PR | Denver Broncos

• College: Rice
• Height / Weight: 5’8″ / 175 lbs
• Current NFL Camp: Denver Broncos
• NFL Comparison: KaVontae Turpin
• Why He Could Make It: Led the UFL in punt return yards while displaying sticky slot-coverage technique, making him a dual-threat return specialist candidate.
• Why He Didn’t Make It in the Past: Below-average size caused teams to pass on him during draft night.

8. Antwane “Juice” Wells | WR | Atlanta Falcons

• College: Ole Miss / South Carolina
• Height / Weight: 6’0″ / 208 lbs
• Current NFL Camp: Atlanta Falcons
• NFL Comparison: Deebo Samuel
• Why He Could Make It: Outstanding yards-after-catch threat who builds top-end momentum quickly and broke tackles consistently in the UFL.
• Why He Didn’t Make It in the Past: Battled foot injuries in college that derailed his momentum heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

9. Erik Ezukanma | WR | Philadelphia Eagles

• College: Texas Tech
• Height / Weight: 6’2″ / 206 lbs
• Current NFL Camp: Philadelphia Eagles
• NFL Comparison: Tim Patrick
• Why He Could Make It: Former Dolphins 4th-round pick who revived his profile with strong route running and physical perimeter blocking in spring ball.
• Why He Didn’t Make It in the Past: Neck injury and crowded Miami depth charts hindered his initial development.

10. Denzel Mims | WR | Dallas Cowboys

• College: Baylor
• Height / Weight: 6’3″ / 207 lbs
• Current NFL Camp: Dallas Cowboys
• NFL Comparison: Nico Collins
• Why He Could Make It: Former Jets 2nd-round pick who displayed elite speed and dynamic vertical playmaking throughout the UFL season.
• Why He Didn’t Make It in the Past: Playbook learning curve and consistency issues early in his NFL career led to trade cuts.