With the NFL combine complete, many NFL GMs will continue to scour through their draft boards looking to find hidden gems that the rest of the NFL failed to realize. With the UFL going into week four, and the NFL draft just over a week away, UFL teams could find plenty of members of the class of 2026 to join their teams before seasons end.
Historically, several draft eligible players have joined UFL teams with hopes of earning a chance with an NFL team. Recently the Battlehawks signed Tyler Nebelung who was participating in a collegiate All-Star game in which he crossed paths with offensive line coach Todd Washington.
With the possibility to gain professional experience after being overlooked by NFL teams below are Eight combine snubs and possible Rookie Mini Camp invites who could gain their foothold in professional football with the UFL.
1. Matthew Sluka Holy Cross/UNLV/JMU Quarterback
Sluka was an early riser from the FCS level to UNLV in 2024. After an NIL dispute Sluka left UNLV, playing his 2025 at JMU as a reserve/change of pace option for the Dukes. Sluka is a major high-upside prospect for a UFL team, however it shouldn’t surprise anyone if he performs well at a showcase and begins a solid career in spring football.
2. LJ Johnson Texas A&M/Cal Running Back
Johnson like many on this list, is well traveled and has shared the spotlight in addition to dealing with injuries along with setbacks in his career. Despite not matching the production that many thought he would one, thing is undeniable his speed, which should warrant interest at the next level.
3. Michael Shimek Ashland D-II Defensive Lineman
Shimek is a long shot for a draft selection, however did raise some eyebrows at Toledo’s pro day. His 2025 campaign included 17.5 sacks, 18 TFLs, 3 FFs, and 2 blocked kicks numbers that bode extremely similar to a former division-II turn spring football player in former Battlehawk Erik Hansen. Shimek’s production and strength grant him plenty of things to be excited about making him a high-level prospect for the UFL.
4. Daryl Taybron Johnson C. Smith Safety
Tayborn was one of the best defensive backs in division two, leading the Golden Bulls to a 10-2 record enroute to a playoff berth. He’s earned All-CIAA honors, in addition to showcasing at the HBCU legacy bowl, and with a strong offseason has put himself on the radar for playing at the next level.
5. Kaleb Blaha, UW River-Falls Quarterback
The last Gagliardi award winner ended up joining a UFL team, so why not the most recent one. Blaha is fresh off a national championship at the division-III level coupled by a career that saw throw for 92 touchdowns and over 10,000 passing yards. He made history becoming a Manning Award finalist (first ever D-III QB to do so), and could very well make a push to join a professional football league come May. Look for him to join Luke Lehnen (D-III alum from North Central College), if he doesn’t find a home in the NFL. It's also worth noting the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have added him to their neg-list as well.
6. Gavin Hulet Lindenwood Offensive Line
Hulet joined Lindenwood University, after spending at Northwestern Oklahoma State for a couple seasons. After his recent Pro Day at Mizzou, Hulet has some people thinking he may be earning a RMC or UDFA deal with his high upside. Lindenwood has seen two players join UFL teams over the past couple of seasons in Gareth Warren, along with Clint Sigg, and with Hulet’s 6’5 300 pound frame he could project as a Guard at the next level.
7. Kyle Dixon Culver Stockton College Wide Receiver
Coming from the NAIA school Culver Stockton College, Kyle Dixon may be one of the more lesser known and best kept secrets in this class. A former baseball player at SIU-Carbondale, Dixon has drawn interest from a number of NFL teams, as scouts have driven to the tiny town of Canton to give him a look. At 6’3 220 Dixon ran a 4.46 at his Pro Day, along with being invited to the Indianapolis Colts facility for a workout. Already on the B.C. Lions Neg-List, Dixon would be the second the NAIA Culver Stockton Wildcat to earn an NFL workout after Andrew Rupich who is currently rostered with the New England Patriots.
8. E.J. Warner Fresno State Quarterback
The son of NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, E.J. could be the second member of the family to play in the UFL. Warner was a four year starter in college, between Temple, Rice, and Fresno State throwing for 10,000 yards in college through 41 starts. While legacy does mean something, if Warner isn’t able to earn a UDFA deal, he’d be the perfect developmental player to learn from a coach like Rick Neusheisel in 2027.