The Arlington Renegades are making moves, bringing in a fresh wave of talent to strengthen their roster for the upcoming UFL season. With training camp approaching, fans will soon get their first look at the newest additions set to make an impact in 2025. Whether it’s a dominant force in the trenches, a playmaker on offense, or a proven specialist, these newcomers have the potential to take Arlington to the next level.
Here are five new Renegades to get excited about this season.
Luke Lehnen – Quarterback
Every team in the UFL is looking for that next hidden gem at quarterback, and the Renegades may have found one in Luke Lehnen. Coming from North Central College, Lehnen dominated at the Division III level, leading his team to a national championship in 2022 and putting up video-game numbers along the way.
In his final college season, Lehnen threw for 3,200 yards and 43 touchdowns while adding another 979 yards and 15 scores on the ground. His dual-threat ability makes him a nightmare for defenses, and his leadership was a key reason North Central went 43-2 during his time there.
The jump from D-III to the pros is steep, but Lehnen’s skill set and football IQ make him an intriguing prospect. With Arlington in need of stability under center, don’t be surprised if Lehnen quickly becomes a fan favorite.
Kellen Diesh – Offensive Line
Standing 6’7″ and weighing 300 pounds, Diesch brings a powerful presence to the offensive line. A native of Texas, he honed his skills at Arizona State, where he played in 34 games, starting 29, over his college career. His performance earned him second-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2021, showcasing his ability to protect the quarterback and open running lanes with consistency and strength.
Diesch’s journey also includes experience at the NFL level, where he spent time with the Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears, and Pittsburgh Steelers after going undrafted in 2022. His professional exposure has only sharpened his skills, adding depth and experience to an already talented Renegades offensive line.
With his combination of size, agility, and football intelligence, Diesch is poised to make an immediate impact as the Renegades look to strengthen their offense and make a push for the championship.
Daviyon Nixon – Defensive Tackle
Building a dominant defense starts in the trenches, and the Renegades took a big step in that direction by signing defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon. A former fifth-round pick by the Carolina Panthers, Nixon brings size, power, and a high motor to Arlington’s defensive line.
Nixon first made a name for himself at Iowa, where he became one of the best interior defenders in the country. His breakout 2020 season saw him rack up 13.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and even a 71-yard pick-six that showcased his rare athleticism for a big man. That year, he was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and earned All-American honors, putting him squarely on the NFL radar.
While injuries and roster moves cut his time in the league short, Nixon now has the opportunity to re-establish himself in the UFL. The Renegades are betting on his ability to be a disruptive force in the middle, and if he can get back to his college form, Arlington’s defensive front just got a whole lot tougher.
Nico Bolden – Safety
The Renegades’ secondary just got a serious boost with the addition of safety Nico Bolden. At 6’3” and 215 pounds, Bolden brings the kind of size, athleticism, and physicality that defensive coordinators love. Whether he’s coming downhill in run support or making plays in coverage, he has the tools to be a difference-maker in Arlington’s defense.
Bolden’s college career took him from Northern Iowa to Kent State, where he made his mark as a playmaker in the secondary. In his final season at Kent State, he racked up 101 tackles, two forced fumbles, and an interception, proving he can be an enforcer in the defensive backfield. His ability to play both safety and nickel linebacker gives the Renegades flexibility in how they use him.
With spring football providing opportunities for young talent to shine, Bolden has a prime chance to make a name for himself in the UFL. His combination of size and versatility makes him a player to watch as Arlington looks to solidify its defense heading into 2025.
Devion Clayton – Wide Receiver
One of my favorite things I love about the UFL is that it provides opportunities to those whose may have never had a chance either wise. We love the Brandon Aubrey’s, Jake Bates, and Kavonte Turpin’s of the world but I believe the Renegades has potentially find anther with receiver Devion Clayton.
Despite not playing college football, Clayton made a name for himself as a track athlete at Silverado High School, where his athleticism shone through in both football and track events. In his senior season, he posted an impressive 43 receptions for 741 yards and seven touchdowns.
He has tried to make it on the field the past few years starting with a training camp with the Vegas Vipers back in 2023 and a LOI with Arlington Renegades before the merger ended that opportunity as well. GM Rick Mueller seems determined to get this athlete through a training camp but don’t be surprised if you hear his name called on gamedays.
1 Comment
by Ken Granito
2 questions for you Omar and these are not knocks. I actually have questions for you and would like your true thoughts.
1. I notice you did not include Kaleb Ballage yet you included the previously cut Nico Bolden. Do yoy feel the team did not address the missing De’veon Smith or do you feel one of the other running backs will pick up the slack?
2. I remember Rueben Foster being claimed by the Renegades after the Roughnecks released him. Is he not a member of Renegades? My thoughts are, if he was you would have included him?