There's less than a week before the 2026 UFL season begins and the Houston Gamblers are already making a huge change that could impact the team and the league.
UFL insider James Larsen reported that the Gamblers are signing quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa to the team. Larsen added that Tagovailoa could be replacing Donovan Smith in the quarterback room.
Tagovailoa was just with the Orlando Pirates of the Indoor Football League before leaving for the Gamblers. He also played in the European League of Football and CFL prior to his arrival in Houston.
During his college years, Tagovailoa played his first season with the Alabama Crimson Tide before finishing his last four with Maryland. He threw for 11,356 yards and 77 touchdowns to 37 interceptions in 46 career games.
Houston Gamblers reportedly add Taulia Tagovailoa to the roster
This is a big shift right before the season begins for Houston as they add another quarterback to the team. Tagovailoa has had a mixed bag of a professional career so far and is looking to get his first legitimate start in the outdoor football space.
If Smith is indeed the quarterback being replaced, then that would leave the room with Tagovailoa, Hunter Dekkers, and Nolan Henderson. The expected starter on the team is Henderson based on his experience in offensive coordinator Eric Price's system and Dekkers being about two years removed from playing.
How much Tagovailoa's arrival effects the quarterback competition this season remains to be seen, but it would be a bit of a surprise if he legitimately competes for the job in Week 1. He needs time to learn the offense and get his feet wet before moving forward with gunning for the QB1 job.
There have been concerns about the quarterback room in Houston since the beginning of training camp, but Henderson was great last year in limited action with passing for 183 yards and two touchdowns and adding another 82 rushing yards in four games. He should be able to hold down the job and perform well with the weapons around him on offense.
Houston adding Tagovailoa is a big move made with a few days until the opener against the Dallas Renegades and will generate some headlines around the league.