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Louisville Kings UFL to NFL Preseason Week 2 Roundup

Sue Levine
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Louisville Kings UFL to NFL Preseason Week 2 Roundup

In addition to the eight Louisville Kings Championship team players previously signed, the past week saw five more teammates signed to NFL rosters. With more than 60 UFL players on NFL rosters, it was a thrilling weekend of UFL to NFL action. On Saturday afternoon, the game between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions featured nine former UFL players, including two Kings’ wide receivers.

Which Louisville stars put on a dominant performance and made a strong case to earn their roster spot? Find out who stood out in week 2.

Louisville Kings UFL To NFL Preseason Week 2 Roundup

With so many new Kings players signed this past week, brief bios are included on Louisville’s newest NFL signees.

Bryce Hall (CB) Las Vegas Raiders at Houston Texans

Signed earlier this week to the Houston Texans, Louisville Kings cornerback Bryce Hall had only a few days to prepare for Thursday night’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, he didn’t let the stand in the way of playing an impressive game and proving he belongs in the NFL. Playing 17 defensive snaps (29%), Hall was one of the Texans' lead defenders with six tackles (five solo), and a pass defense in Houston’s 22-20 loss to Las Vegas.

The former fifth-round 2020 draft pick with the New York Jets began his NFL career on the COVID-19 list before making his NFL debut on November 9th. In that game, he recorded his first NFL career interception, picking off Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. The Jets won by a score of 23-20.

In 2024, Hall was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but fractured his fibula and dislocated his ankle in Week 1. Signed to a one-year contract the following season, the Bucs waived him in August during final roster cuts and re-signed him to the practice squad the following day. Over the five seasons he spent in the NFL, Hall recorded 122 tackles, two interceptions, and 21 PBU’s. He appeared in eight games for the Kings, recording seven tackles (six solo), one interception, one PBU, and one fumble recovery.

Cam Gill: (LB) Carolina Panthers v. Jacksonville Jaguars

UFL Defensive Player of the Year Cam Gill was one of the standout performers a week ago in the Hall of Fame Game. Gill had a dominant performance for the Panthers with two solo tackles, 1.0 sack, one TFL, and two quarterback hits. This week, he continued to prove he deserves a place on the Carolina roster. In the Panthers' 34-17 win over Jacksonville, Gill tackled running back DeeJay Dallas, who recorded 4 yards on a 2nd and 5 play on the Carolina 43. The very next play, he scooped up a fumble forced by cornerback Devonta Smith.

Isaiah Winstead: (WR) Pittsburgh Steelers v. New York Jets

Although the Steelers wound up losing by a score of 17-0 to the Jets, Louisville Kings’ leading wide receiver Isaiah Winstead proved to be one of the bright spots for the Steelers late in the game, catching both of his targets for 32 yards, including a 17-yard reception. Only recently signed by the Steelers, Winstead did not record any stats in the preseason game a week ago against Green Bay. But now that he has converted both targets, he'll hopefully see more opportunities next week.

Kaden Prather: (WR) Green Bay Packers v Denver Broncos

Prather has had a difficult time breaking into the Packers' stacked receiving unit, led by Christian Watson and second-year player Matthew Golden. He didn't record any stats for the Packers' first preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and played only nine snaps last night, but didn't record any stats in the Packers' 33-13 victory over the Denver Broncos.

Tarik Black: (WR) Detroit Lions v Washington Commanders

Earlier this week, it looked as if Black and Columbus Aviators’ Tay Martin were locked in a fierce battle for the remaining wide receiver slot. Whoever stood out on Saturday would have the upper hand heading into next week's final preseason game.

But unfortunately, after scoring the Lions' lone touchdown last week, Black missed both of his two targets on Saturday. He played a total of 24 snaps on offense (36%) and six snaps (27%) on special teams, compared to Martin's 41% on offense (31) and six snaps (27%) on special teams.

Martin caught only one of four targets for 11 yards, but he threw an impressive block that helped free quarterback Josh Dobbs to score a 50-yard touchdown that was the offensive play of the game. However, late in the game, Martin also drew a late special teams penalty.

Lucky Jackson: (WR) Detroit Lions v Washington Commanders

After not drawing any targets last week, Jackson seemed an afterthought on the Lions' offensive scheme. But, in Week 2 of the preseason games, he proved to be the strongest of the three UFL receivers on Saturday and just turned this competition on its head.

On Saturday, playing 24 snaps on offense (36%) and 18% on special teams (4), Jackson hauled in both of his targets for 15 yards, with the longest reception going for nine yards. Jackson has been having a strong showing at camp and made a stunning 19-yard touchdown reception earlier this week from rookie quarterback Luke Altmyer. Now, Jackson could be the dark horse in this competition.

Tre McKitty: (TE) Washington Commanders

On Saturday, McKitty suited up and played for Washington in the second half. However, he did not record any stats on X Snaps.

Selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft and caught 16 passes for 117 yards during his two seasons with the team.

After his release from the Chargers in 2023, McKitty bounced around NFL team practice squads, including the Buffalo Bills and the Houston Texans, before deciding to turn his attention to the UFL in 2026. Although injuries prevented him from playing a full season, McKitty appeared in six regular-season games for the Kings and recorded five receptions for 98 yards, with a 44-yard catch as his longest. During the postseason, he added another two catches for 32 yards, bringing his season total to 7 receptions for 130 yards.

Ian Wheeler: (RB) Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns

The Buffalo Bills had an impressive 31-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. Wheeler, the United Bowl MVP, has faced tough competition for the Buffalo Bills' running back roster spot. However, he continues to excel and make a very strong case for himself. On Saturday, Wheeler was once again the lead rusher with 14 carries for 56 yards. Catching both of his targets for 21 yards, his longest reception was a 19-yarder.

Frank Gore Jr., the Bills' second-year running back, had an impressive 18-yard carry and finished the afternoon with nine rushes for 54 yards. Gore was targeted once but failed to make the catch.

Travis Bell: (DT) Cleveland Browns

Signed by the Browns on August 3, 2026, Bell was not expected to play on Saturday and didn’t record any snaps.

Tanner Brown: (K) New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams

Special Teams Player of the Year, Tanner Brown, has spent the preseason locked in a tough competition against Charlie Smyth for the starting role. Unfortunately, the Saints' 34-0 loss to the Rams on Saturday didn't help his chances of securing that role. Brown, the UFL's best kicker, had only one opportunity to kick a field goal late in the game.

With 37 seconds left on the clock, New Orleans sent Brown in to convert a 39-yard field goal and avoid the shutout. However, his kick missed wide to the right. Throughout training camp, coach Kellen Moore has insisted this competition will come down to whoever is the most reliable kicker in the 31-49 range. Despite Brown converting both field goals a week ago, Saturday's missed kick didn't help his chances.

However, even the most experienced NFL kickers miss on occasion. Sunday night, long-time NFL veteran kicker Jason Myers missed a 44-yard field goal and an extra point that likely cost the Seattle Seahawks the game against the Tennessee Titans. This weekend, Brown has one more opportunity to clinch the starting assignment.

Isaiah Bolden (CB) Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots

Bolden’s journey from the NFL to the UFL and back again is an intriguing one. Drafted by the New England Patriots in the 7th-round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he suffered what turned out to be a season ending injury in the Week 2 preseason game against the Green Bay Packers when he collided with teammate Calvin Munson. Temporarily paralyzed, the game was suspended, and he was transported to the hospital, where he regained feeling in his extremities. Placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season, he was re-signed the following year to the Patriots’ practice squad. Exactly one month later, he was elevated to the active roster. The Patriots released Bolden in August of 2025, and he was signed to the San Francisco 49ers practice squad the following December. During his time in the NFL, he recorded 10 tackles and a fumble recovery.

Initially, Bolden was selected by the Louisville Kings on Day 2 of the UFL Draft. However, per James Larsen of PFNewsroom.com, he didn’t report until Week 4. The Kings had Corey Mayfield Jr, one of the premier UFL CBs on the roster, and Bolden spent a good part of the season inactive.

Bolden played 39 defensive snaps on Saturday night, recording one solo tackle and a pass defense. Dallas Renegades cornerback Shaun Wade was also on the roster for Philadelphia. He recorded 10 tackles and forced a fumble. Wade did allow a 24 -yard pass, but Bolden was credited with allowing the 37-yard game-winning touchdown.

After learning of his hard-luck story, it’s difficult not to root for Bolden to get a second chance, but he will need to bring his A-game next week and make a strong impact.

Deantre Prince (DB) Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals

Signed by the Bears only this past week, Prince is another Kings player who saw limited playing time with the Kings this past season. As a UFL rookie, Prince started the first five of six games, recording 13 tackles, an interception, and three PBU’s. However, after week six, Prince was released from the team.

On Saturday night, he recorded one solo tackle and a pass defense.

Kellen Diesch (OL) Kansas City Chiefs vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Signed by the Chiefs on August 20th, Diesch barely had time to unpack before Saturday night's 16-15 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Given the short turnaround, it’s not surprising that although he suited up, he did not play in Saturday night’s game.

After playing college ball at Arizona State and Texas A&M, he signed with the Miami Dolphins as a UDFA in 2022. Waived during the preseason, he next signed with the Bears for t the 2022 season, which he spent on their practice squad. Before joining the UFL Arlington Renegades in 2025, Diesch bounced around several other NFL practice squads. During the 2025 season, he was traded to the Memphis Showboats and had a productive season, and didn't allow any sacks in 143 snaps.

According to PFF.com, in his only season with the Kings, he recorded 130 snaps at left tackle, 14 snaps at left guard, 66 snaps at right guard, and 64 snaps at right tackle.

Corey Mayfield, Jr.: (CB) Tennessee Titans v. Seattle Seahawks

All-UFL team DB Corey Mayfield, Jr. was signed just days ago by the Tennessee Titans. However, like Diesch, given the short turnaround, it’s not surprising that Mayfield did not record any snaps in the Titans' 19-16 victory.

On Saturday night, he recorded one solo tackle and a pass defense.

Check back here to find out which of your favorite UFL stars made an impact in the final preseason game and improved their chances of making the team's 530-man roster.

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