With the 2026 UFL season set to kick off this Friday, fans of the UFL will finally have the opportunity to see the 3rd season of spring football in new owner Mike Repole’s vision. As teams prepare for week one, below is my preseason list for the All-UFL team going into 2026.
Offense:
QB: Jordan Ta’amu D.C. Defenders
Ta’amu brings back plenty of key weapons and continuity on the 2026 Defenders this season coupled by the fact that Bryce Perkins is no longer with the league should be the top QB this season. While Renegades QB Luis Perez should provide his steady helping of 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns, Ta’amu’s ability to set up explosive plays with his legs should have him in the running for MVP honors in 2026.
RB: Toa Taua Columbus Aviators
Toa Taua emerged as a premiere back in the UFL due to injuries last season at the position. Going into 2026, the team will rely heavily on the former Nevada star, which should yield to a season with six plus rushing touchdowns.
RB: Jashaun Corbin Orlando Storm
Corbin is fresh off an All-UFL campaign and should be primed to a solid follow up in 2026. After leading the league in rushing in 2025, Corbin joins the Storm who have put together a youthful offensive line with plenty of upside, eager to pave the way.
WR: Hakeem Butler St. Louis Battlehawks
Butler dealt with injuries and inconsistent QB play in 2025, however under A.J. Smith’s offense he’ll garner plenty of targets in 2026. With any of the Battlehawks Quarterbacks under center (or in Shotgun), Butler is primed to continue his run of dominance when healthy.
WR: Cornell Powell D.C. Defenders
Powell should benefit from another year in the system and more familiarity with Defenders QB Jordan Ta’amu. He’s been an exceptional option in the slot, with the ability to stretch the field which should allow him to be one of the UFL’s top pass catchers this year.
WR: Deon Cain Birmingham Stallions
While Cain is the Stallions receiver I picked, it could be any member of their room that will be named to the All-UFL team. The Stallions receiving corps is loaded, and with Matt Corral taking over as the signal caller Cain should be able to be a down field threat for Birmingham in the 2026 season.
TE: Zach Davidson Louisville Kings
Davidson should be one of the more intriguing prospects in the UFL come 2026. He’s put together plenty of great tape in preseason games, and owns the size to dominate in the redzone. He has the potential to match what Sal Cannella has done in the last several years with QB Jason Bean.
TE: Briley Moore D.C. Defenders
Moore took a step forward in 2025 after sharing reps with previous Defender TEs in 23/24. With Sal Cannella being gone, he’ll have the opportunity to earn an All-UFL selection if he can hold off Seth Green and Gunnar Oakes.
OG: Zack Johnson Birmingham Stallions
A bit of an elder statesman, Johnson was an All-UFL selection in 2024, before spending time with several NFL teams. Now in his age 31 season the former North Dakota State alum should have another solid campaign that saw him earn plenty of NFL interest.
OG: Nash Jensen Louisville Kings
Jensen was one of the bright spots on a 2025 Memphis Showboats team that failed to be competitive. Now in 2026, Jensen returns with the hopes of leading a group that will be anchored by Mike McAllister, which Jensen should benefit from.
OT: Ryan Nelson Columbus Aviators
Nelson took a big leap in 2025, which should hopefully translate in 2026. After failing to earn a spot with the LA Chargers, Nelson should be on a “revenge tour” to prove he belongs.
OT: Mason Brooks Birmingham Stallions
Brooks was an underrated piece for D.C. in 2025, and should continue with a dominant season in 2026. He’s an extremely versatile piece on the Stallions OLine that should see plenty of success in the upcoming season.
C: Mike Panasiuk St. Louis Battlehawks
Three years running as the top center in spring football, Panasiuk returns as the anchor for the Battlehawks. Look for much of the same in 2026.
Defense:
DT:Amani Bledsoe Birmingham Stallions
Bledsoe was an underrated piece in the Renegades defense, that in Birmingham is primed to be “the guy”. With the Stallions consistently churning out All-League linemen look for Bledsoe to be a premiere piece for Birmingham this year.
DT: Casey Rogers D.C. Defenders
Rogers was a late signing for D.C. however has all the tools to “pop” in 2026. A fringe NFL player in his own right, Rogers should be able leverage his time in D.C. to an All-UFL season and NFL contract.
EDGE: Kenny Willekes Columbus Aviators
Willekes was one of the best EDGE rushers in 2025, finding his way back to relevance with Michigan. His ability to dictate pressure, with win-rates, allowed him to earn a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, look for for much of the same in 2026.
EDGE: Pita Taumoepenu St. Louis Battlehawks
One of the elite pass rushers in spring football, Taumoepenu earned a plethora of awards this past season. Going into 2026 Taumoepenu should continue his reign of dominance unless a new comer overtakes him.
LB: Brandon Smith D.C. Defenders
Smith is a new face to the league with plenty of NFL experience. He should be a favorite to bring a resurgence to the Defenders defense, that has plenty of playmakers on that side of the ball.
LB: Marvin Moody Houston Roughnecks
Moody might be one of the UFL’s most underrated Linebackers, and showcased that in 2025. With a full offseason under his belt, he could be a candidate for a Defensive Player of the year honor this fall.
LB: Tavante Beckett Orlando Storm
Beckett has been a perennial All-League player in spring football, and don’t expect that to change come 2026. Donnie Abraham is set to unleash the veteran linebacker who is going into year 4.
CB: D.J. Miller Columbus Aviators
Miller flashed with the Panthers last year, and with valuable experience from his time in an NFL camp can surely progress into a Nick Whiteside like ascension in 2026.
CB: Deandre Baker D.C. Defenders
Baker’s earned two All-UFL honors this past season. In 2026 the former 1st round pick should make a Damon Arnette-like jump to an NFL roster after the year.
CB: Lance Boykin Birmingham Stallions
Boykin is one of the most underrated players season, whose accomplishments may have gone overlooked in Memphis. Now in Birmingham, he’ll be in position to “pop”, and make a push for All-UFL honors.
S: Kyree Woods Columbus Aviators
PFF loves Kyree Woods and so do I. In Columbus under the tutelage of Captain Munnerlyn expect him to garner plenty of “love” going into year three.
S: Gabe Taylor D.C. Defenders
Genetics means something, as does upside and Gabe Taylor has plenty of both. Taylor has the range and tenacity his brother played with, building up for what could be a no flight zone in D.C.
Special Teams:
K: Tucker McCann St. Louis Battlehawks
Everyone loves a comeback story, and that’s what Tucker McCann is. Back in the fold after several years away from football, McCann has the opportunity to continue to capitalize on the success of the past Battlehawks kickers.
P: Paxton Brooks D.C. Defenders
Brooks has been one the leagues better punters and with some competition departing from the league could find himself with an All-League selection. Look for Brad Robbins to provide some stiff competition as well.
LS: Ryan Langen Birmingham Stallions
Langen has been one of the league's best snappers, and if not dealing with injuries in 2025 could have earned another honor. Look for him to regain his form if healthy in 2026.
RS: Chris Rowland Orlando Storm
Rowland has been a cheat code in special teams gameplans for the past several years and 2026 shouldn’t be anything different. Rowland should be the primary return guy in Orlando, however don’t count him out in regards for making an impact as a receiver as well.