Greg Parks did a great job outlining a Mock Draft but I felt the need to take it a bit further and a bit broader. While a UFL draft is always fun, many of those players selected often do not find their way to the UFL or the spring football league they were drafted in.
As we’ve dug through the first Four rounds in our series of revisiting the 2023 USFL Draft less than 10 of those 32 Draft Picks have played a down in the USFL/XFL/UFL. With that being said below are 10 players who we could see take the field in the UFL during the 2026 season.
Quarterback Paxton DeLaurent Southeast Missouri State University (FCS)
DeLaurent set records at SEMO, but prior to that was at the NAIA school Central Methodist in tiny Fayette, Missouri. At both levels DeLaurent was an All-League QB, winning conference championships while making the playoffs at both Universities. DeLaurent finished his college career between the Two schools throwing for over 10,000 yards and accounting for 100 Touchdowns during Five collegiate seasons. DeLaurent current has received some NFL interest and will be attending Rookie Mini-Camp with the Bills and Chiefs.
Wide Receiver Collin Brunstein Illinois College (D-III)
Brunstein was on the receiving end of Illinois College’s Destin Chance that led to a career consisting of over 5000 yards and 76 Touchdowns in just 40 games. Brunstein does have pro-level size at 6-2, 195 and could be a steal for a UFL team that is looking for WR2 to help spread the ball down field. Brunstein is coming from Division-III’s Illinois College and is currently working out with the Chargers during their Rookie Mini-Camp. Look for him to be on the Arlington Renegades radar as Brunstein plays a bit like Drake Stoops, and Ladd McConkey.
Running Back Travis Theis University of South Dakota (FCS)
Theis earned first-team All-MVFC honors in 2024 after rushing 187 times for 1,172 yards and 19 touchdowns. He’s a physical runner who despite having the appearance of “Mauler” can beat you with his speed with reports stating he runs in the high 4.4’s during his 40-yard dash. Theis has eclipsed 3,000 rushing yards and 950 receiving yards giving UFL teams a mix of Max Borghi and De’Veon Smith in their backfield. Currently Theis has a workout with the Denver Broncos at their Mini-Camp.
Wide Receiver Montigo Moss University of Maine (FCS)
Moss became an All-Conference Receiver at Maine spending the duration of his college career at the FCS school. The son of Randy Moss, and brother of Thad Moss, Montigo put together almost 2,000 receiving yards at the CAA school. With Moss’s brother Thad spending time with the Birmingham Stallions, it’s not out of the question that Montigo (whose working out for the Minnesota Vikings) could also join the UFL, in hopes of earning an NFL contract. Worst case, having the son of NFL Hall of Famer is never a bad idea for the “brand ” of the UFL.
Offensive Lineman Gareth Warren Lindenwood University (FCS)
Warren was an unknown going into the draft process before a strong showing at the East-West Shrine bowl this year. Coming from Lindenwood University in St. Charles Missouri, Warren holds a 6-6 frame with experience at both Tackle and Guard as the University transitioned from Division-II to FCS during his time there. Lindenwood has sent players to NFL and recently saw Roughnecks/Gamblers Tight End Clint Sigg player Two seasons in the USFL/UFL. With Brahmas GM having a “beat” in the St. Louis area and ties to Lindenwood Head Coach Jed Stugart, Warren could find his way to San Antonio if the Steelers don’t sign him after Mini-Camp.
Linebacker/Safety R.J. Moten University of Florida (FBS)
Moten started his career at Michigan as a Safety before transferring to the University of Florida. Moten comes with a decent amount of experience, however, is still a bit raw as a prospect only starting 1 game for the Gators. Moten has the ability to harness his craft as Linebacker in the UFL, and develop a bit more. Coming from the SEC, and impressing at the Eagles local pro-day, Moten seems to be a prime candidate for reps in 2026 in hopes of lengthening his NFL career.
Linebacker Noah Martin Samford University (FCS)
The local connections are always a plus, and many in Birmingham may want to Noah Martin join the Stallions. A “thumper” in the middle, Martin has received a minicamp invite from the Buffalo Bills and led Samford with 114 total tackles and had 10.5 TFLs along with 2.0 sacks. He also led Samford in INTs with 2. He was named a 2nd team All-American and first team All-SoCon in 2024. Martin totaled over 400 tackles and 40.5 TFLs in 53 games at Samford and could be a youthful boost in the Stallions Linebacker room with the youngest Linebacker in that room being 27-Years old.
Tight End Deontay Campbell Missouri Southern University (Division-II)
Campbell is a “JuCo” product who came to Missouri Southern in 2023 earning All-Conference honors in 2023, and 2024. Campbell holds a 6-5, 242 frame that NFL scouts dream about, that also relates to the same measurables as Arlington Renegades Tight End Sal Cannella. Still extremely raw Campbell could make waves in the UFL if his workout with the Browns doesn’t yield an NFL contract.
Kicker Mitch Jeter University of Notre Dame (FBS)
Jeter could use a redeem tour after his season at Notre Dame. With Kickers always needing an opportunity and Jeter working out for the Vikings who utilized Will Reichard and John Parker Romo last year, taking a chance on a UFL team may be the best option for Jeter if he wants to extend his pro football career.
Defensive Back Ridge Texada University of North Texas (FBS)
Texada comes from a Football family that has seen his brothers Raleigh, and Ranthony both earn opportunities in the XFL, CFL, and NFL. Ridge is a little smaller than his brother however possesses elite speed with a 4.4 40-time. Ridge garnered plenty of experience at North Texas appearing in 52 games, earning All-Conference Honors, and amassing 5 Interceptions in his collegiate career.
1 Comment
by Adam Simon
Loved the list. How about Hunter Dekkers at QB or Mario Anderson Jr. at RB.