For hopeful UFL stars who’ve been fortunate enough to sign with an NFL team this preseason, the opportunity to compete at training camp is merely the first step towards achieving their dream of an NFL career. While signing with an NFL team is a cause for celebration, making the 53-man roster is the goal. Unfortunately, the majority of UFL players signed don’t make the cut.
UFL to NFL Training Camp Watch: Getting Reps
Including Louisville Kings wide receiver Isaiah Winstead (Pittsburgh Steelers), a total of 43 UFL 2026 players have been signed to NFL team rosters. The first full week of preseason games begins this week. The intensity picks up, the competition reaches a fever pitch, and the likelihood of NFL player injuries increases. Long-term NFL veterans suddenly announce their retirement, creating additional signing opportunities for spring football players.
While late camp signees are grateful for the opportunity, they face an uphill battle due to an abbreviated time to acclimate, learn the playbook, and make a lasting impression. Competition for meaningful reps is fierce as the coaches evaluate who among the 90 players will survive the cutdown process to make up the final roster.
No matter how talented a player is, the key to making the 53-man roster lies in getting reps in training camp. The more reps, the greater the opportunity. It's all about learning the playbook, getting some meaningful reps in front of the coaching staff, and making a lasting impression. However, accomplishing that objective is not easy.
On any given practice day, there are a limited number of opportunities. The UFL players are competing against talented NFL veterans, newly drafted rookies, and recent UDFA’s.
Overcoming the Competition
Even the most highly anticipated UFL talents, such as the Special Teams Player of the Year Tanner Brown, UFL Defensive Player of the Year Cam Gill, and Ian Wheeler, the United Bowl MVP, enter camp far down on the team’s depth chart.
In Brown’s case, he only has one other kicker he’s competing against. However, Charlie Smyth is making it a tough battle. Last week, it appeared that he might have had the upper hand. But the situation can change in the blink of an eye in the NFL. Over the past few days, Smyth has struggled with multiple missed kicks per day. According to ESPN's Katherine Terrell, he had a second-straight three-miss day on Sunday. The Saints' coaching staff has made it clear that consistency and reliability will be the key in this competition, which could give Brown the edge.
Wheeler, who entered a top-tier offense in Buffalo, is competing for the RB3 slot against veterans Ray Davis and Ty Johnson as well as second-year player Frank Gore, Jr. Despite Wheeler being a quick study and an extremely talented player, it may not be enough for him to leapfrog over the RB competition. Nonetheless, Wheeler is grateful for the opportunity.
“Just opportunity to be in a camp, to actually compete and not to just be a camp buddy. So, to actually compete for a spot. And that’s what I’m grateful for.”
The work he puts in has not gone unnoticed by the Bills' head coach, Joe Brady.
“Man, he’s extremely bright. And for him to be able to handle it, like there’s nothing that Ian’s done that I’m like ‘this guy feels out of place or he’s struggling to learn.’ It’s been pretty impressive.”
Gill is competing against Trevis Gipson and Thomas Incoom to line up opposite Patrick Jones III. He had a strong showing at the Hall of Fame Game, recording five tackles that night and ranking second on the team. However, Gill's strong showing at camp and in the game highlighted what he brings to the Panthers' defense. Also, working in his favor, several Carolina defensive players, including second-year talent Nic Scourton, have been lost for the season due to injury.
The Opportunity Afforded By Preseason Games
One of the best ways to stand out at training camp is by making plays during preseason games. Preferring to rest their starters, NFL teams typically play reserves during the first couple of preseason games. It's an excellent opportunity for UFL players to take the field, make an impact, and impress the coach. However, it's a challenge when the reserves don't get enough reps at practice and then have to go in and make a dynamic play. If the majority of their practice time is taken up by individual drills or acting as the upcoming opposition, they're learning the playbook by watching their teammates, rather than actually getting the reps themselves.
But there are other ways to earn favorable looks from the coaches: working hard at camp, staying after practice for additional coaching opportunities, and demonstrating a team-first mentality by being willing to do whatever it takes to help the team out. In the absence of getting the meaningful reps that will allow a player to make the final roster cut, that willingness might just be enough to make the team's practice squad. For UFL players on the bubble, the practice squad, along with the added time to learn by training with the team, can be invaluable. Several former UFL talents, who are playing in the NFL today, got their start initially on practice squads. Sometimes, all it takes is that willingness, dedication, and added time and reps.