UFL and former spring football stars continue to make a significant impact in the 2026 NFL season. Each week, this list highlights former UFL talents who made a big impact and contributed to their team's victory. This week’s standout performances include multiple special teams players on the same NFL team.
UFL To NFL: Week 5 Top 5 Standout Players
Number 5: Daniel Whelan, Green Bay Packers punter (D.C. Defenders)
It was a long afternoon for the Chicago Bears, whose 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers can be attributed in large part to Daniel Whelan's superior punting. Whelan continues to be among the NFL’s premier punters with 14 of 22 punts for 1,091 yards this season, landing inside the opposition’s 20-yard line. His longest 2026 punt went for 75 yards. On Sunday, Whelan punted 4 times for 221 yards.
Number 4: Jalen Redmond, Minnesota Vikings DT (Arlington Renegades)
Now in his third season with the Vikings, Jalen Redmond has cemented his role in Minnesota’s number-one-ranked defense. Under the guidance of DC Brian Flores, the 5-0 Vikings remain undefeated.
To date, Redmond has earned an impressive 76.6 overall PFF.com grade on 236 snaps with 13 solo tackles, 9 QB pressures, two pass defenses, and a forced fumble. Redmond currently ranks 2nd in the NFL with forced fumbles, 6th for solo tackles, and 7th for PBUs.
Number 3: Jacob Saylors, Detroit Lions RB/Return Specialist (St. Louis Battlehawks)
The Detroit Lions scored a convincing 45-21 victory in the desert on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Two-time All-UFL team running back and Detroit Lions return specialist Jacob Saylors continues to be a force on special teams with four kickoff returns on Sunday for 109 yards. To date, the second-year talent has 13 returns for 338 yards with a longest of 44 yards. He recorded 21 special teams snaps Sunday (66%), but he could see an uptick in touches going forward. On Sunday, Lions veteran return man Tom Kennedy suffered a devastating season- ending knee injury against the Cardinals.
Number 2: Tay Martin, Detroit Lions WR/Special Teams (Columbus Aviators)
Former Columbus Aviators’ standout Tay Martin continues to make his presence felt on special teams for the Lions. On Sunday, Martin contributed one tackle and a crucial fumble recovery when All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown experienced a rare off day. Fortunately, Martin was right there to recover the ball when St. Brown fumbled on a punt return. His heads-up play allowed the Lions to retain possession. In addition, Martin’s diving coverage of a Lions’ punt at the end of the game, downed the ball at the 2-yard line, effectively pinning the Cardinals deep in their own territory with 21 seconds left in the game.
Number 1: Jake Bates, Detroit Lions kicker, (Michigan Panthers)
Jake Bates had a busy afternoon for the Lions, connecting on 6/6 extra points and one 46-yard field goal. To date, Bates is perfect this season with 8/8 field goals and 20/20 extra points. He is one of only five NFL kickers with a perfect record this season for both field goals and extra points, and he currently leads the league with the most extra points.
Check back here next week to find out which UFL to NFL stars were the standout players for their team.