UFL and former spring football stars continue to make their presence felt on NFL teams in the 2026 NFL season. Each week, this list highlights former UFL talents who made a big impact for their team. During the season, as injuries mount and other NFL players return from IR, the roster gymnastics dominate weekly UFL to NFL transactions.
Last week, former St. Louis Battlehawks' kicker Harrison Mevis was released by the L.A. Rams after a disastrous Week 5 performance where he missed 2 of 2 field goal attempts. It was his third miss in the last two games after converting only 5 of 9 field goal attempts this season. Sadly, Mevis entered the 2026 season as one of the UFL heroes from a year ago. Appearing in the final nine games of the 2025 regular season, he converted 12 of 13 field goals and all 39 extra points, plus two field goals and four of four extra points in the postseason.
With injuries decimating the Philadelphia Eagles' offense, the Louisville Kings’ United Bowl MVP, Ian Wheeler, was signed to their practice squad last week. Although the talented running back was not activated for Sunday’s 25-14 loss to the Carolina Panthers, expect to see Wheeler play a role for the struggling Eagles’ offense going forward.
UFL To NFL: Week 6 Top 5 Standout Players
This week’s UFL to NFL standout performances include several familiar names who continue to make a significant contribution to their team’s success, including one player who has led his team in scoring over the past two seasons.
Number 5: Ameer Speed, Dallas Cowboys cornerback (Houston Gamblers)
It was another disturbing loss for the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night following a 23-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers. However, as one of only two UFL 2026 stars to make NFL rosters out of training camp this season, Ameer Speed continues to show up for the Dallas defense. On Sunday night, he produced three tackles (one solo) and a pass defense. Thus far in three games, Speed has a total of 10 tackles (five solo) and one pass defense.
Number 4: Daniel Whelan, Green Bay Packers punter (D.C. Defenders)
Once again, Daniel Whelan's punting helped his team dominate another NFL opponent. Whelan continues to be among the NFL’s premier punters with 25 punts for 1,242 yards this season. His longest 2026 punt went for 75 yards. On Sunday night, Whelan punted 3 times for 151 yards with a 55-yarder as his longest.
Number 3: LaCale London, Atlanta Falcons DT (St. Louis Battlehawks)
Although the Atlanta Falcons lost to the Chicago Bears on Sunday by a score of 31-23, DT LaCale London played his strongest game of the season. Playing 37 defensive snaps for the Falcons, he recorded five tackles with three solo, 1.0 sack, one tackle for loss, and a quarterback pressure.
Number 2: Rex Sunahara, Cleveland Browns LS ( San Antonio Brahmas)
NFL long snappers rarely get credited for the difficult job that they do, but when an NFL kicker consistently proves to be the team's top scorer, it might be time to give the long snapper credit for a job well done. Right now, the Cleveland Browns' LS Rex Sunahara is part of a successful three-man special teams unit largely responsible for establishing the Browns atop the AFC North division. Andre Szmyt is one of the NFL's most consistent placekickers, and punter Corey Bojorquez currently ranks 4th in the NFL this season with 31 punts for 1,558 yards with a longest of 81 yards. Having a long snapper who regularly delivers the football precisely where it needs to be has earned him second place on the list this week.
Number 1: Andre Szmyt, Cleveland Browns Kicker (St. Louis Battlehawks)
After connecting on 25 straight field goal attempts this season, Andre Szmyt missed his first field goal during Sunday's 13-10 upset over the Baltimore Ravens. However, despite the unexpected miss, he came back to deliver the game-winning 37-yard field goal with seconds to spare. Known for his ability to deliver in high-pressure scenarios, this is Szmyt's second game-winner this season. Making this kick even more challenging, he had to kick it a second time after his first kick was blocked. However, a Raven's offsides penalty allowed him to re-kick, and he booted the game-winner through the uprights. In addition, Szmyt also kicked a 48-yard field goal earlier, plus the extra point, accounting for 7 of the team's 13 points. This season, Szmyt has converted 12/13 field goals (92.3%) and 8/9 extra points (88.9%).
Check back here next week to find out which UFL to NFL stars were the standout players for their team.