UFL and former spring football stars continue to make their presence felt on NFL teams throughout the 2026 NFL season. Each week, this list highlights former UFL talents who made a big impact for their team.
UFL To NFL: Week 7 Top 5 Standout Players
This week, with mounting injuries and NFL player returns, roster gymnastics once again dominated the UFL to NFL transactions.
Latest UFL to NFL Transactions:
Earlier this month, former Louisville Kings standouts Ian Wheeler and Cam Gill were signed to NFL practice squads. Gill returned for a third stint with the Carolina Panthers, a team with which he’s had a long history, on the team’s practice squad. Despite a standout 2026 pre-season during which he recorded five tackles, 1.0 sack, and three fumble recoveries, Gill was released during final roster cutdowns. Since then, the Panthers re-signed him to the practice squad on September 29th, only to release him on October 13th.
Wheeler, the Louisville Kings’ United Bowl MVP, was signed to his second NFL team, the Philadelphia Eagles, on October 15th. Five days later, on October 20th, he was released from the practice squad.
Finally, it’s worth noting that New Orleans Saints’ kicker Daniel Carlson, who replaced All-UFL Team kicker Tanner Brown following final roster cutdowns, continues to struggle. To date, Carlson has missed 4 of 12 field goal attempts, including a 52-yarder Sunday in Paris against the Steelers that contributed to the Saints' 16-10 loss.
After the bye week, fans could see International Player Charlie Smyth elevated from the practice squad in his place. Although Brown and Smyth competed throughout the preseason for the starting assignment, the coaches opted to bring in veteran Carlson at the last moment. In retrospect, they should have gone with Brown, who performed great under pressure for the Louisville Kings throughout their Championship season.
Top 5 Standout Players in Week 7:
Despite the frequent roller coaster practice squad conundrum, several other former UFL stars cracked the NFL’s 53-man roster and continue to make a strong impact for their NFL teams, and contributed to this week’s victory. Here are this Week’s Top 5 UFL to NFL standout players.
Number 5: Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys Kicker (Birmingham Stallions)
Three-time Pro Bowl kicker Brandon Aubrey nailed a 55-yard field goal on Monday night, along with two others and three of three extra points to help the Dallas Cowboys beat division rival the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football. It was the Cowboys' third victory of the season, bringing them to within one game of the division-leading New York Giants.
Number 4: Dondrea Tillman, Denver Broncos LB (Birmingham Stallions)
In his third season with the Broncos, former Birmingham Stallions linebacker Dondrea Tillman contributed to the Broncos' 30-16 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, recording three tackles with one solo and one tackle for a loss. With 82 total tackles (36 solo), 9.0 sacks, two interceptions, three pass defenses, and 10.5 career stuffs, Tillman continues to be an important member of the Denver defense.
Number 3: Andre Szmyt, Cleveland Browns Kicker (St. Louis Battlehawks)
For the third time this season, former St. Louis Battlehawks kicker Andre Szmyt delivered the game-winning field goal in the Browns' 27-24 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Despite missing an earlier 57-yard attempt, Szmyt delivered a 32-yard walk-off field goal with three seconds remaining. He also converted 3/3 extra points. With the missed 57-yarder, which was only his second miss of the season, Szmyt has converted 14 of 16 field goals for 87.5%.
Number 2: LaCale London, Atlanta Falcons DT (St. Louis Battlehawks)
The Atlanta Falcons triumphantly pulled off a shocking 29-20 upset of the previously undefeated San Francisco 49ers. Atlanta’s defense held up strong against one of the top offenses in the NFL, with DT LaCale London delivering a career-best game. Delivering on 29 defense snaps and 3 special teams snaps, London produced three solo tackles and three stops. He earned an impressive 89.6 overall PFF grade along with a 90.3 run defense, which ranked second-highest for the Falcons' defense.
Number 1: Jake Bates, Detroit Lions Kicker (Michigan Panthers)
On Sunday, Jake Bates had another perfect outing, converting both field goals and two-of-two extra points to give Detroit a 20-17 win over division rival, the Green Bay Packers. With the final second remaining on the game clock, Bates drilled a 22-yard clutch field goal through the uprights. Earlier in the game, he delivered a 40-yard kick to put the Lions up 10-7.
After a rocky start to the season, Sunday’s game was the Lions’ first division game and their second consecutive win, positioning the team in the thick of the NFC North title fight with a 4-2 record. Bates continues his perfect season, converting all 10/10 field goal attempts and 22/22 extra points.
Check back here next week to find out which UFL to NFL stars were the standout players for their team.