
The United Football League strengthened its rosters between January 9-17, 2025, with impact signings across all eight teams.
Former New York Giants linebacker Tae Crowder leads the defensive additions, bringing 232 tackles from 43 NFL games to the Birmingham Stallions. On offense, the DC Defenders secured quarterback Jordan Ta’amu, the 2023 XFL Offensive Player of the Year who threw for 1,845 yards in his previous UFL season.
Arlington Renegades reshaped their offense by adding two key players: running back Kalen Ballage, who recorded 665 rushing yards in 52 NFL games, and quarterback Luke Lehnen, who enters the professional ranks after setting NCAA Division III records with 12,658 passing yards.
Here’s the complete UFL transaction report from January 9-17, 2025.
ARLINGTON RENEGADES
Vincent Gray, CB (Michigan) Has one NFL game appearance with the New Orleans Saints where he recorded five tackles and two pass deflections. Gray spent time on rosters with the Saints, Rams and Browns before joining the UFL. His move to Arlington strengthens their secondary depth.
Ricky Lee, T (North Carolina A&T) Appeared in six NFL games after successfully transitioning from defense to offense during his college career. Lee gained valuable experience on practice squads with the Panthers, Vikings, Browns and Giants. His versatility adds value to Arlington’s offensive line rotation.
Spencer Rolland, T (North Carolina) Started every game during his graduate season at North Carolina where he earned Honorable Mention All-ACC recognition. Rolland spent time developing on NFL practice squads with both the Vikings and Browns. His collegiate experience as a full-time starter provides immediate depth to the offensive line.
Garrett McGhin, G (East Carolina) Brings championship experience after winning the 2023 XFL title with Arlington. McGhin earned All-USFL team honors in 2022 with the New Jersey Generals. His professional career includes two NFL game appearances.
Kalen Ballage, RB (Arizona State) Accumulated 665 rushing yards and seven touchdowns across 52 NFL games. Ballage spent the 2023 season with the XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas where he rushed for 149 yards in five games. He played for the New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers
Luke Lehnen, QB (North Central) Set NCAA records with 12,658 passing yards and 162 touchdowns during his college career. Lehnen earned two Gagliardi Trophy awards as Division III’s top player. He makes history as the first 2025 NFL Draft-eligible player to sign with the UFL.
Myles Dorn, S (North Carolina) Recorded five tackles across 14 NFL games before transitioning to the UFL. Dorn’s UFL performance includes 38 tackles and two interceptions in 10 games.
BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS
Elijah Sullivan, LB (Kansas State) Won championships in both the USFL and UFL with Birmingham. Sullivan’s championship experience includes 10 games at the professional level. His time with the 49ers, Chiefs and Jaguars provided NFL-level training experience.
Shi Smith, WR (South Carolina) Compiled 28 receptions for 400 yards and two touchdowns across 23 NFL games. Smith entered the NFL as a sixth-round selection by the Panthers in 2021. His professional experience includes time with the Titans and Chiefs.
A.J. Thomas, S (Western Michigan) Won a UFL championship while recording 34 tackles and three interceptions in 10 games. Thomas appeared in six NFL games with four tackles before joining Birmingham. His development in the UFL demonstrates significant growth in the secondary.
Shyheim Carter, CB (Alabama) Recorded three tackles across six NFL games with the Jets. Carter gained additional experience with the Falcons, Texans and Titans. His SEC background provides strong fundamentals in the defensive backfield.
Bradlee Anae, DE (Utah) Selected in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cowboys. Anae appeared in 11 NFL games recording two tackles. His college career culminated in winning Defensive MVP honors at the 2020 Senior Bowl.
Jalen Camp, WR (Georgia Tech) Selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Jaguars. Camp appeared in five NFL games, recording one reception for seven yards. His pre-NFL testing showcased his athleticism with a 40-inch vertical jump at his pro day.
Steven Gilmore, CB (Marshall) Joined the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Gilmore brings NFL training camp experience to the Stallions secondary. His family connection to the NFL includes being the brother of veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
Tyron Johnson, WR (Oklahoma State) Accumulated 23 receptions for 422 yards and three touchdowns across 26 NFL games. Johnson’s NFL journey included time with eight different teams. His college career began as a five-star recruit at LSU before transferring to Oklahoma State.
Tae Crowder, LB (Georgia) Started 31 NFL games after being selected by the Giants in the 2020 draft. Crowder recorded 232 total tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions in 43 NFL games. His professional experience includes time with the Giants, Steelers, and Titans.
DC DEFENDERS
Trenton Cannon, RB (Virginia State) Made history as Virginia State’s first NFL draft pick since 1996 when selected by the Jets. Cannon appeared in 48 NFL games, rushing for 150 yards and adding 160 receiving yards. His versatility showed with contributions on both offense and special teams across five NFL teams.
Jordan Ta’amu, QB (Ole Miss) Named 2023 XFL Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 1,878 yards. Ta’amu maintained his production in the UFL with 1,845 passing yards and 15 touchdowns in 10 games. His dual-threat ability produced nearly 300 rushing yards in UFL play. He has also spent time in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings, and Carolina Panthers.
HOUSTON ROUGHNECKS
Ryan Pope, T (San Diego State) Selected in the first round of the 2022 USFL Draft by Houston. Pope brings NFL experience from his time with the Rams organization. His selection demonstrates Houston’s commitment to building through the trenches.
Shakel Brown, DT (Troy) Led Troy to both Sun Belt and Cure Bowl championships during his college career. Brown gained NFL experience with the Titans, 49ers, and Dolphins. His track record of success at multiple levels strengthens Houston’s defensive front.
MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS
Brevin Allen, DE (Campbell) Earned Big South Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2021. Allen appeared in two NFL games after spending time with the Chargers and Patriots.
P.J. Hall, DL (Sam Houston State) Selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Raiders. Hall recorded 82 tackles and 2.5 sacks across 40 NFL games.
Nate Gilliam, G (Wake Forest) Earned Third-team All-ACC recognition in 2019. Gilliam developed his skills through time with the Chargers, Steelers, and Bengals organizations.
MICHIGAN PANTHERS
Arnold Tarpley III, S (Vanderbilt) Earned All-USFL honors in 2023 after recording 85 tackles and four interceptions across 22 games. Tarpley developed through the USFL ranks before earning his NFL opportunity with the Falcons.
Jalen Wydermyer, TE (Texas A&M) Made an immediate impact in college, earning SEC All-Freshman team recognition in 2019. Wydermyer gained NFL experience with the Bills, Patriots, and Colts organizations.
Ralen Goforth, LB (Washington) Transferred from USC to Washington to complete his college career. Goforth spent time with the Packers organization developing his professional skills. His college career included notable playmaking ability with an interception returned for a touchdown.
Marcus Simms, WR (West Virginia) Named to the All-UFL team in 2024 after demonstrating big-play ability. Simms averaged 18.5 yards per reception while recording 27 catches for 454 yards and three touchdowns in 18 UFL games. His performance earned recognition as one of the league’s top receivers.
John Hightower, WR (Boise State) Selected in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Eagles. Hightower recorded 10 receptions for 167 yards across 14 NFL games. His collegiate career included All-Mountain West Second Team honors in 2019.
SAN ANTONIO BRAHMAS
Greg Eiland, OL (Mississippi State) Demonstrated elite pass protection skills in 2024, allowing just one sack all season. Eiland committed only two penalties while maintaining consistent performance.
Jacob Harris, WR (Central Florida) Selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Rams. Harris won Super Bowl LVI as a member of the Rams organization. His NFL experience includes 18 games with one reception for six yards.
Hassan Hall, RB (Georgia Tech) Transferred from Louisville to Georgia Tech to complete his college career. Hall gained NFL experience with both the Browns and Cardinals organizations. His versatility adds depth to the Brahmas’ backfield.
ST. LOUIS BATTLEHAWKS
Austin Faoliu, DT (Oregon) Earned All-XFL recognition in 2023 after recording 24 tackles and one sack in 10 games. Faoliu’s consistent performance earned him opportunities at the professional level.
Phil Hoskins, DE (Kentucky) Selected in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Panthers. Hoskins won Super Bowl LVII with the Chiefs organization. His NFL career includes 14 total tackles and one sack across 13 games.
Cole Spencer, G (Texas Tech) Earned All-Conference USA First Team honors in 2021 before transferring to Texas Tech. Spencer developed his skills through time with the Titans organization.
Willie Harvey Jr., LB (Iowa State) Named to the All-UFL team in 2024 after recording 78 tackles and four sacks in 10 games. Harvey appeared in four NFL games with the Browns before finding success in the UFL.