UFL players head to NFL camps seeking a step up for 2026

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Twenty-three players from the United Football League are attending NFL training camps for the 2026 season, aiming to secure roster spots across multiple teams. This influx highlights the UFL's growing role as a developmental league, offering players a pathway to compete at the NFL level despite intense competition for limited positions.

As NFL training camps open for the 2026 season, a group of 23 players from the United Football League (UFL) are aiming to secure spots on NFL rosters. The UFL has increasingly become a springboard for players seeking to transition to the NFL, with several former UFL standouts already establishing themselves in key roles.

Among the hopefuls is Tanner Brown, a kicker for the New Orleans Saints. Brown distinguished himself in the UFL by converting 89% of his field goals in 2026, making 25 attempts—the highest in the league—and earning the UFL Special Teams Player of the Year award. Brown’s long field goal of 60 yards underscores his range, and he will challenge incumbent Saints kicker Charlie Smyth, who made 12 of 16 field goals last season.

Safety Major Burns signed with the Miami Dolphins after an impressive rookie season with the Houston Gamblers. Burns led the UFL with four interceptions and allowed an exceptionally low passer rating of 29.4 in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 207 pounds, Burns offers both size and ball skills. The Dolphins, currently rebuilding their secondary, could provide Burns a clearer path to earning a roster spot.

Running back Ian Wheeler joined the Buffalo Bills after emerging as the Louisville Kings’ lead rusher during their UFL title run. Wheeler averaged 5.4 yards per carry, second best in the league, and contributed as a kick returner with an average of 28.5 yards per return. While the Bills have a stable running back rotation, Wheeler’s versatility on offense and special teams could be a key to making the team’s limited roster spots at the position.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Hakeem Butler returns to the NFL following a strong UFL campaign in which he led the league with 641 receiving yards and averaged 22.1 yards per catch, earning him the UFL Offensive Player of the Year award for the second time in three years. Butler, standing 6-foot-5, has experience in the NFL but has yet to stick firmly with a team. Under head coach Sean Payton, Butler may find a role as a situational red-zone target.

Also with the Broncos is cornerback and return specialist Sean Fresch Jr., who impressed with 33 tackles and two sacks over 10 UFL games. Notably, Fresch averaged 10.4 yards per punt return on 32 attempts, showcasing a versatility that could make him valuable primarily on special teams. Although he faces competition from established returners like Marvin Mims Jr., Fresch’s ability to contribute in multiple phases could earn him a roster spot.

The full list of UFL players attending NFL camps covers a range of positions and teams, including wide receivers, linebackers, defensive backs, and offensive linemen. Teams such as the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Pittsburgh Steelers have also signed UFL players in their quest to add depth and uncover potential contributors.

As these players navigate the demanding environments of NFL training camps, they will seek to demonstrate that their success in the UFL can translate to performance against the NFL’s higher level of competition. With roster spots limited and veteran presence strong, the transition remains challenging, but the UFL continues to provide a valuable pipeline and opportunity for players on the margins to advance their careers.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.