ARLINGTON, TX – August 14, 2026 – Week Two of the NFL Preseason got underway Thursday night with 28 former UFL players suiting up across six games. Former UFL stars Tarik Black, Jacob Saylors and Jake Bates all made an impact in their 2026 NFL Preseason debuts.
United Bowl Champion Tarik Black led the UFL-to-NFL headlines Thursday night after scoring a 24-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. The former Louisville King reeled in a short pass on a drag route before outracing defenders to the pylon for the score.
TARIK BLACK HAULS IT IN FOR SIX! #UFLtoNFL pic.twitter.com/e8q8SfZkI3
— United Football League (@TheUFL) August 14, 2026
The former Michigan Wolverine already has a connection with the Detroit fanbase and hopes to deliver many more splash plays throughout the summer and beyond. Black, still fresh off a spring season in which he registered 388 yards and three touchdowns, is now making plays in the summer, which impressed Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
“I thought Black made some plays tonight,” said Campbell.
Black is in the middle of a loaded wide receiver room in Detroit and will need to continue making plays to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
Another former UFL player who starred with the Lions was Jacob Saylors. The former St. Louis Battlehawk and all-time leading rusher in both yards and touchdowns made an immediate impact in his 2026 preseason debut with Detroit. Saylors led the Lions in rushing yards with 55 and added 28 receiving yards on three receptions. Saylors’ biggest play came late in the first half, when he broke free for a 27-yard gain.
We see you, Jacob Saylors 👀
— United Football League (@TheUFL) August 14, 2026
The former @BattlehawksUFL RB breaks off for a 27-yd run! #UFLtoNFL pic.twitter.com/Dv5WCvLU58
Saylors played a major role on special teams last season for the Lions and ranked ninth in the NFL with 897 kick return yards. His offensive performance earned an 87.1 grade from PFF, with run blocking his only notable blemish. Saylors’ pursuit of an expanded role in Campbell’s offense is off to a hot start in Year Two with the Lions, and Campbell credited the running back’s performance following the game.
“He was our most potent player on offense. He was the steady workhorse we had early in the game. I like where he’s at, he has some juice,” Campbell said.
Lastly, former Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates delivered another strong performance. Bates converted on both of his field goal opportunities, including a 52-yarder that had plenty of leg.
Jake Bates picked up right where he left off with a 41 and 52-yarder on the night 👏
— United Football League (@TheUFL) August 14, 2026
🎥: NFL+#UFLtoNFL pic.twitter.com/ReUUSAWV7R
Bates connected on 27-of-34 field goals last season and hopes for another big year with the Lions, as his contract will expire at the end of this season. Last but certainly not least, former Battlehawk Nick Whiteside II came up with a crucial pass breakup that potentially saved a touchdown, adding to a standout night for Detroit’s UFL alumni.
In other action around the NFL, former Battlehawks defensive back Trey Dean III recorded three tackles for the Green Bay Packers, including two solo stops. Kyler Baugh, another former Battlehawk, recorded half a sack for the Pittsburgh Steelers and brought the emotion.
Kyler Baugh was HYPED after the sack 😤
— United Football League (@TheUFL) August 14, 2026
🎥: NFL+#UFLtoNFL pic.twitter.com/eiT21jv0yu
Former DC Defenders defensive tackle Casey Rogers recorded two tackles and a quarterback hit for the New England Patriots. Rogers played 15 snaps and earned a 72.5 pass-rushing grade from PFF.
Tonight, the action continues with 19 additional UFL players set to suit up across three games: Miami Dolphins-Washington Commanders, Denver Broncos-Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers-New York Jets. A full slate of action Saturday will wrap up the second week of the NFL Preseason.