ARLINGTON, TX – August 21, 2026 – Week Two of the NFL Preseason kicked off Thursday night as the Houston Texans hosted the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers played host to the San Francisco 49ers. A handful of former UFL talent took the stage, with Bryce Hall leading the Thursday night headlines.
As the weekend slate continues, several former UFL stars are looking to build on strong preseason debuts and make their cases for NFL roster spots with just two weeks remaining before final cuts.
Beginning with Thursday night, former fifth-round draft pick of the New York Jets in the 2020 NFL Draft and 2026 United Bowl Champion Bryce Hall made an impressive return to the NFL. Hall finished second on the Houston Texans with six total tackles, including four solo stops, and added a pass defended.
Hall proved in the UFL that he still has the explosive, game-altering ability that made him an NFL draft pick. His biggest moment came in Week Five when he intercepted Austin Reed and returned it 83 yards for a touchdown. Now 28 years old, Hall is making a legitimate bid to earn his way back onto an NFL roster.
As we look ahead to this weekend, one of the biggest storylines of the last five days has been Austin Reed. Reed, who rushed for a touchdown for the Baltimore Ravens just four days after signing with the team, went viral for his reaction following the score and the heartwarming story surrounding his twin daughters.
Reed and the Ravens are back in action Saturday at 1:00 p.m. ET against the Minnesota Vikings. The talented signal caller is competing for the QB3 role in Baltimore and is expected to see more snaps in Week Two.
After winning the United Bowl just a few months ago, 14 Louisville Kings players are currently on NFL rosters, with many of them starring during Week One of the NFL Preseason. Now, the question is which players can string together impactful performances and remain in the ears of NFL executives with just two weeks remaining before final cuts.
Beginning on offense, Buffalo Bills running back and United Bowl MVP Ian Wheeler has produced nothing but highlight-worthy moments in both training camp and game action. In Week One, Wheeler rushed for a touchdown and began to turn heads. In practice Thursday, Wheeler went viral for absolutely trucking a defender.
IAN WHEELER ARE YOU SERIOUS?! 😱
— Louisville Kings (@UFLKings) August 21, 2026
🎥: JAcostaTV/X #UFLtoNFL pic.twitter.com/9GaqjAgYRo
Buffalo has a loaded running back room and another impactful game seems necessary. Wheeler and the Bills are set to take on the Cleveland Browns Saturday at 1:00 p.m. ET.
In Carolina, reigning UFL Defensive Player of the Year Cam Gill is fresh off two impressive games with the Panthers. In the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, Gill totaled five tackles before striking again in Week One with a sack of Buffalo quarterback Kyle Allen.
Gill and the Panthers are prepared for a Week Two clash against the Jacksonville Jaguars Friday night at 7:30 p.m. ET. Earlier this week, Gill was asked in training camp about the impact his UFL season had on his return to the NFL.
“It allowed me to settle back in and be more confident and comfortable at the position.”
Cam Gill is making his third stint with the #Panthers and he has been taking advantage of his opportunity this preseason. The reigning #UFL Defensive Player of the Year recorded a sack in Carolina's most recent preseason game vs. Buffalo pic.twitter.com/BzwjgiHkTM
— Danielle Stein (@Danielle_Stein9) August 18, 2026
With the Detroit Lions, Tarik Black reeled in a 24-yard catch-and-run touchdown in Week One. In a stacked wide receiver room, Black needs to continue stacking impactful performances to strengthen his case for a spot on the 53-man roster. The Lions are set to battle the Washington Commanders Saturday at 12:00 p.m. ET.
On the topic of the Detroit Lions' receiving room, former Columbus Aviators receiver Tay Martin has also been a name that has impressed throughout training camp. Lions head coach Dan Campbell was quick to shout Martin out last week, and this week, Martin was given first-team reps with the Lions.
“To go up against the number one defense and to get some reps with Jared [Goff] and those other guys is a great opportunity for me.”
On Sunday, @Lions Wide Receiver Tay Martin got some reps with the first-team offense. Head Coach Dan Campbell also complimented his play during their first preseason game last week.
— Alex Crescenti (@alex_crescenti) August 16, 2026
Martin says he's doing his best to stay focused as he looks to make the final 53-man roster pic.twitter.com/9AJtjU09AH
Martin has produced a solid bid for a 53-man roster spot, but the road ahead remains challenging. With limited preseason opportunities remaining, continued production and impact will be required.
Arguably the most impactful Louisville King from this past spring has been Tanner Brown. The kicker, who broke numerous UFL records, is the only kicker in professional football history with two field goals of 60 yards or more in a single game. He is now in the midst of a tight position battle with Charlie Smyth in New Orleans.
Brown started strong in Week One with a perfect two-for-two performance, which included a conversion from 49 yards out. Meanwhile, Smyth missed his only attempted field goal.
Now, the Saints are set for another game indoors at SoFi Stadium against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday at 4:00 p.m. ET. With just two preseason games remaining, every kick carries heavy weight in what has become a close position battle.
One of the unsung heroes this summer has undoubtedly been Kaden Davis. Formerly of the Houston Gamblers and now with the Chicago Bears, Davis has impressed throughout training camp. Once game action began, nothing changed.
Davis led the Bears with 88 receiving yards on four receptions in Week One and established himself as a legitimate option for Chicago. After another strong week of camp, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was sure to give Davis his flowers.
“He came in and learned the plays fast, where to line up, how to line up, how to run the routes, and just being in the right position,” said Williams. “He’s been explosive and fun to watch, and I’m excited for him to keep growing and working.”
Game recognizes game 💪
— United Football League (@TheUFL) August 20, 2026
Caleb Williams talks about what makes Kaden Davis built different.#UFLtoNFL pic.twitter.com/Q9qoTmT0bS
The Bears will take on the Cincinnati Bengals Saturday at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Two other former UFL players who impressed after posting high PFF grades in Week One are Jayden Price and Keshawn Banks, both of whom will look to follow up with another big outing this weekend.
The former Dallas Renegades defensive back Price was a weapon on defense for the New Orleans Saints in Week One. Along with recording an interception, Price earned a 95.4 overall defensive grade from PFF. Price is in the spotlight at the moment and needs another strong performance to stay there.
The former Orlando Storm edge rusher Keshawn Banks earned a 90.2 overall defensive grade from PFF, which led the Atlanta Falcons in Week One. Banks and the Falcons are slated to face the Indianapolis Colts Saturday at 1:00 p.m. ET.
And also on defense, former Houston Gamblers defensive back Major Burns is fresh off a strong outing with the Miami Dolphins in Week One. Burns finished second on the Dolphins with five total tackles, including three solo stops, and continued to make his case for an NFL roster spot.
Burns spoke with reporters this week about the positive impact his experience in the UFL has had on his transition to the NFL.
Dolphins safety Major Burns on his mindset entering this NFL season:
— The List - Dolphins Podcast (@TheListFinsPod) August 19, 2026
“My mindset was just, to get back to this position”. “I felt like I owed it to my team to just be present, so staying down, taking it day by day, and showing why I deserve to be back at this level.” #phinsup pic.twitter.com/PbYSRG1h8v
With NFL roster decisions rapidly approaching, Week Two represents another opportunity for former UFL stars to prove that their spring success can translate to the highest level of professional football.
A total of 95 UFL alumni are currently on NFL rosters.