UFL Stars Write Final Note in NFL Preseason Finale

by Ethan Berch

ARLINGTON, TX – August 31, 2026 – The NFL Preseason is officially in the books. In the final week, former UFL stars finished strong, making one last impression at the highest level of football.

One of the top-performing former UFL players throughout the preseason saved another big moment for the finale. United Bowl MVP Ian Wheeler capped his impressive summer with another touchdown for the Buffalo Bills. Wheeler powered into the end zone from two yards out with one minute remaining, setting up a go-ahead two-point conversion and a Bills victory.

Wheeler finished with 33 total yards and wrapped up a strong preseason that once again showcased his ability to compete at the highest level.

Also in Buffalo, former Columbus Aviators defensive back DJ Miller Jr. turned in an impressive performance. Miller Jr. earned an elite 90.0 grade from PFF, recording two total tackles and a pass breakup while allowing zero receptions on three targets.

The Detroit Lions battle on Saturday featured a little bit of everything and produced arguably the strongest collection of former UFL performances of the weekend. The all-time leading rusher in St. Louis Battlehawks history, Jacob Saylors, continued to make his case for a significant role in Detroit.

Primarily a return specialist for the Lions last season, Saylors has emerged as a legitimate offensive weapon. He rushed for 100 yards in the Lions’ preseason finale and added two receptions, further establishing himself as a valuable piece of Detroit’s offense heading into the regular season.

Also for the Lions, both Lucky Jackson and Tay Martin starred. Fair to say, Lucky was feeling lucky. Jackson led the Lions with 94 receiving yards on five receptions, highlighted by a spectacular one-handed grab reminiscent of the plays he routinely made for the Louisville Kings during the spring.

Martin, formerly of the Columbus Aviators, capped his preseason with his first touchdown of the summer. He finished with four receptions, with the touchdown serving as the exclamation point on a strong preseason campaign. Martin was named to the Lions’ initial 53-man roster.

Former Philadelphia Stars receiver Maurice Alexander continued his strong preseason with the Chicago Bears. Alexander was heavily involved in the Bears’ offense, finishing with seven receptions for 50 yards and his second touchdown of the preseason.

On the defensive side of the ball, former Louisville Kings linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. led the Bears with six total tackles, including four solo stops, despite playing just 21 snaps. Signed earlier in the week, Grier Jr. wasted little time showing he belongs at the NFL level.

Staying with the reigning United Bowl champion Louisville Kings, Defensive Player of the Year Cam Gill once again made his presence felt for the Carolina Panthers. Gill recorded two tackles and recovered two fumbles, including the game-clinching turnover in the final moments. He finished the preseason with three fumble recoveries, leading the NFL in that category.

Friday night in Arlington, both Jayden Price and Ameer Speed took the field at AT&T Stadium. Price wrapped up a remarkable preseason campaign with six tackles, including four solo stops. The former Dallas Renegades defensive back earned a spot on the New Orleans Saints’ initial 53-man roster. 

Former Houston Gamblers defensive back Ameer Speed was also strong in the secondary and on special teams for the Dallas Cowboys. Speed recorded four total tackles, all solo stops, and earned a spot on the Cowboys’ initial 53-man roster.

Also with Dallas, former Birmingham Stallions kicker Brandon Aubrey used the preseason finale as one final tune-up for his fourth NFL season. Aubrey converted three field-goal attempts, including a 58-yarder.

The Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders clash saw two former UFL stars intertwine in the second half. Former Dallas Renegades quarterback Austin Reed entered the game to lead the Ravens offense. Reed was intercepted by former Louisville Kings defensive back Quindell Johnson, giving Johnson a big moment to close out the preseason.

Reed responded just moments later. Rolling out of a collapsed pocket, Reed delivered a 20-yard strike into the end zone for a touchdown.

With the NFL preseason now officially in the books, the regular season is set to begin September 9. More than 110 former UFL players had the opportunity to compete in NFL camps this summer. Now, the preseason is over. The next chapter begins. 

The UFL-to-NFL pipeline is real.

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