Football is back! Did you miss it? It’s been more than a month since the Super Bowl was played so I know that fans are starving for some pigskin watching over the weekend that isn’t the NFL Combine. No, the NFL isn’t coming back but spring football and the United Football League (UFL) kick off their season this week. There have been a TON of changes in the league over the past few months, and we will dive into all of that in this preview.
What’s Changed
A ton. Businessman Mike Repole invested a ton into the UFL and is now the boss of the league. He shuttered three separate franchises this offseason due to poor ticket sales. The Michigan Panthers, Memphis Showboats and San Antonio Brahmas are now, respectively, the Columbus Aviators, the Louisville Kings, and the Orlando Storm. One major change with all the teams in the UFL is their venue. Repole pushed to get away from large football stadiums and into soccer stadiums for a more intimate feel.
On top of that, just two head coaches from last year will return in 2026. Two franchises, the Houston Roughnecks and Arlington Renegades will have name changes: the Houston Gamblers (original name) and Dallas Renegades.
Of course, in the UFL there are always rule changes and experiments. In 2026, there is the four-point field goal for kicks of 60 yards or more. On top of that, teams can’t punt inside their opponent’s 50 outside of the final two minutes of the half or the game.
Players to Watch
Jordan Ta’amu – DC Defenders – He was the Championship MVP a year ago as the Defenders won the title and he had 390 passing yards and five total touchdowns in the game.
Jashaun Corbin -Orlando Storm – The league’s leading rusher is with a new team now in Orlando after spending last year in San Antonio. He got opportunities with the Falcons and Patriots after his league leading year.
Big Storyline
One of the most interesting storylines comes out of Houston where they are bringing in a coach that knows Texas better than most. Former Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin is taking over. He was the Gamblers coach when they were in the USFL but won just three games.
A.J. McCarron, the most successful QB in XFL history, is also coming in after the merger to coach the Birmingham Stallions. He won three National Championships in college and now returns to Alabama for a UFL title.
One other coach that will be fun to watch is Ted Ginn Jr. The former electric return man will coach the Columbus Aviators. He hung up the cleats back in 2020 and is now trying his hand at a new profession.
Prediction
The DC Defenders return most of their stars from a year ago and in a new-look league, consistency is key.