The United Football League’s first season, following the merger of the USFL and XFL, is set to kick off with the champions of both leagues, the Birmingham Stallions and Arlington Renegades, facing off to usher in a new era of spring football. The new league was announced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Dany Garcia, with four teams from each league joining to form the UFL while a dispersal draft was held for the remaining teams. Notable players on UFL rosters to start the 2024 season include A.J. McCarron, Darius Victor, Davin Bellamy, Jarrett Guarantano, Mark Thompson, Matt Corral, Vic Beasley, and Wayne Gallman.
A.J. McCarron, quarterback for the St. Louis Battlehawks, made a name for himself in the XFL last season with two comeback victories. Despite having NFL offers, McCarron chose to return to the XFL due to his son’s love for watching him play. He re-signed with the Battlehawks last month, showcasing his talent and making memories with his family. Darius Victor, a prolific running back from the USFL, found a new home with the Memphis Showboats after the New Jersey Generals were left out of the UFL. With impressive stats from previous seasons, Victor looks to continue his success with the Showboats.
Davin Bellamy, a defensive standout who has played for various NFL practice squads, has found success in spring football, including 5½ sacks and 40 tackles with the New Orleans Breakers and D.C. Defenders. Jarrett Guarantano, a former Tennessee and Washington State quarterback, is among the notable quarterbacks in the UFL and will lead the Houston Roughnecks. Mark Thompson, the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year, returns to the Roughnecks despite a knee sprain. Matt Corral, a standout quarterback from Ole Miss, gets a fresh start with the Birmingham Stallions after a challenging NFL journey, joining a stacked QB room alongside Adrian Martinez and J’Mar Smith.
Vic Beasley, a former Atlanta Falcons player who excelled in the NFL before joining the XFL and now the Arlington Renegades, brings his experience and talent to the UFL. Beasley will have the opportunity to face off against players from his former team in the upcoming season. Wayne Gallman, a running back with NFL experience from the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons, returns to football with the St. Louis Battlehawks. Gallman, along with other running backs on the roster, looks to make an impact in the UFL.
With a new era of spring football underway, the UFL features a mix of established players and rising stars from the USFL and XFL. The league’s inaugural season promises exciting matchups and opportunities for players to showcase their skills. As fans gear up to watch their favorite teams and players compete, the UFL looks to make a mark in the world of professional football and provide an entertaining and competitive alternative during the NFL offseason. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights as the season unfolds.
