UFL 2026: The New Era of the Spring Signal Caller

The 2026 UFL season isn’t just another spring football campaign—it’s a complete reset for the league. Expansion teams, coaching changes, and a fresh wave of quarterbacks looking to prove they belong at the professional level have dramatically reshaped the landscape.

Three new franchises—the Columbus Aviators, Orlando Storm, and Louisville Kings—enter the league with ambitious rosters and offensive-minded coaching staffs. Meanwhile, established contenders like the Birmingham Stallions, DC Defenders, and St. Louis Battlehawks are looking to defend their reputations as the league’s premier programs.

But as always in football, success begins with the quarterback position.

From veteran spring league legends to young passers trying to revive NFL dreams, the 2026 UFL season may feature the deepest and most intriguing quarterback pool the league has ever seen.

Here’s a full breakdown of the UFL quarterback rooms heading into the 2026 season.

Birmingham Stallions

Quarterbacks: Matt Corral, Jaren Hall, Taylor Elgersma

A new chapter begins in Birmingham as former Alabama star AJ McCarron transitions from quarterback to head coach of the Stallions. McCarron inherits a fascinating quarterback competition that could define the direction of the franchise.

Matt Corral enters camp as the most proven spring league starter in the room. The former Ole Miss standout brings strong leadership qualities and a deep understanding of modern RPO-based offenses. His ability to make quick decisions and move the ball efficiently fits perfectly with the offensive philosophy Birmingham has traditionally employed.

However, the player with the highest upside may be Jaren Hall, the former Minnesota Vikings quarterback. Hall’s athleticism, arm strength, and mobility give him the potential to develop into one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the league if he adapts quickly to the UFL game.

Canadian quarterback Taylor Elgersma provides depth and developmental potential.

Outlook: Corral likely opens the season as QB1, but Hall may have the highest ceiling in the building.

St. Louis Battlehawks

Quarterbacks: Michael Pratt, Brendan Silvers, Ben Woolridge

The Battlehawks remain one of the league’s most passionate franchises, with the famous “Battledome” crowd providing one of the best home-field advantages in spring football.

With Anthony Becht moving to coach the Orlando Storm, former NFL wide receiver Ricky Proehl takes over as head coach. Proehl inherits a solid quarterback room led by Michael Pratt, the former Tulane star who built his reputation as one of the most intelligent and efficient quarterbacks in college football.

Pratt’s ability to read defenses and control the pace of the offense makes him an ideal fit for a balanced attack.

Veteran Brendan Silvers remains one of the most dependable backup quarterbacks in the league. If injuries strike or the offense struggles, Silvers has the experience to stabilize the position immediately.

Ben Woolridge rounds out the depth chart as a developmental option.

Outlook: Pratt appears to be the long-term answer if he adapts quickly to the pro game.

DC Defenders

Quarterbacks: Jordan Ta’amu, Spencer Sanders, Mike DiLiello

The defending champions return with the most stable quarterback situation in the league.

Jordan Ta’amu has firmly established himself as the face of spring football. The former Ole Miss quarterback has thrived in alternative leagues for years, combining strong arm talent with elite mobility.

Ta’amu’s ability to stretch defenses vertically and extend plays outside the pocket makes him the centerpiece of the Defenders’ explosive offense.

Behind him, former Oklahoma State star Spencer Sanders offers tremendous upside as a developmental quarterback. Sanders has the athletic ability to thrive in a modern spread offense and could become one of the league’s most exciting players if he gets an opportunity.

Mike DiLiello provides depth and insurance.

Outlook: As long as Ta’amu stays healthy, the Defenders remain the team to beat.

Dallas Renegades

Quarterbacks: Luis Perez, Austin Reed

Few quarterbacks in spring football history have been as consistently productive as Luis Perez.

Often referred to as the “Spring King,” Perez has built his reputation on accuracy, poise, and veteran leadership. His ability to operate efficiently from the pocket makes him the perfect quarterback for head coach Rick Neuheisel’s offensive system.

Perez rarely makes mistakes and has proven time and again that he can lead long, methodical drives that wear down defenses.

Behind him sits Austin Reed, the former Western Kentucky quarterback who threw for massive yardage numbers in college. Reed possesses a gunslinger mentality and could quickly become one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the league if given the opportunity.

Outlook: Perez remains the clear starter, but Reed’s upside makes him a player to watch.

Columbus Aviators (Expansion)

Quarterbacks: Clayton Tune, Jalan McClendon, Jalen Morton

The Columbus Aviators made one of the biggest offseason moves by signing Clayton Tune, the former Houston Cougars quarterback who spent time with the Arizona Cardinals.

Tune brings legitimate NFL experience and impressive dual-threat capabilities. His ability to extend plays and push the ball downfield makes him an early MVP candidate.

Veteran Jalan McClendon adds experience and arm strength to the room, while Jalen Morton provides athletic depth.

Head coach Ted Ginn Jr. wants Columbus to play with speed and explosiveness.

Outlook: Tune is the franchise quarterback for the Aviators’ inaugural season.

Orlando Storm (Expansion)

Quarterbacks: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Jack Plummer, Hank Bachmeier

Former Battlehawks head coach Anthony Becht brings his culture and offensive philosophy to Orlando.

His quarterback of choice is Dorian Thompson-Robinson, the former UCLA star known for his dynamic playmaking ability. DTR’s speed, improvisation skills, and big-play potential make him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the league.

Jack Plummer provides steady veteran depth, while Hank Bachmeier offers developmental upside.

Outlook: DTR may be the most electrifying quarterback in the UFL.

Louisville Kings (Expansion)

Quarterbacks: Jason Bean, Chandler Rogers

The Louisville Kings may become the most entertaining offense in the league.

Head coach Chris Redman wants a fast-paced, aggressive attack led by Jason Bean, the former Kansas quarterback known for his blazing speed.

Bean’s mobility forces defenses to defend every inch of the field. If Louisville builds the right system around him, the Kings could become the most explosive offense in the UFL.

Chandler Rogers adds creativity and off-script playmaking ability.

Outlook: Louisville could quickly become the league’s most entertaining team.

Houston Gamblers

Quarterbacks: Donovan Smith, Hunter Dekkers

The Gamblers enter 2026 with one of the most physically imposing quarterbacks in the league.

Donovan Smith is a 240-pound dual-threat quarterback capable of running through defenders as well as throwing deep downfield. His size and mobility create major problems for opposing defenses.

Hunter Dekkers provides a strong-arm alternative capable of stretching the field vertically.

Head coach Kevin Sumlin wants a physical, aggressive offense that can dominate both through the air and on the ground.

Outlook: Houston may have the most physical quarterback room in the league.

The Bottom Line

The 2026 UFL season could become the most exciting year in the history of spring football.

With new teams, new coaches, and a deep pool of talented quarterbacks, the league is entering a new era where offensive creativity and quarterback play will define the championship race.

And if history tells us anything about spring football, it’s this:

The next breakout quarterback is probably someone no one saw coming.