The 2025 UFL class has seen several players make their NFL debuts and return to football’s highest stage. With feel good stories like Damon Arnette, and Lucas Harvisik making their return to the NFL, followed by Jacob Saylors who after two years with Battlehawks can finally call himself an NFL player after finding his niche with the Detroit Lions.
Sal Cannella – Dallas Renegades- Cleveland Browns
Cannella has had one of the more arduous journeys to the NFL after years of consecutive contracts (dating back to The Spring League) failing to latch on to an NFL roster. After several opportunities, Cannella found his way on the Browns roster currently nestled on their practice squad. While the Browns playoff hopes are all but gone, maybe Cleveland can give Cannella a look and complete his NFL journey.
Garrett Nelson- San Antonio Brahmas-Denver Broncos
The Brahmas may be gone, but their legacy lives on with their players specifically Nelson. After two seasons in the UFL, Nelson managed to have practice squad stints with the Saints and Broncos and is currently with Denver on their practice squad now. With Denver having a couple spring football players on their roster, why not give a chance for Nelson to showcase his skillset on the NFL’s most electric defensive line.
Cornell Powell- D.C. Defenders– Pittsburgh Steelers
Though newly signed, the Defenders have done a great job of sending their wide receivers to the NFL. With Chris Blair, Lucky Jackson, and Brandon Smith some of the Defenders to make their NFL debuts after their time with the Defenders, seeing Powell continue their legacy would only be fitting.
Liam Fornadel- D.C. Defenders-New York Jets
The Jets have elevated Kohl Levao, Brandon Smith, and Alec Lindstrom the past couple of years with Smith and Lindstrom each appearing in games for the Jets. Fornadel, who is a three-year D.C. Defender has essentially been playing football consecutively since February of 2024 and is on the cusp of making his professional debut. With the Jets struggling, a weak offensive line, and a lost season the Jets could use the grittiness of Fornadel on gameday.
The 2025 UFL signing class has seen 62 players earn NFL contracts with 23 of them spending time on an NFL active roster or practice squad. Of the 23, 6 have played in an NFL game this year with Perrion Winfrey, and Barry Wesley both active on NFL rosters and set to appear in a game during the final weeks of the season. Collectively, the 2025 class has earned 7.4 million dollars with the possibility of more depending on elevations or signings to the active roster.