As the UFL draft goes into the second day of its draft, several players have retired despite being selected by UFL teams. This comes after notable players like Jace Sternberger and C.J. Marable have confirmed their intentions of not playing in 2026 as well.
Sources have confirmed that former Battlehawk Jaryd Jones-Smith, former Stallion Amari Rodgers, and former Michigan Panther Kai Nacua will be moving on from their football careers. The previously mentioned players were drafted by the Houston Gamblers, Columbus Aviators, and D.C. Defenders respectively.
The UFL landscape continues to change as teams continue to build in hopes of solidifying their attempt at a 2026 UFL championship. 31 players have confirmed or announced their intention to retire since the completion of the 2025 UFL season with more expected to as training camp approaches. The 2026 UFL season is scheduled to begin on March 27th, with the schedule released on January 22nd.
6 Comments
by Frank Dux
What did the new owner expect? I don’t blame those players.
by Ken Granito
I actually don’t think the new owner cares. Getting rid of the coaches they got rid of and breaking up the league the way they did would allow for this possible outcome. He is more interested in the brand than football.
by Patrick Rifino
I don’t think Repole cares at all.
by Johnny the Angry Fuzzball
If anything, this is exactly what Mr. “I Want This to Be Your Last Year in the UFL” wants.
I just hope that if these guys want to play in another league that Repole doesn’t start getting petty and trying to block it with some sort of reserve clause.
by Frank Dux
Well Johnny, the league already lost its Offensive MVP Bryce Perkins to the CFL as well as QB Max Duggan. These players requested & were granted thier release so I don’t see how they can be held back.
by Gary Winter
If this was an actual “Developmental League”, they would have kept the coaches with the knowledge to help players develop. Instead they got rid of the coaches who cost too much regardless of their abilities and experience.
This is an “Investment League” set up to run as cheaply as possible. Get rid of the best players who’ve been around awhile because they will want to be paid for their popularity along with their abilities. Smaller stadiums, less costs. Things are disorganized because there probably aren’t enough people on the payroll to get everything done as quickly as needed. Nearly everything done to date has been delayed. I get the schedule part, especially moving to new venues but naming coaches just days before the draft, switching the draft set-up and not announcing that until late. Still no uniforms! Really, how hard is that? They have the colors, the logos and enough AI knowledge to have done their Shop artwork to sell their very expensive merch.
I’m excited for the games to start but at the same time, I’m really disappointed with the direction it has taken so far.