The 2026 UFL Draft was held this past week, and teams were busy filling their rosters. As one of three new UFL expansion teams, the Louisville Kings inherited the rights to players previously re-signed by the Memphis Showboats. The Kings took full advantage and reserved the maximum number of 12 players from the list of players already signed to return to the league in 2026. Six offensive players and six defensive players were reserved to form the core roster.
At the Draft, HC Chris Redman went to work, building out the remainder of the Kings’ roster with some of the biggest names associated with the league over the past few seasons.
Standout Defensive Players For Louisville
Among the list of returning defensive players the Kings reserved were cornerback Cameron Danztler, EDGE Jaylon Allen, LB Steele Chambers, and FS Keaton Ellis. Last year, under DC Jarren Horton, the Showboats’ defense showed a great deal of improvement. He put together a solid crew of players who were familiar with each other from their Championship reign as part of the Pittsburgh Maulers.
Dantzler was one of the stronger members of Memphis’ defense. Playing against his former team, the San Antonio Brahmas, in Week 8, he had his best moment of the season. Dantzler snagged a stunning 43-yard pick-six that helped the Showboats earn their second victory of the year.
A dominant player for the Showboats’ defense last season, Allen recorded 25 tackles, 21 quarterback pressures, and a forced fumble. In addition, he was the Showboats’ nominee for the 2025 UFL Sportsman of the Year. which is awarded to the athlete who most exemplifies a passion for giving back to his community. A dedicated community volunteer for Memphis youth, Allen became a familiar presence at local events, providing a consistent, dedicated role model for the kids.
One of the leading members of the Showboats’ defense, Chambers ranked number three in the UFL last year with 80 total tackles (47 solo). In addition, he had multiple games last year with double-digit stops and quarterback pressures. Ellis is another one of the stronger Memphis defenders from last season. One of the team leaders in tackles, he also led the Showboats in forced fumbles.
Louisville Kings Defense: Drafted Players
At the beginning of the week, it was announced that quarterbacks Jason Bean and Chandler Rogers were allocated to the Kings. The Draft’s next two days were spent filling up the remainder of the roster, focusing on familiar position group players and those in the trenches.
One familiar returning player drafted for the defense is EDGE DeVere Levelston. He was the team leader in sacks last season. Another well-known player drafted from the Memphis defense is DL Josiah Bronson. At 6’3” and 304 lbs., Bronson is a formidable presence on the field.
Louisville Kings Offense: Reserved Players
One of the more exciting impact players for the offense is WR Jonathan Adams. He was one of the Memphis players designated for reserve status before the draft. Through the early part of last season, Adams led the league in receptions and yards. Although his production tapered off in the latter half of the season, he still finished in 6th place overall with 30 catches for 407 yards with two touchdowns.
Another one of the dominant offensive players reserved by the Kings is wide receiver Kwamie Lassiter. He finished the 2025 campaign with 24 catches for 271 yards with one touchdown.
Louisville Kings Offense: Drafted Players
Joining Adams and Lassiter is former NFL wide receiver and UFL-drafted newcomer Dez Fitzpatrick. Selected in the 4th round of the 2021 NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans, Fitzpatrick was a University of Louisville standout who recorded 2,589 receiving yards with 21 touchdowns.
Following the draft, Fitzpatrick spent the majority of his time on the Titans’ practice squad, followed by brief stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers. During his NFL career, he had 5 receptions for 49 yards with one touchdown.
At 6’2” 208 lbs. Fitzpatrick was known for his route-running ability and strong hands in contested catches. With his NFL experience and talent, Fitzpatrick could become an exciting player to watch during the spring football season.
Other interesting offensive players to keep an eye on this season include former NFL center Alec Lindstrom and J.D. DiRenzo. Lindstrom has generated a lot of interest from NFL teams over the past few seasons. Although he’s come close several times, he’s not yet made the 53-man roster.
The first player drafted by the Kings on Day 1, DiRenzo, a promising offensive guard from Rutgers, signed as a UDFA with the Carolina Panthers following the 2023 NFL Draft. He spent time on the practice squad before being elevated to the Panthers roster for three games. However, DiRenzo was waived with an injury designation in January of 2024. Now, he gets another chance to prove himself with the Kings.
The Louisville Kings Full Roster:
The Kings’ roster currently has 60 players listed. The UFL set a minimum of 60 players and a maximum of 62 players for the Draft.
Following the draft, teams are free to sign additional players as needed to reach the 64-player limit for training camp.
