Each UFL Team’s Most Surprising Cuts

Photo via X: @onee3_

As the UFL limps towards its 2nd season, several players who were thought to be “shoo-ins” for their respective teams’ rosters now find themselves on the outside looking in. While “cut day” is always a bittersweet day it does signify the solidification of the opening kickoff for the UFL. Despite staff doing their best to retain the best players available, in an eight-team league with only 50 roster spots, it’s inevitable that several talented players will find themselves unemployed as the season begins.

Memphis Showboats: Daewood Davis

The curious case of Daewood Davis is a bit confusing. Despite being applauded by Showboats coaches it turns out he never reported for camp due to an injury. Davis put together an All-UFL season and is expected to join the team when “healthy”. With Memphis dealing with turnover in their coaching staff the consistency Davis provides maybe needed sooner rather than later.

St. Louis Battlehawks: Kemoko Turay

The Battlehawks brought in Pita Taumoepenu last season in hopes of increasing their pass rush. That resulted in the Battlehawks’ defense matching their sack total for 2023 with 19 once again in 2024. While many may have been surprised to see Andy Isabella released the Battlehawks, they were extremely “heavy” in the wide receiver position group. With the release of Turay, the Battlehawks let walk an NFL veteran who owns 12.0 career sacks in 41 NFL games. With the Defensive Line needing to produce for St. Louis to have a shot at a championship run, expect Taumoepenu, Wells, and Feeney to be under extra pressure this upcoming season.

D.C. Defenders: Lynn Bowden Jr.

Bowden was primed to offer the Defenders a gadget-type asset for D.C. that seemed to be missing that option upon the retirement of D’Eriq King. A veteran of 26 NFL games, Bowden offered D.C. the ability to be utilized at RB, WR, and even a wildcat QB that would take the pressure off Jordan Ta’amu and Abram Smith.

San Antonio Brahmas: Jaylen Twyman

Still only 25 Years Old, Twyman is a development prospect for NFL teams that needs a bit more seasoning in the UFL. After overcoming a shooting in 2021, Twyman’s managed to spend time on NFL practice squads before coming to the UFL splitting 2024 with the Stallions and Brahmas. He even earned a spot with the Jets last season during training camp, with the Brahmas depth on Defense it should be no surprise if Twyman is helping another UFL team later this season.

Birmingham Stallions: Nevelle Clarke

Clarke was a mainstay in the USFL with the New Orleans Breakers for two seasons before signing with the Stallions in December of 2023. After earning a championship with Birmingham while starting two games in the playoffs for the Stallions, Clarke was primed to be another key piece for their 2025 championship run. Clarke was released during the Stallions’ final cut, however could be a nice midseason addition for a team looking for veteran depth.

Arlington Renegades: Juwan Manigo

Manigo was a surprising piece for the Renegades in 2024 after spending several years in the LFA. Producing over 1000 All-Purpose yards in 2024. Looking to take an expanded role in 2025, Manigo was released and has recently signed with the B.C. Lions of the CFL.

Houston Roughnecks: Jack Koerner

Koerner was a borderline All-XFL Safety and Team Captain in 2023 for the Brahmas, before falling victim to the USFL-XFL merger/consolidation. After spending 2024 out of football, Koerner returned to spring football, spending the UFL training camp with the Houston Roughnecks. The Roughnecks released Koerner, opting to go with Shawn Preston, a 2024 UDFA.

Michigan Panthers: Keonte Schad

Schad was claimed by the Panthers prior to him signing with the Green Bay Packers in 2024. A veteran of 22 USFL/XFL/UFL games Schad was primed to add value to the Panthers stout Defensive Front. Schad was released with Michigan opting to only take one newcomer for the upcoming season.

With the CFL beginning to finalize their rosters and the inevitable case of injuries for UFL teams many of these players won’t be on the “streets” for long. With the league looking to expand in 2026 and beyond many talented players will find themselves back in the “cycle” of Alt-Football.