The UFL season has kicked off, and we’ve looked through every team’s roster, the most recent draft, preseason reports, and other insights to assemble the following list of the top 20 players. Whether it be on offense with quarterbacks and skill players or defense with pass rushers and defensive backs, we’ve got you covered.
Who Are the Best UFL Players?
With there is so much regular season play left, there’s still time to become familiar with the league’s players. The best way is this list of the top 20 players. Here is a breakdown of the best players in the league.
1) QB AJ McCarron, St. Louis Battlehawks
A name many people should be familiar with is AJ McCarron, who had a terrific 2023 season for the St. Louis Battlehawks. He threw for 2,150 yards and an XFL-record 24 touchdowns. A one-time Alabama star, McCarron helped the team to an impressive 7-3 season last year, and despite an 0-1 start, could take this team to another level in his second season.
2) QB Jordan Ta’amu, D.C. Defenders
Jordan Ta’amu is a special talent at the quarterback position, having played for Ole Miss, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Battlehawks, and many more. Last year, he threw for 1,878 yards, 14 touchdowns, and three interceptions. He’s not just a passer, either, having rushed for 301 yards last season. He was the XFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2023.
3) DB Michael Joseph, D.C. Defenders
When you think of a prototypical cornerback, you get Michael Joseph. He can shadow the opposing team’s best wide receivers but isn’t afraid to deliver a hit in the run game as well.
When you are playing for a team with the “Defenders” moniker, you better have some guys who can disrupt opposing offenses. Joseph is that guy and gives the team a ferocious attitude on defense.
4) TE Cody Latimer, San Antonio Brahmas
The first non-QB offensive player is Cody Latimer, a wide receiver who played for the Denver Broncos and the New York Giants during six NFL seasons from 2014-2020. Last year for the Orlando Guardians, he was third in the XFL in catches (50) and yards (593) while recording four touchdowns.
Now, he is a member of the San Antonio Brahmas and one of the best offensive weapons in the league. He looks to give quarterback Chase Garbers a big-time target on offense.
5) DE Vic Beasley, Arlington Renegades
The next defensive star is a one-time top-10 NFL draft pick who garnered All-Pro honors in the league. Vic Beasley was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons with the eighth overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. In his NFL career, he notched nearly 40 sacks.
His best year came in his second NFL season when he had 39 tackles, including 15.5 sacks. Considering his history, he was taken No. 1 in the 2023 XFL Defensive Front 7 Draft and was selected by the Arlington Renegades in the 2024 UFL Dispersal Draft.
6) QB Case Cookus, Memphis Showboats
Another quarterback is up, and this time it’s Case Cookus, who put up impressive numbers last season with the USFL’s Philadelphia Stars. He finished second with 2,294 passing yards and 15 touchdowns.
Now in Memphis, Tenn., Cookus will be looked upon to make the Showboats an instant contender in 2024, starting strong with a 1-0 record.
7) DL Pita Taumoepenu, St. Louis Battlehawks
The Battlehawks’ roster is filled with really good players, as defensive lineman Pita Taumoepenu has the potential to be one of the best trench players in the league.
A 2017 sixth-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers, he has seven games of NFL experience on his resume. He was the XFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.
8) WR Hakeem Butler, St. Louis Battlehawks
Butler possesses all the traits you look for in a wide receiver. He stands at 6’5″ but also runs a 4.48-second 40-yard dash time. His rare combination of size and speed makes him a nightmare matchup for defenses. He finished the 2023 season second in the XFL with 51 catches and 599 yards, adding a league-high eight touchdowns.
9) S D.J. Swearinger, D.C. Defenders
Here’s another example of a guy fitting his team’s name: D.J. Swearinger is a heat-seeking missile at the safety position. He played in the NFL from 2013-2020, finishing his career with 425 tackles, including 4.5 sacks, and 14 interceptions.
He is an enforcer who makes wide receivers hesitate when crossing the middle of the field, and he will be a good mentor for younger defensive players with his length of experience.
10) WR Amari Rodgers, Birmingham Stallions
Next up is former Clemson star Amari Rodgers, who caught passes from Trevor Lawrence not too long ago. Now, he gives the Stallions a guy capable of scoring on any given play. He is undersized and played more of a returner role in the NFL.
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However, thanks to his big-time speed, Rodgers is capable of making a big play any time he has the ball in his hands in any capacity.
The Rest of the Top 20 UFL Players
11) P Marquette King, Arlington Renegades
12) WR Keke Coutee, D.C. Defenders
13) DB Ajene Harris, Arlington Renegades
14) WR Gary Jennings Jr., Birmingham Stallions
15) LB Trent Harris, D.C. Defenders
16) LB Tavante Beckett, San Antonio Brahmas
17) DL Delontae Scott, San Antonio Brahmas
18) LB Travis Feeney, St. Louis Battlehawks
19) DL Breeland Speaks, Michigan Panthers
20) WR T.J. Vasher, San Antonio Brahmas
Pining for more football? We’ve got you covered on all things UFL, including the playoff format, player salaries, and much more.