What former Penn State football players are on UFL rosters in 2026?

Spring football may be in the air for Penn State with practices leading up to the anual Blue-White spring game, but spring also offers professional football for a handful of former Nittany Lions . The UFL is back for another season of professional spring football and there are five former Penn State players appearing on rosters this spring, including a few making their UFL debuts this season. The UFL, a merger of the USFL and XFL, made some changes to the league structure this season with the elimination for a few franchises and the addition of some new teams in markets more attractive for the product.

That meant a couple of former Penn State players had to relocate this year as a result. But ultimately, the UFL serves as an opportunity for some players to stay in professional shape with the hope of maybe getting back to an NFL roster in the fall. Here is a quick rundown of every former Penn State football player appearing on a roster for a team in the UFL as the 2026 season begins.

John Lovett, RB, Columbus Aviators John Lovett is already one of the most experienced players in the UFL as he is entering his third season in the league, dating back to the time played in the resurrected XFL. Lovett played the past two seasons with the San Antonio Brahmas and rushed for 444 yards and 5 touchdowns during the 2024 season. The Brahmas were one of the franchises eliminated by the UFL this year, but Lovett has landed with the new UFL team , the Columbus Aviators.

Curtis Jacobs, LB, DC Defenders Former Penn State linebacker Curtis Jacobs is making his UFL debut this season after spending the last two seasons on a handful of NFL rosters. Jacobs was an undrafted player in 2024 but spent some time with the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots in his rookie year. He then spent time with the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants last year on practice squad rosters.