Two weeks removed from the NFL Draft, where Athan Kaliakmanis was selected 223rd overall by the Washington Commanders, the excitement surrounding former Rutgers football players hasn’t slowed down. Kaliakmanis wasn’t the only member of last season’s team to find a home in the NFL, as players such as DT Sheffield and Kenny Fletcher got contracts as undrafted free agents. For those who may not end up playing in the NFL, the opportunity doesn’t stop there, as seven former Scarlet Knights are currently
suiting up in the United Football League (UFL) this season. From linebackers and defensive backs making tackles to linemen protecting quarterbacks and pass catchers being effective weapons, Rutgers is making its mark on the UFL in a variety of ways. These players are spread across three teams: the Birmingham Stallions, Louisville Kings, and Orlando Storm. Here’s a look at how each of those former Scarlet Knights has performed. The Birmingham Stallions roster includes both linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi (2017-2021) and cornerback Shaquan Loyal (2021-2024), both former defensive standouts at Rutgers. Fatukasi was named a Butkus Award semi-finalist and Third-team All-Big Ten in 2021, and Loyal received Honorable Mention All-Big Ten during his final season in 2024. This season for the Stallions, Fatukasi has played in four games, recording 10 tackles, two of those being tackles for loss, one sack, and two fumble recoveries. When he is on the field, Fatukasi is clearly a difference maker as his two fumble recoveries not only lead the Stallions, but also the UFL, showing a huge bright spot on a struggling Birmingham team. Shaquan Loyal has yet to suit up in a game, but his presence alone on the team represents a success for Rutgers. The new Louisville Kings made a special selection for their first-ever draft pick as they acquired offensive guard J.D. DiRenzo (2022) to be a member of their offensive line. DiRenzo, a transfer from Sacred Heart, had a massive impact in his lone season at Rutgers, as he was named the team MVP for the Offense. DiRenzo has played in five games so far this season for the Kings, starting in two of them. Louisville is currently 5th in the UFL, one spot away from making it into the playoffs. It will be interesting to see how DiRenzo can protect his quarterback, Chandler Rogers, with a game against the league-best DC Defenders in Week 8 and the 4th place Dallas Renegades in Week 9. However, no team in the UFL has as many former Scarlet Knights as the Orlando Storm. The 3rd place Storm, who currently sit 4-2, boast 4 players who all played varying roles in Piscataway. Tight end Shawn Bowman (2023), was a graduate transfer from Maine who played sparingly during his lone season at Rutgers, racking up 24 receiving yards on four receptions. With Orlando, he has become a strong option at tight end, as his 44 yards from five receptions make him a solid receiving option for his quarterback, Jack Plummer. Bowman is not the only former Scarlet Knight that Plummer could throw to. Wide receiver Aron Cruickshank (2020-2022), who was a First Team All-Big Ten selection for Rutgers during the 2020 season, also plays for Orlando. While Cruickshank’s role on the team is much smaller, being used as a backup kick returner in one game, he still returned three kickoffs for a total of 58 yards, leading to an average of 19.3 yards per return. On the defensive side of the ball, Orlando rosters both linebacker Deion Jennings (2019-2023) and free safety Avery Young (2018-2022). Jennings tied the school record with 58 games played and was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten during his final two seasons. With the Storm, he has played in five of their games, recording 11 tackles and one forced fumble to show off his disruptive nature for a strong Orlando defense. Young, who played one fewer game than Jennings, was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten in 2020 and 2022. Unlike Jennings, however, Avery Young has yet to play for the Orlando Storm, after being acquired from the St. Louis Battlehawks after last season. With three weeks remaining in the UFL regular season, there is plenty of football left to be played, and plenty of opportunities for these former Scarlet Knights to make their mark. Whether it’s Fatukasi disrupting offenses in Birmingham, DiRenzo anchoring the line in Louisville, or the quartet of Storm players pushing Orlando toward a championship, the fingerprints of Rutgers are all over the UFL in 2026. For a program that has steadily grown its pipeline to professional football, seeing seven former players still chopping in the UFL is a good sight for the program.
