United Football League
Fantasy Football Draft Guide
2025
X Account: Spring Football Source
Spring
Fantasy Football Draft Strategies
Spring Fantasy Football Draft Strategies
Acquire players that will provide consistent points with your first few selections. Contrary to popular NFL draft strategies where Wide Receivers and Running Backs dominate the first several rounds; in Spring Fantasy Football, the popular strategy is to build around a Quarterback. This logic stems from the consensus of unknowns. The goal for your first round selection is to draft a player that can provide consistent points week-in and week-out. In Spring Football there are rarely situations where coaches run out the clock or take a knee to end a drive. These players are playing for everything they’ve ever wanted. Every play is a chance for a highlight on their film resume or to add on to a certain stat metric they are trying to achieve to get to that next level in their careers. In Spring Football, the ball is almost never taken out of the Quarterback's hands for any play, the offense runs through the QB and so should your Fantasy team. Protip: Mobile QB’s offer an additional aspect of point production with their dual-threat ability.
The early to mid-rounds of a Spring Fantasy Draft are recommended to be used in order to load up on WR, RB, and TE talent you are confident in. What is good for us is that many of the WR and RB talent from the previous XFL and USFL seasons are returning. The variables concerning unknown talent have shrunk a bit in this new UFL season. Search for WR’s that earn a high target share and RB’s that earn a high amount of touches and YAC rate. With skill-position players; especially in PPR format, opportunities = value. Protip: There is more data available to assist in predicting targets, catches, and receiving & rushing yards, rather than touchdowns.
One new aspect for this season is that; unless a QB is a staple for that team (McGough, Perez, Ta’amu) there is no reason to reach for a QB early. Spring Football depth charts are volatile and can change week-to-week. Head Coaches don’t necessarily stick with a QB unless they are established and can even change QB’s mid-game or use them fluidly from drive to drive.
Once you find yourself in the later rounds of the draft, it’s time to start making some bold selections. With the top XFL and USFL talent consolidated into only eight UFL teams, these rosters are deep. The talent level of these squads are extremely close from the top to the bottom of depth charts. All a player needs in the UFL is an opportunity. Once you feel confident enough to draft one of your sleepers, my recommendation is to go for it!
We cannot overshadow the importance that Defenses/Special Teams and Kickers have to complete roster building. While Kickers can be inconsistent in point production; relying heavily on the offense and gameflow. While stout Defenses/Special can offer a consistent production of points with the chances of bursts of points in the realm of interception/fumble returns and kickoff/punt returns. Protip: Use the last two rounds for sleeper players you have had your eye on within your research, lock up those Defenses and Kickers before you get to Round 15.
Player Profiles
Quarterbacks
Alex McGough (BHAM)
The 2023 USFL MVP has returned to Spring Football. Veterans to Spring Football are all too familiar with McGough’s game as his unforgettable 2023 USFL campaign could be noted as statistically the best season for a Spring Football player ever. McGough was built under Skip Holtz’ system and will thrive once again. With the majority of the Stallions’ offensive starters returning, McGough will have no problem picking up where he left off in 2023. McGough will provide consistent, high-end QB1 production at an MVP level within Skip Holtz’ player-friendly system.
Kellen Mond (SA)
Kellen Mond will benefit greatly from HC Wade Phillips’ NFL-style offense just as every other Brahmas QB before him. Being new to the Spring Football world, Mond has found himself in the best spot possible for QB production, offering a dynamic rushing skillset to pair with Wade Phillips’ pass-heavy system. Mond will offer high-end QB production by complimenting a high passing volume and accurate passing ability with a high volume rushing production making him a lock for a high-end QB1.
Luis Perez (ARL)
The Spring King is back for another Spring Football season. As a veteran of the AAF, XFL, USFL, and UFL; Perez posted statistically his best Spring campaign last season. Under HC Bob Stoops, Perez thrived leading the UFL in Passing Yards (2,309), Passing TD’s (18), Completions (225), and Attempts (336); while posting the UFL’s second highest Completion Percentage (67.0%). Perez will offer a stable, high volume passing production as a high-end QB1.
Bryce Perkins (MICH)
While Bryce Perkins came on the Spring Football scene late in the season last year, there was no problem in adapting his dynamic skillset to the Spring game. Most of Perkins’ value is provided with his high rushing production and output, but don’t let the flashy rushing game fool you; Perkins has an accurate passing game posting a 78.9% Completion Percentage during his 2024 UFL campaign. Perkins will provide high-end QB1 production in offering a dynamic rushing skillset to pair with his accurate passing skills week-to-week.
Jordan Ta'amu (DC)
Jordan Ta’amu greatly improved his Passing production during his Spring Football career. Ta’amu finished the 2024 UFL campaign with the second highest rushing yards at the QB position and as DC Defenders’ leading rusher; all while posting the UFL’s second highest statistics in Passing Yards (1,845) and Passing TD’s (15). Ta’amu will offer high-end QB1 production by providing dynamic and balanced Rushing and Passing production.
Running Backs
Matthew Colburn II (MICH)
Colburn II has the one aspect every fantasy manager is looking for in their RB1; consistency. A veteran of Spring Football; Colburn II has produced RB1 seasons across the USFL and UFL. As the feature RB in Michigan’s run-heavy offense, Colburn II has the opportunity to produce at a high level again. Colburn II will offer stable, high-end production at the RB1 level and provide fantasy manager’s the only trait that matters; consistency.
John Lovett (SA)
Lovett proved his worth eventually winning the Brahma’s RB1 job halfway through the 2024 UFL season. By offering a new aspect to the Brahma’s pass-heavy offense, Lovett was able to pair his efficient rushing production with stable receiving production. Lovett is a change-of-pace RB1 that will keep defenses on notice by producing stable rushing production with a dynamic receiving skillet.
Ricky Person Jr. (BHAM)
Person Jr. will benefit greatly from another year in HC Skip Holtz’ NFL-style offense. Over the course of last UFL season, Person Jr. earned the trust of the Stallions’ coaching staff by graduating from a change-of-pace RB to a focal point in the Birmingham offense and leading the league in Rushing TD’s (6). Person Jr. will benefit greatly from another year in Holtz’ system by producing high-end RB1 production the the UFL’s most consistent offense.
Jacob Saylors (STL)
Saylors found a home in HC Anthony Becht’s NFL-style offense. By producing the highest Rushing Yards/Game Average (51.2), second highest Rushing Yards (461), Rush TD’s (5 (tied)), Saylors cemented himself at the top of the Spring Football RB tier. Saylors will continue to benefit from Becht’s offensive scheme and offer stable RB1 production in this new look Battlehawks offense.
Abram Smith (DC)
Smith is the workhorse of Spring Football is back after missing the entire 2024 UFL season with a torn ACL. Smith will look to earn back the trust of fantasy managers by doing what he does best; produce. Smith led the league in rushing yards for the 2023 XFL season and looks primed again to claim back his rushing title as there will be no shortage of touches for Smith. Smith will return to form and produce high-end RB1 production by claiming back his workhorse role in the Defenders’ offense.
Wide Receivers
Hakeem Butler (STL)
Butler returns for another Spring Football season as a tried and true WR1. Leading the UFL in Receiving Yards last season with 652, Butler looks to capitalize again in HC Anthony Becht’s NFL-style scheme. What has benefited Butler during his Spring Football tenure is his ability to not only stretch the field, but constantly win contested catches. Butler will offer elite WR1 production in one of the most consistent Passing schemes in the UFL.
Daewood Davis (MEM)
Davis has one unique skill that a WR cannot be taught; speed. Davis not only finished Top-5 in Targets, but also in YAC. Davis is a versatile WR, in that while mostly working short yardage and middle of the field routes; Davis is also able to stretch the field when called upon. Earning the Showboats WR1 role early last season, the Memphis offense will once again funnel through Davis. Davis will offer an abundance of scoring opportunities to pair with weekly high-end WR1 production.
Justin Hall (HOU)
Hall is the complete WR in that his skillset expands across all traits that produce a quality WR. Last season Hall finished Top-3 in Targets, Receptions, & Receiving Yards and finished first in YAC. Hall’s unique ability to gain separation and add on extra chunks of yards and scoring opportunities has elevated Hall into the WR1 tier. Hall has the ability to generate consistent, quality stat lines that will produce high-end WR1 value..
Jontre Kirklin (SA)
Kirklin is that high-volume WR that every fantasy manager wants on their squad. The main beneficiary of the Brahma’s pass-heavy offensive scheme, Kirklin shared the Receptions title last season with 56 total Receptions and led the league in Targets by a wide margin. With Kellen Mond at the helm this year, it will be no different. Kirklin is primed to deliver another high-end WR1 season as the San Antonio offense funnels through Kirklin.
Tyler Vaughns (ARL)
Vaughns was the beneficiary of the Renegades’ late season surge. Finishing in the Top-3 in Targets last UFL season, Vaughns will have no shortage of opportunities this season in order to replicate that success. The unique attribute that Vaughns offers is the field presence to demand the football each snap. Vaughns will provide high-end WR1 production each week in Arlington’s pass-heavy offense.
Tight Ends
Sal Cannella (ARL)
Cannella is the best Tight End Spring Football has ever seen. Consistency and production are key and Cannella can provide both. Finishing in the Top-5 last UFL season in Targets & Receiving Yards, Cannella dominated his opportunities by leading the league in Receiving TD’s. The pass-heavy Renegades offense funnels through Cannella and this season will be no different. Cannella will offer elite TE1 production as the focal point of Arlinigton’s pass-heavy offensive scheme.
Cole Hikutini (MICH)
Hikutini has been a mainstay in the Panthers’ offense and has benefited greatly from the familiarity he has with HC Mike Nolan’s offensive scheme. While not demanding a large target share, Hikutini is productive with what he has been offered. The opportunities are there with an average of four targets per game and Hikutini is primed to capitalize on them. While not being flashy or stuffing the stat sheet, Hikutini can offer high TE1 value at a productive rate.
Alizé Mack (SA)
Mack is now the stand-alone TE1 in the Brahma’s pass-heavy offense. There are 44 vacated TE targets from last season and Mack looks to be the beneficiary of a projected high workload. Mack is not solely reliant on a high target share to be productive, as he was still able to average 8 yards per reception. Mack is in a prime position to expand on his efficient 2024 UFL season and offer consistent, high-end TE1 production.
Briley Moore (DC)
Moore is in an interesting position as the TE1 in a run-heavy offense, as Moore was still able to produce and demand targets with his field presence while not being the focal point of the Defender’s offense. While only appearing in four games last season, Moore caught 90% of his targets and was able to average 7 yards per catch. Moore is projected to produce high-end TE1 production with a more stable run-game this season that will open up ample receiving opportunities.
Jace Sternberger (BHAM)
Sternberger is back as the focal point of Birmingham’s high powered offense. With Alex McGough back at the helm at QB for the Stallion’s, Sternberger is the direct beneficiary as McGough’s favorite target in the 2023 USFL season. Last season Sternberger showed no signs of production regression as he was once again the Stallion’s Receiving Yards and Receiving TD’s leader, while finishing second in targets for Birmingham. Sternberger will offer high-end TE1 production within the most dynamic offense in the UFL.
Preseason Player Rankings
Quarterbacks
1. Alex McGough (BHAM)
2. Luis Perez (ARL)
3. Jordan Ta'amu (DC)
4. Bryce Perkins (MICH)
5. Kellen Mond (SA)
6. Nolan Henderson (HOU)
7. Max Duggan (STL)
8. Troy Williams (MEM)
9. Matt Corral (BHAM)
10. Danny Etling (MICH)
11. Anthony Brown (HOU)
12. Manny Wilkins (STL)
13. Case Cookus (BHAM)
14. Spencer Sanders (DC)
15. E.J. Perry (MEM)
16. Jalan McClendon (HOU)
17. Luke Lehnen (ARL)
18. Chevan Cordeiro (STL)
19. Mike DiLiello (DC)
20. Rocky Lombardi (MICH)
21. Kevin Hogan (SA)
22. Dresser Winn (MEM)
23. Holton Ahlers (ARL)
24. Jarrett Guarantano (SA)
Running Backs
1. Abram Smith (DC)
2. Jacob Saylors (STL)
3. John Lovett (SA)
4. Matthew Colburn II (MICH)
5. Ricky Person Jr. (BHAM)
6. Kirk Merritt (HOU)
7. Dae Dae Hunter (ARL)
8. Deneric Prince (MEM)
9. Anthony McFarland Jr. (SA)
10. Nate McCrary (MICH)
11. C.J. Marable (BHAM)
12. De'Veon Smith (ARL)
13. Deon Jackson (DC)
14. ZaQuandre White (HOU)
15. Larry Rountree III (BHAM)
16. Jalen Jackson (MEM)
17. Kalen Ballage (ARL)
18. Darius Hagans (DC)
19. Jarveon Howard (STL)
20. Jaden Shirden (MICH)
21. Jashaun Corbin (SA)
22. Jacob Kibodi (MEM)
23. Kevon Latulas (STL)
24. Lorenzo Lingard (HOU)
Wide Receivers
1. Jontre Kirklin (SA)
2. Hakeem Butler (STL)
3. Tyler Vaughns (ARL)
4. Justin Hall (HOU)
5. Daewood Davis (MEM)
6. Deon Cain (BHAM)
7. Marcus Simms (MICH)
8. Ty Scott (DC)
9. Marquez Stevenson (SA)
10. JaVonta Payton (ARL)
11. Siaosi Mariner (MICH)
12. Marlon Williams (BHAM)
13. Deontay Burnett (ARL)
14. Chris Rowland (DC)
15. Jahcour Pearson (STL)
16. Jonathan Adams (MEM)
17. Keke Chism (HOU)
18. Denzel Mims (STL)
19. Justin Smith (SA)
20. Amari Rodgers (BHAM)
21. T.J. Vasher (HOU)
22. Isaiah Winstead (ARL)
23. Samson Nacua (MICH)
24. Jaydon Mickens (DC)
25. Gary Jennings Jr. (STL)
26. Davion Davis (BHAM)
27. Isiah Hennie (MEM)
28. Devin Ross (MICH)
29. Lujuan Winningham (ARL)
30. Emmanuel Butler (HOU)
31. Dee Anderson (MEM)
32. Cornell Powell (DC)
33. Mathew Sexton (SA)
34. Blake Jackson (STL)
35. Kai Locksley (MEM)
36. Malik Turner (MICH)
37. Austin Watkins (BHAM)
38. Xavier Malone (MICH)
39. Jaylon Moore (MICH)
40. Greg Ward (SA)
41. Javon Antonio (DC)
42. Frank Darby (STL)
43. Isaiah Washington (MEM)
44. Reggie Roberson Jr. (HOU)
45. Cade Johnson (BHAM)
46. Ra'Shaun Henry (SA)
47. Lawrence Keys III (HOU)
48. David Durden (ARL)
49. Eli Stove (MEM)
50. Jacob Harris (SA)
51. Braylon Sanders (DC)
52. Jalen Camp (BHAM)
53. Kawaan Baker (SA)
54. Kwamie Lassiter II (MEM)
55. Racey McMath (SA)
Tight Ends
1. Sal Cannella (ARL)
2. Jace Sternberger (BHAM)
3. Alizé Mack (SA)
4. Briley Moore (DC)
5. Cole Hikutini (MICH)
6. Jake Sutherland (STL)
7. Jay Jay Wilson (MEM)
8. Josh Pederson (HOU)
9. Jordan Thomas (BHAM)
10. Seth Green (ARL)
11. Gunnar Oakes (MICH)
12. Izaiah Gathings (SA)
13. Ryan Izzo (MEM)
14. La'Michael Pettway (BHAM)
15. Ben Bresnahan (DC)
16. Jalen Wydermyer (MICH)
17. Chris Pierce Jr. (MEM)
18. Mason Fairchild (DC)
19. Chase Allen (STL)
20. Geor'Quarius Spivey (HOU)
21. Curtis Hodges (ARL)
22. Cam Sutton (HOU)
Kickers
1. Rodrigo Blankenship (STL)
2. Matt McCrane (DC)
3. Matt Coghlin (MEM)
4. Chris Blewitt (HOU)
5. Donald De La Haye (SA)
6. Lucas Havrisik (ARL)
7. B.T. Potter (MICH)
8. Harrison Mevis (BHAM)
Defense / Special Teams
1. Birmingham Stallions (BHAM)
2. San Antonio Brahmas (SA)
3. Michigan Panthers (MICH)
4. D.C. Defenders (DC)
5. St. Louis Battlehawks (STL)
6. Arlington Renegades (ARL)
7. Houston Roughnecks (HOU)
8. Memphis Showboats (MEM)
Sample Mock Draft
Round 1
1.1. Jontre Kirklin - WR (SA)
1.2. Alex McGough - QB (BHAM)
1.3. Luis Perez - QB (ARL)
1.4. Hakeem Butler - WR (STL)
Round 2
2.1. Jordan Ta'amu - QB (DC)
2.2. Abram Smith - RB (DC)
2.3. Tyler Vaughns - WR (ARL)
2.4. Jacob Saylors - RB (STL)
Round 3
3.1. Justin Hall - WR (HOU)
3.2. John Lovett - RB (SA)
3.3. Daewood Davis - WR (MEM)
3.4. Matthew Colburn II - RB (MICH)
Round 4
4.1. Sal Cannella - TE (ARL)
4.2. Deon Cain - WR (BHAM)
4.3. Marcus Simms - WR (MICH)
4.4. Ricky Person Jr. - RB (BHAM)
Round 5
5.1. Kirk Merritt - RB (HOU)
5.2. Jace Sternberger - TE (BHAM)
5.3. Ty Scott - WR (DC)
5.4. Dae Dae Hunter - RB (MEM)
Round 6
6.1. Marquez Stevenson - WR (SA)
6.2. Deneric Prince - RB (MEM)
6.3. JaVonta Payton - WR (ARL)
6.4. Bryce Perkins - QB (MICH)
Round 7
7.1. Alizé Mack - TE (SA)
7.2. Siaosi Mariner - WR (MICH)
7.3. Marlon Williams - WR (BHAM)
7.4. Deontay Burnett - WR (ARL)
Round 8
8.1. Anthony McFarland Jr. - RB (SA)
8.2. Briley Moore - TE (DC)
8.3.Nate McCrary - RB (MICH)
8.4. C.J. Marable - RB (BHAM)
Round 9
9.1. Chris Rowland - WR (DC)
9.2. Jahcour Pearson - WR (STL)
9.3. De'Veon Smith - RB (ARL)
9.4. Jonathan Adams - WR (MEM)
Round 10
10.1. Keke Chism - WR (HOU)
10.2. Denzel Mims - WR (STL)
10.3. Kellen Mond - QB (SA)
10.4. Nolan Henderson - QB (HOU)
Round 11
11.1. Amari Rodgers - WR (BHAM)
11.2. ZaQuandre White - RB (HOU)
11.3. Max Duggan - QB (STL)
11.4. Troy Williams - QB (MEM)
Round 12
12.1. Birmingham Stallions - DST (BHAM)
12.2. San Antonio Brahmas - DST (SA)
12.3. Rodrigo Blankenship - K (STL)
12.4. Michigan Panthers - DST (MICH)
Round 13
13.1. Matt McCrane - K (DC)
13.2. D.C. Defenders - DST (DC)
13.3. Matt Coghlin - K (MEM)
13.4. Chris Blewitt - K (HOU)
Round 14
14.1. Jake Sutherland - TE (STL)
14.2. Deon Jackson - RB (DC)
14.3. Justin Smith - WR (SA)
14.4. Cole Hikutini - TE (MICH)
Round 15
15.1. T.J. Vasher - WR (HOU)
15.2. Josh Pederson - TE (HOU)
15.3. Jay Jay Wilson - TE (MEM)
15.4. Isaiah Winstead - WR (ARL)