The United Football League (UFL) saw notable player transactions on Wednesday, with prominent names such as Lucky Jackson rejoining the league. The Louisville Kings welcomed back wide receiver Lucky Jackson, while the Dallas Renegades strengthened their wide receiver lineup with key additions. Other teams including Houston and St. Louis also made roster changes as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Lucky Jackson Rejoins Louisville Kings, Bringing Experience
Lucky Jackson’s return to spring football is official as he signs with the Louisville Kings. Jackson, who last suited up for the DC Defenders in the XFL during the 2023 season, stood out by accumulating 572 receiving yards and five touchdowns. His performance earned him a chance with the Minnesota Vikings, who signed him shortly afterward.
The #Vikings have signed WR Lucky Jackson, who had 573 yards and 5 touchdowns in the XFL this season. OLB Kenny Willekes has been waived. pic.twitter.com/0WZLSIr3iv
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz)
Although Jackson primarily remained on the Vikings’ practice squad, he recorded 129 receiving yards in the preseason but did not appear in a regular-season game. His college career at Western Kentucky was distinguished, producing over 2,600 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Prior to his XFL tenure, Jackson also gained attention in The Spring League in 2021, notably scoring a game-winning Hail Mary touchdown for the Blues.
Random post of the day: Was going through some old “The Spring League” content, and stumbled across this absolute gem. Walkoff touchdown for the Blues on a Hail Mary, by none other than Lucky Jackson. The TSL was something else, man. pic.twitter.com/YlHcAQR0UO
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN)
Louisville boasts a competitive receiving corps, including Lynn Bowden Jr., Jonathan Adams, Isaiah Winstead, and JaVonta Payton. Jackson is viewed as a strong addition who can immediately contribute to the team’s offense.
Dallas Renegades Enhance Wide Receiver Options with New Signings
The Dallas Renegades addressed gaps in their receiving unit by signing wideouts Brian Hightower and Emmanuel Butler. Hightower, who has been away from football for the past year following his release from the Houston Roughnecks, provides depth as the team copes with recent retirements. His college career spanned Illinois and California, where he posted modest receiving statistics.
Tommy DeVito drops a DIME to Brian Hightower pic.twitter.com/P91mM2OEDf
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor)
While Hightower may primarily be considered a training camp candidate, his special teams potential could secure him a roster spot. Emmanuel Butler, meanwhile, returns as a proven target familiar to UFL fans. Butler spent the past three years with Houston’s Gamblers and Roughnecks, contributing 420 yards and three touchdowns over two seasons. Despite being underutilized due to quarterback changes, Butler’s blend of size, speed, and reliable hands makes him a valuable asset for Dallas.
Anthony Brown 🎯 Emmanuel Butler TOUCHDOWN ROUGHNECKS‼️ pic.twitter.com/TqgEaJbPZa
— Houston Gamblers (@UFLGamblers)
Veteran Defensive Talent Returns to St. Louis Battlehawks
The St. Louis Battlehawks have retained defensive tackle Freedom Akinmoladun as they head into training camp. Akinmoladun has been part of the Battlehawks roster for the last three seasons under coaches Anthony Becht and Donnie Abraham. His spring football journey began with the Philadelphia Stars of the USFL, where he contributed 23 tackles and 3.5 sacks during a notable season leading up to the championship game.
SAAAACKED 🤩@Echo_GBR91 is HUNGRY 🍽 📺: @FOXSports pic.twitter.com/8lGLcSCOiB
— Philadelphia Stars (@UFLStars)
Through three seasons with St. Louis, Freedom has recorded 52 tackles and 1.5 sacks, starting 17 games. His established presence strengthens the Battlehawks’ defensive front as they prepare for the forthcoming season.
Additional Roster Updates and Future Outlook
Other roster moves include the Houston Gamblers signing wide receiver Julian Hicks and safety Eli Walker, expanding depth on offense and defense. These acquisitions reflect the competitiveness and fluidity of UFL rosters entering the new season.
The return of players like Lucky Jackson and Emmanuel Butler not only boosts their respective teams but also adds excitement and depth to the league as a whole. Their experience and skills are expected to influence the pace and quality of play throughout the upcoming campaign.
Fans and analysts alike will watch closely how these additions impact team dynamics, particularly in wide receiver groups, which have seen notable shifts. The integration of Jackson into Louisville’s robust offense and Butler’s fit into Dallas’s receiving corps will be significant storylines to follow.
REMOVED FROM ROSTER:
HOUSTON
DE, Shaka ToneyADDED TO ROSTER:
DALLAS
WR, Emmanuel Butler
WR, Brian HightowerHOUSTON
WR, Julian Hicks
SS, Eli WalkerLOUISVILLE
WR, Lucky JacksonST. LOUIS
NT, Freedom Akinmoladun— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) February 19, 2026
The #Vikings have signed WR Lucky Jackson, who had 573 yards and 5 touchdowns in the XFL this season. OLB Kenny Willekes has been waived. pic.twitter.com/0WZLSIr3iv
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) May 23, 2023
Random post of the day: Was going through some old "The Spring League" content, and stumbled across this absolute gem.
Walkoff touchdown for the Blues on a Hail Mary, by none other than Lucky Jackson. The TSL was something else, man. pic.twitter.com/YlHcAQR0UO
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) October 15, 2025
Tommy DeVito drops a DIME to Brian Hightower pic.twitter.com/P91mM2OEDf
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) October 15, 2022
Anthony Brown 🎯 Emmanuel Butler
TOUCHDOWN ROUGHNECKS‼️ pic.twitter.com/TqgEaJbPZa
— Houston Gamblers (@UFLGamblers) April 6, 2025
SAAAACKED 🤩@Echo_GBR91 is HUNGRY 🍽
đź“ş: @FOXSports pic.twitter.com/8lGLcSCOiB
— Philadelphia Stars (@UFLStars) June 25, 2022
