As the Houston Gamblers prepare for the upcoming UFL Training Camp under head coach Kevin Sumlin, the team has expanded its lineup by signing wide receiver Julian Hicks and safety Eli Walker. These Houston Gamblers new signings aim to add valuable depth and skill to their offense and defense, addressing key positional needs as they get ready for the season.
Julian Hicks Brings Proven Talent to Houston’s Wide Receiver Corps
Julian Hicks, who recently spent two years with the Green Bay Packers, is the latest receiver to join the Houston Gamblers. Hicks began his college football journey at Central Michigan, playing a significant role as a sophomore with 313 yards and four touchdowns in six starts. Following a transfer to Akron, he added 21 receptions for 225 yards and two touchdowns over two seasons.
It was at the University of Albany where Hicks truly made his mark. In the 2022 season, he recorded 345 yards and six touchdowns, before elevating his game as a senior to earn All-CAA Second Team Offense honors with 820 yards and 11 touchdowns. This strong collegiate showing earned him an undrafted free agent spot with the Green Bay Packers, where he had several practice squad stints and saw limited preseason action, totaling six catches for 54 yards.
Hicks also had a brief period with the Stallions last fall before returning to Green Bay’s practice squad. His combination of size and experience makes him a valuable addition for Houston’s receiving group, where he has potential to grow into a starting role given his solid track record.
Still dreaming wit my eyes wide open, Noble Rd baby…💎🫶🏾 #LastDance💍#DaHeightz #GREEN💚#DF4L🌎#RipBmillz #LLKj🕊️ pic.twitter.com/m5TNsoXcIs
— $kud (@Juehicks) December 22, 2023
Eli Walker Bolsters Houston’s Secondary with Defensive Experience
The Gamblers have also reinforced their safety position by adding Eli Walker, a standout defender who led the UFL’s Showboats in tackles and defensive stops in 2025. Walker is known for his aggressive playing style and ability to impact the game near the line of scrimmage, qualities that should fit well with defensive coordinator Marvin Sanders’ system.
Walker’s football career includes time with The Spring League in 2021 before joining the Pittsburgh Maulers in the USFL. In his initial USFL season, he started several games and made notable contributions with 15 tackles. His breakout came in 2023, when he became a top defender on the Maulers’ roster, recording 37 tackles, an interception, a sack, two pass breakups, and a scoop-and-score during Pittsburgh’s run to the championship.
In 2025, Walker’s role expanded significantly with the Showboats under new defensive coordinator Jarren Horton. He registered 61 tackles, an interception, a pass breakup, and 14 defensive stops, proving his impact in both coverage and run support. His dynamic playstyle and consistent presence around the ball were major factors in Memphis’ defensive success, especially within their one-high safety schemes.
Free Agent Watch: S Eli Walker | @USFLMaulers@beelijjah had an excellent season in Pittsburgh, as one of the most underrated defenders in the #USFL. Eli finished with the 4th highest @PFF grade on the team (78.8), posting 37 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 INT. #UFL #XFL pic.twitter.com/HotqqGmNfr
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) December 27, 2023
#UFL To NFL Watch: @USFLShowboats S Eli Walker (#7)@beelijjah was nothing but a playmaker in Memphis this year, despite being out of the spring scene for a full season.
Walker posted 57 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT, & 2 PBU’s with Memphis this past season. Deserving of an NFL… https://t.co/4snhigSa9Y pic.twitter.com/12oLOAcUMN
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) June 20, 2025
Addressing Critical Needs for Houston’s Defense and Offense
The addition of Hicks and Walker comes at a crucial time for the Houston Gamblers, as both positions were in need of reinforcements. The wide receiver room gains a player with experience at the NFL level and demonstrated playmaking ability in college, while the safety spot receives a defensive leader known for his high tackle count and impactful plays. Head coach Kevin Sumlin and his staff appear focused on building a balanced team capable of competing strongly in the UFL.
The Road Ahead for the Houston Gamblers’ Newest Players
With Training Camp approaching, both Julian Hicks and Eli Walker will have the opportunity to secure their roles and contribute significantly to the Gamblers’ success this season. Hicks’ versatility and experience give hope that he can become a reliable target in Houston’s passing attack, while Walker’s aggressive style fits the mold for a robust secondary. Their integration will be key to the team’s defensive and offensive performance moving forward.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these Houston Gamblers new signings adjust to the team environment, and whether they can fulfill their potential as impact contributors. The team’s decisions could shape Houston’s competitiveness in the 2026 UFL campaign and beyond.
NEWS: The Houston #Gamblers are signing WR Julian Hicks, per source.@Juehicks, a college standout with the Albany Great Danes, recorded 1,708 yards & 23 TD's throughout his college career.
Former #Packers wideout finds a new home in the #UFL. pic.twitter.com/8tKyMmp77r
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) February 18, 2026
Still dreaming wit my eyes wide open, Noble Rd baby…💎🫶🏾 #LastDance💍#DaHeightz #GREEN💚#DF4L🌎#RipBmillz #LLKj🕊️ pic.twitter.com/m5TNsoXcIs
— $kud (@Juehicks) December 22, 2023
NEWS: The Houston #Gamblers are also signing S Eli Walker, per source.
Walker was one of the #UFL's top safeties in 2025, with the Showboats, totaling 62 tackles & 14 Defensive Stops.
Excellent pickup for Marvin Sanders' secondary in Houston. https://t.co/hDS3dUCdIn pic.twitter.com/JIOToZfcXe
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) February 18, 2026
Free Agent Watch: S Eli Walker | @USFLMaulers@beelijjah had an excellent season in Pittsburgh, as one of the most underrated defenders in the #USFL. Eli finished with the 4th highest @PFF grade on the team (78.8), posting 37 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 INT. #UFL #XFL pic.twitter.com/HotqqGmNfr
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) December 27, 2023
#UFL To NFL Watch: @USFLShowboats S Eli Walker (#7)@beelijjah was nothing but a playmaker in Memphis this year, despite being out of the spring scene for a full season.
Walker posted 57 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT, & 2 PBU's with Memphis this past season. Deserving of an NFL… https://t.co/4snhigSa9Y pic.twitter.com/12oLOAcUMN
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) June 20, 2025
