The Houston Gamblers announced the addition of wide receiver Julian Hicks and defensive back Eli Walker to their roster while releasing defensive end Shaka Toney on Wednesday, according to the UFL Transactions page. These changes reflect the team’s ongoing efforts to strengthen their lineup ahead of the upcoming season.
Profile and Career of Julian Hicks
Julian Hicks, a 26-year-old from Cleveland, Ohio, stands six feet two inches tall and weighs 201 pounds. After going undrafted, Hicks signed with the Green Bay Packers on May 6, 2024. During the 2024 preseason, he appeared in three games, recording one catch for 23 yards and one rushing attempt for 14 yards. Although released on August 27, 2024, Hicks returned to the Packers’ practice squad a day later and participated in the 2025 preseason, catching five passes for 31 yards in three games before being released again on August 26, 2025.
In college, Hicks began his career with the Central Michigan Chippewas in 2018, where he made 28 receptions for 313 yards and four touchdowns over 10 games. He transferred next to the Akron Zips for the 2019 and 2020 seasons, contributing 34 catches for 230 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games. Hicks concluded his collegiate journey with the University at Albany Great Danes between 2021 and 2023, amassing 72 catches for 1,139 yards and 17 touchdowns in 23 games. His performance earned him Second Team All-CAA honors, as recognized by Phil Steele.
Details on Defensive Back Eli Walker’s Career
Eli Walker, a 28-year-old defensive back from Long Beach, California, measures six feet two inches and weighs 202 pounds. He initially signed with the Memphis Showboats on November 18, 2024, and recorded 57 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception, and two pass breakups during 10 games in the 2025 season. His professional career began in 2019 as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants, followed by a stint with the Blues of The Spring League (TSL).
Walker’s journey continued with the Pittsburgh Maulers, who signed him on April 22, 2022. Over two seasons with the Maulers, he tallied a combined 52 tackles, one sack, one interception, two fumble recoveries, and two touchdowns, contributing notably in the 2023 USFL playoffs where he helped Pittsburgh reach the USFL Championship Game.
Walker was subsequently drafted by the Birmingham Stallions in the 2024 UFL Disposal Draft but was released in February 2024. His college career included two seasons at Cerritos College with 117 tackles, four tackles for loss, six pass breakups, and four interceptions, before transferring to Kansas State. At Kansas State, he played 23 games, compiling 89 tackles, five tackles for loss, and one sack.
Background on Defensive End Shaka Toney
Shaka Toney, a 28-year-old defensive end from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is six feet two inches tall and weighs 238 pounds. Drafted by the Houston Gamblers during the 2026 UFL Draft, Toney was originally selected in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Washington Football Team. In two seasons with Washington, he appeared in 26 games and recorded 16 tackles, including 1.5 sacks and two tackles for loss.
After his release from Washington in April 2024, Toney briefly joined the Dallas Cowboys in August but was released shortly after due to a groin injury sustained during preseason. In 2025, he signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks but did not appear in any games. Collegiately, Toney played four seasons at Penn State where he amassed 112 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles in 47 games. He earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors in 2019 and First Team All-Big Ten honors in 2020.
Implications of the Recent Roster Adjustments
The additions of Julian Hicks and Eli Walker provide the Houston Gamblers with reinforced depth at wide receiver and defensive back, respectively, bringing players with both college accolades and professional experience. The release of Shaka Toney, despite his promising college record, reflects the competitive nature of roster management and the Gamblers’ intent to optimize their defensive front. These moves will likely influence the team’s performance dynamics as they prepare for the forthcoming season.
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
