Over the past weekend, the United Football League (UFL) secured contracts with several defensive players, aiming to strengthen their rosters ahead of the upcoming season. Defensive ends Celestin Haba and Delontae Scott, along with linebacker Lavonta Bentley, signed with Columbus Aviators, Orlando Storm, and St. Louis Battlehawks respectively. These additions come as teams aim to reinforce defense in response to roster changes and retirements.
Columbus Aviators Reinforce Defensive End with Celestin Haba
The Columbus Aviators, facing notable defensive departures, recruited DE Celestin Haba to boost their pass rush. A product with experience in the Canadian Football League (CFL), Haba spent multiple seasons between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Toronto Argonauts. He made an impact early with four sacks as a rookie, ultimately accumulating six sacks and 21 tackles professionally over three seasons.
At the collegiate level, Haba dominated in a smaller program, registering 27.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks in a single season at Scottsdale Community College before transferring to Texas A&M Commerce. Despite flying under the radar, his relentless motor and disruption ability create potential for success in the Aviators’ defensive scheme, particularly under coordinator Munnerlyn.
Aviators DE Celestin Haba in the CFL (2023-2025):
– 21 tackles– 6.0 sacks– 3 FF
Could flourish in Munnerlyn’s system. pic.twitter.com/bc5bOlLbGb
— Columbus Aviators Dude (@MIPanthersDude) March 1, 2026
Delontae Scott Brings Veteran Edge Defense to Orlando Storm
Orlando Storm’s new defensive end, Delontae Scott, has built a strong reputation as a relentless edge rusher in spring football circuits. Known for his time with the San Antonio Brahmas in the XFL, Scott earned All-XFL honors in 2023 after recording 36 tackles and 7.5 sacks while playing under Hines Ward’s leadership. His consistent performance has been praised for its intensity and perseverance.
Win or lose, Delontae Scott is having an incredible game for the @XFLBrahmas. The definition of leaving it all on the field.
It’s been one hell of a season for @Lontaetrefive. Consistently performing week in and week out for San Antonio. #XFL | @XFL2023pic.twitter.com/GWj8GrekwU
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 9, 2023
Following his XFL success, Scott spent the 2023 preseason with the Atlanta Falcons before returning to the Brahmas, maintaining strong pressure numbers despite injury setbacks. In 2024, he led his team with 22 quarterback pressures and earned an impressive 89.9 Defensive Grade. After a brief stint with the Birmingham team where his playing time was limited, the Storm signed Scott to fill the defensive end vacancy created by Grayson Murphy’s retirement. His experience and drive are expected to stabilize Orlando’s pass rush and bring leadership to the defensive front.
Delontae Scott SACK 💪 #TorosUnidos pic.twitter.com/OhI7UJDBFT
— San Antonio Brahmas (@UFLBrahmas) April 27, 2024
Lavonta Bentley Joins St. Louis Battlehawks to Strengthen Linebacker Corps
The St. Louis Battlehawks signed linebacker Lavonta Bentley following the release of William Hardy. Bentley’s collegiate career began at Clemson, where he served mainly as a rotational player, accumulating 68 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks over three seasons. Seeking a larger role, he transferred to Colorado under Coach Prime and quickly led the team in tackles during his first year, posting 11 tackles and five sacks in the 2023 campaign.
Professionally, Bentley participated in mini-camps with Denver and Cincinnati during 2025 but did not secure contracts. Now, joining the UFL, Bentley offers a high football IQ and sound tackling ability, qualities that will complement the defensive strategies of coach Corey Chamblin in St. Louis.
FUMBLE LAVONTA BENTLEY!
Should’ve kicked the FG goofy pic.twitter.com/1mrz3jW21T
— GUCCE (@gucceCU) September 15, 2024
Additional UFL Roster Moves Affecting Defensive Alignments
While the UFL added new defensive talent, the Birmingham Stallions have released offensive guard Deonte Brown despite his significant role in their recent playoff run. This move appears to result from the team’s expanded offensive line depth and strategic adjustments. Additionally, the UFL Communications Department confirmed the transfer of linebacker Lawrance Toafili to the retired list, further impacting team rosters.
Signed to training camp roster:COLUMBUS:DE, Celestin Haba
ORLANDODE, Delontae Scott
ST. LOUISMLB, Lavonta Bentley
Transferred to retired list: ORLANDORB, Lawrance Toafili
— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) February 28, 2026
Defensive Player Signings Signal UFL’s Commitment to Competitive Balance
The recent defensive acquisitions indicate the UFL’s focus on bolstering frontline defenses as teams prepare for a challenging season. Players like Haba, Scott, and Bentley bring a mixture of youth, proven performance, and strong potential that could shift defensive dynamics in the league. Their signings may not only help their respective teams address critical depth needs but also raise the level of competition throughout the UFL.
With key veteran retirements and roster changes creating openings, these signings are timely and potentially transformative. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these players integrate with their new squads and contribute to on-field success in the months ahead.
Signed to training camp roster:
COLUMBUS:
DE, Celestin HabaORLANDO
DE, Delontae ScottST. LOUIS
MLB, Lavonta BentleyTransferred to retired list:
ORLANDO
RB, Lawrance Toafili— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) February 28, 2026
Aviators DE Celestin Haba in the CFL (2023-2025):
– 21 tackles
– 6.0 sacks
– 3 FFCould flourish in Munnerlyn's system. pic.twitter.com/bc5bOlLbGb
— Columbus Aviators Dude (@MIPanthersDude) March 1, 2026
Win or lose, Delontae Scott is having an incredible game for the @XFLBrahmas. The definition of leaving it all on the field.
It's been one hell of a season for @Lontaetrefive. Consistently performing week in and week out for San Antonio. #XFL | @XFL2023pic.twitter.com/GWj8GrekwU
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 9, 2023
Delontae Scott SACK 💪 #TorosUnidos pic.twitter.com/OhI7UJDBFT
— San Antonio Brahmas (@UFLBrahmas) April 27, 2024
FUMBLE LAVONTA BENTLEY!
Should’ve kicked the FG goofy pic.twitter.com/1mrz3jW21T
— GUCCE (@gucceCU) September 15, 2024
