Former Buckeyes Shine in UFL Week 1 Debut

Several ex-Ohio State players made an impact as the new United Football League kicked off its inaugural season.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:33pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a football game, with players and the ball broken down into overlapping angular shapes in shades of red, gray, and white.Former Ohio State linebacker Steele Chambers makes a play for the Louisville Kings in the UFL's inaugural season opener.Louisville Today

The inaugural season of the United Football League (UFL) has begun, and a number of former Ohio State Buckeyes players made their mark in Week 1 action. Linebacker Steele Chambers, who now plays for the Louisville Kings, stood out with 8 total tackles and an interception despite his team's 15-13 loss to the Birmingham Stallions.

Why it matters

The UFL represents a new professional football opportunity for players who didn't make the cut for the NFL. As a developmental league, it provides a chance for former college stars like the Buckeyes to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot on an NFL roster down the line.

The details

In the Kings' narrow defeat, Chambers, a former Ohio State linebacker, was a defensive standout with his team-high tackle total and a key interception. Other ex-Buckeyes who saw action in Week 1 included wide receiver Chris Olave for the Stallions and defensive back Shaun Wade for the Kings, though their individual stats were not as prominently featured.

  • The UFL kicked off its inaugural season on March 25, 2026.

The players

Steele Chambers

A former Ohio State linebacker who now plays for the Louisville Kings in the UFL.

Chris Olave

A former Ohio State wide receiver who now plays for the Birmingham Stallions in the UFL.

Shaun Wade

A former Ohio State defensive back who now plays for the Louisville Kings in the UFL.

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What they’re saying

“It was great to get out there and compete again. The UFL is a new opportunity for a lot of us, and we're hungry to make the most of it.”

— Steele Chambers, Linebacker, Louisville Kings

The takeaway

The UFL's inaugural season is providing a platform for former Ohio State stars to showcase their talents and potentially earn another shot at the NFL. As the league continues to develop, more Buckeyes could emerge as standout players in the new professional football landscape.