Breaking Down The Houston Gamblers 2026 UFL Roster

It’s a brand new year for the Houston Gamblers, rebranding back from the Roughnecks name. It’s a full circle moment for Houston, with Kevin Sumlin back in charge as the Gamblers Head Coach – the title he held in 2022 with the USFL.

Across the board, the Houston Gamblers will feature a much different look in 2026. The Roughnecks under C.J. Johnson saw improvement a year ago, finishing with a 5-5 record.

However, most of that roster is gone, due to the UFL draft. Let’s take a look at the team that Sumlin has assembled, as Houston looks to make their first playoff appearance since the 2023 season under Wade Phillips.

Quarterbacks

The Houston Gamblers recently signed Taulia Tagovailoa, releasing Donovan Smith. Taulia is a standout at Maryland, setting school (and NCAA) records while playing there. He’s a mobile quarterback, who’s got accuracy. Taulia was with Kevin Sumlin for a couple of years with the Terps, and has had pro stints in the CFL and ELF.

Additionally, Hunter Dekkers is another young prospect who has a lot to prove. He has not spent any time in the NFL, coming out of Iowa State and Iowa Western in college. Hunter played his first couple of seasons at Iowa State, but was behind Brock Purdy in his rookie campaign. Unfortunately, an illegal gambling stint led to Hunter being suspended, missing the entire 2023 season. In 2024, he played at Iowa Western, throwing for 3,806 yards and 32 touchdowns.

Finally, Nolan Henderson closes out the quarterback room in Houston, as someone with sneaky potential to be the starter in week one. Henderson, the former Delaware product, has been with the Roughnecks the last two seasons. He doesn’t have the strongest arm in the league, but he’s got an uncanny ability to make something out of nothing. Mobility is his mantra, and he can keep his eyes downfield to make a play while escaping pressure. Re-uniting with OC Eric Price might just give Nolan the edge heading into week one.

Running Backs

Marcus Yarns: Yarns is a huge addition to Houston’s backfield. He’s got similarities to that of an Alvin Kamara, with the ability to catch coming out of the backfield, especially versus linebackers who can’t keep up with his 4.45 speed. At Delaware, Marcus racked up 3,156 All-Purpose yards and 34 touchdowns.

Marcus Major: Major, the former Ravens running back who was with Baltimore a year ago, is another solid pickup for the Gamblers. He’s a downhill back, who will be the “between the tackles” guy for short yardage situations. Marcus notably can pass block at a high level, something that will be needed in the UFL.

Jalen White: White, the record setter at Georgia Southern, rushed for 3,106 yards and 36 touchdowns during his time there. He joined Houston late in camp, but did enough to make the roster – and should see strong rotational minutes this year.

Kirk Merritt: Finally, the Gamblers have kept Kirk Merritt on the roster. Merritt spent the last two seasons in the UFL with the Roughnecks. He was one of C.J. Johnson’s favorite weapons – but injuries have kept him from reaching his full potential.

Wide Receivers

Justin Hall: Hall has been arguably one of the most electric playmakers in the USFL/UFL over the past few years. He’s led the team in receiving yards for three straight seasons. His blazing speed, alongside high football IQ has made him into a deadly slot weapon for this organization – despite the revolving door at quarterback. During the 2025 season, Hall had 501 yards and three touchdowns, following a 604 yard-3 TD campaign in 2024.

Jontre Kirklin: Jontre, aka “The Flash”, had a bit of a down year with San Antonio in 2025. That said, he’s one of the most electrifying receivers in this league for a reason. His speed and ridiculous route running abilities make him an elite playmaker when healthy. With all of the weapons around him as well, Jontre should be in store for a bounce back campaign, back in Houston where it all began.

Lawrence Keys III: Speaking of speed, Lawrence Keys is a straight up burner. He missed the last couple of games a year ago with an injury in Houston, but Keys is the type of receiver who can get down the field in the blink of an eye.

Kai Locksley: Kai Locksley quietly was an outstanding receiver for the Showboats in 2025. He saw more action the final half of the season once Dee Anderson was traded, showcasing just why Jim Monos had brought him to Memphis in the first place. He’s an athlete, playing QB and WR throughout his career. Kai’s size and catch radius make him a valuable weapon for Eric Price.

Jalen Moreno-Cropper: Moreno-Cropper, the former draft pick with the Cowboys, makes his way to Houston. He’s another downfield threat who has size, and strong hands.

LuJuan Winningham: It’ll be interesting to see if LuJuan can keep a roster spot for the fourth straight season in spring ball. He’s been with the Renegades the last three years, but hasn’t seen much action across the last two. Winningham is still responsible for one of the greatest catches we have ever seen in the USFL, XFL, or UFL.

Cuts: Braylon Sanders (traded), Julian Hicks, Kobe Hudson

Tight Ends

Armani Rogers: Rogers comes into the UFL as one of the top tight end prospects in the league. Injuries have completely derailed his NFL potential, but if he can remain healthy – he’s got quite a bit of potential. Rogers, interestingly enough, played quarterback in college most of his career.

Geor’Quarius Spivey: Spivey is back in Houston. The former Roughnecks UFL Draft Pick joined the team in 2025, making an impact as a run blocker primarily, with a few receptions to his name as well. Geor’Quarius recently had a stint with the Chiefs.

Cam Sutton: Sutton continues to find his way back to spring football. He’s been on and off of rosters the last few years (Vegas, Memphis, Houston). He’s a veteran who knows what it takes to be a professional.

Cuts: Caeleb Bass

Offensive Linemen

Jalen McKenzie
Kellen Diesch
Tedi Kushi
John Campbell Jr.
Victor Curne
Avery Jones
Jack Kramer

Houston’s offensive line unit begins at center, retaining Jack Kramer. While he’s a bit under-sized, Kramer doesn’t let that get in the way of elite play. He’s been tremendous with New Orleans and Houston the last few years, once again allowing zero sacks and just four QB pressures in 10 games.

At guard, the Gamblers retain a few familiar names in spring ball. Dohnovan West makes his way to Houston, as a OL piece with positional flexibility – playing center and guard. Avery Jones was with Houston in 2025, while Dom Boyd was a late-season signing for the Showboats. Each are young pieces with the potential to thrive in the spring football space. Victor Curne is a guard with legitimate potential, starting in two games for the Panthers a year ago.

Speaking of positional flexibility, Jalen McKenzie is a young tackle out of USC who also can play guard. Jalen has been with a few NFL teams on practice squads, but hasn’t had that chance to get into regular season action.

Kellen Deisch is a name worth mentioning. He played with the Renegades and Showboats last year. His size, and professional experience, make him a valuable asset for Tim Holt’s O-Line unit. Cam Carter interestingly returns to Houston, after being traded to Michigan in 2025. Carter worked with Holt in Michigan. Tedi Kushi and John Campbell Jr. are two younger tackles who both bring pro experience and upside to the table.

Cuts: Dohnovan West, Cam Carter, Dom Boyd

Defensive Line

Tackles

Kyon Barrs: Leading the way up front is Kyon Barrs, the former Renegade. Kyon was part of a strong Arlington D-Line in 2025, but his youth and athleticism impressed NFL scouts so much that he landed in the NFL with the Cardinals. Kyon, with the proper reps, can be an All-UFL candidate this year up front.

Jerrod Clark: Clark is a physical tackle who makes his way to Houston, after a quick stint in Arlington last year. The Coastal Carolina product was a monster collegiately, and has the potential to be a starter in the UFL.

Rashard Lawrence: Rashard Lawrence, the former LSU standout and NFL draft pick, makes his way to the Gamblers. He was with San Antonio last year, making some waves with the Brahmas up front. Lawrence is a strong run defender, something Marvin Sanders will want to establish early on in the season.

Israel Antwine: Antwine returns for a second season with this team – following a strong campaign in 2025. He totaled 12 tackles, a sack, and 10 defensive stops via PFF. C.J. Johnson highlighted Antwine during the season as someone who took accountability and leadership within that D-Line unit.

Cuts: Fatorma Mulbah, Ikenna Enechukwu

Edge Rushers

Malik Fisher: Malik Fisher needs no introduction, as one of the most dynamic pass rushers in the UFL the last two years. Fisher has spent three seasons in DC, developing each and every year. Fisher saw a slight dropoff statistically in 2025 with the re-emergence of Andre Mintze, but Malik’s seven sacks in 2024 speak for themself.

Kenny Dyson Jr: Dyson is a new name in the UFL that can be elite if given the opportunity. He was a monster at Bryant; racking up 104 tackles, 33.5 TFL’s, and 24.5 sacks. Dyson can get to the quarterback in a heartbeat, with the ability to defend the run as well.

Christopher Allen: Of the available pass rushers, Christopher Allen is someone who hasn’t flashed a ton in the UFL – but he’s consistent. Allen, the former Alabama product, has spent two seasons with the Roughnecks.

Jah Joyner: Joyner makes his way over to Houston, after originally being with the Renegades through camp. He’s a specimen, running a 4.60 40 at the combine. If he can work his way into the rotation, he’ll be a dangerous piece for Sanders’ defense.

Cuts: Matt Harmon, Lonnie Phelps

Linebackers

Marvin Moody: Marvin Moody returns to Houston as one of the top linebackers in the UFL. He has shown development and leadership over the past two years as a Roughneck, with 74 tackles and an interception this past season. He’s not necessarily a blitzing linebacker, but can cover very well and is a sure tackler.

Anthony Hines III: Speaking of blitzers, Hines fits that mold perfectly. Anthony has spent the last three seasons as a DC Defender, earning All-UFL honors in 2025 as he was a league leader in multiple categories. Anthony is a smart, high-IQ middle linebacker that is always at the line of scrimmage when he needs to make a play.

Eugene Asante: Asante joins this room as someone with ridiculous speed, with a 4.48 40 yard dash at the NFL combine. For a linebacker, that’s very impressive. Eugene is a volume tackler, who similar to Hines, has a way of getting into the backfield at an efficient rate.

Charlie Thomas III: Thomas is re-united with Marvin Sanders, after spending this past UFL season with the Renegades. Thomas was actually picked up by the Browns, following his UFL campaign. Charlie plays with a physical attitude, one that can earn him a roster spot.

Cuts: Solomon Deshields

Secondary

Cornerbacks

Quinton Newsome: Newsome is a versatile addition to Houston’s defensive backfield. He’s got plenty of experience collegiately and professionally that make him into a weapon, and Quinton has also flashed the ability to be an impact player on special teams. Quinton was with the Broncos on their practice squad for a couple of seasons.

Roman Parodie: Roman Parodie is an exciting young addition to this roster, having just been with the Bucs this past preseason which included a pick six performance. Roman has the ability to play cornerback and safety, bringing positional flexibility to this secondary. Despite his smaller size, Parodie is speedy, with great vision and hands to make plays all over the field defensively.

Carlton Johnson: Carlton Johnson makes his way to Houston after a stint with the Renegades in 2025. Johnson is a small school prospect, and while he didn’t flash a ton of potential last year, he’s got length and a frame that fits what Sanders will want to accomplish defensively.

Kary Vincent Jr.: Kary Vincent has returned back to Houston, after originally playing with the Roughnecks during the 2023 XFL season. Vincent was signed by San Antonio late last year, and immediately started for the Brahmas. He’s an under-the-radar prospect, but his LSU background and resume make him a strong pickup for the Gamblers.

B.J. Mayes: Mayes spent his college career all over the place. In 2023 at UAB, he earned First-team All-AAC honors, which then resulted in an opportunity at Texas A&M, where he recorded four interceptions as a senior, leading the team. He’s got the frame and the athletic tangibles to compete at a high level for Houston.

Cuts: Keenan Isaac, Ra’Mello Dotson (Retired), Zy Alexander

Safeties

Markel Roby: Markel Roby is back in action for a third campaign with this franchise. He’s been a strong piece for Houston the last two years. In 2024, as a rookie, Markel led the team in tackles with 58, alongside leading the UFL with three interceptions. Nagging injuries, plus the addition of Leon O’Neal to the roster limited his reps this past season, but Roby still made an impact – totaling 38 tackles. Roby’s got experience playing both FS and SS for Houston.

Eli Walker: Walker, one of the most underrated safeties from the last couple of seasons, makes his way to Houston. Eli spent the 2025 season in Memphis, racking up 62 tackles alongside 14 defensive stops. He’s a downhill safety, who almost always finds his way into the backfield.

Glendon Miller: Miller joins this roster as a potential stud who can make plays at the line of scrimmage, and in coverage. Glendon recorded three defensive touchdowns throughout his career at Maryland, while racking up 100 tackles, five interceptions, 14 PBU’s, and five TFL’s.

Nico Bolden: Bolden, the former Kent State standout, is back in the UFL. He has spent a couple of years with the Battlehawks and Renegades, primarily as a rotational piece and special teams asset. Sanders must have played a role in bringing him to Houston, giving Bolden another opportunity to prove himself.

Major Burns: Burns is another LSU Tiger who makes his way to Houston. While being a mid-camp addition, Burns really impressed Sumlin and this staff, especially due to his ability to be a volume tackler. Keep a close eye on Major to work his way up the depth chart this year.

Cuts: Avery Young

Special Teams

K John Hoyland: Hoyland joins the UFL as a new special teams prospect, who is one of Wyoming’s top kickers in program history. John set a school record for the most field goals made in 2024, and has consistently connected on 50+ yard field goals throughout his career. John should be a valuable asset to this group.

P Mike Rivers: Rivers is fresh off his rookie season in the UFL with Houston last year, showcasing his big leg – averaging 48.2 yards per punt. He’ll want to work on improving his net average (33.4), but he’s got a cannon that if tweaked/controlled properly, can be one of the best in this league.

LS Marco Ortiz: Ortiz is also coming off of his inaugural UFL campaign, and returns for a second season at long snapper. He was a steady force at the position, earning himself a couple of NFL workouts this past summer.

Final Thoughts

The Houston Gamblers are loaded with talent as they head into UFL Training Camp. There are a couple of positions that do have question marks (i.e. the safety room, due to lack of pro experience), but overall the Gamblers are set to play well. If they can actually get good quarterback play, Kevin Sumlin should improve upon his record as Houston’s head coach.

To read up on the Gamblers coaching staff, click here. To secure your season or single game tickets in Houston, click here.

What are your thoughts on the Houston Gamblers UFL roster heading into the season? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!