As of right now, the Michigan Panthers are the only team making any moves in UFL free agency. Last week, they re-signed eight offensive players, four defensive players, and brought back their special teams unit. On top of that, they added CB Kaleb Hayes to the mix.
Now, they’ve also brought back another five familiar faces who spent at least one season with the franchise.
QB Rocky Lombardi
Rocky Lombardi is the first quarterback to re-sign with the Panthers, having spent this past season as QB3. Rocky was a UFL College Draft pick, who finally saw some action in week 10 – when he started against the Houston Roughnecks.
It wasn’t his prettiest outing, as he adjusted to his first pro opportunity in the UFL. Rocky used his legs well, and even took off for what was a touchdown that got called back due to penalty.
As a passer, Rocky left some to be desired. He was 8/18 for 61 yards and an interception in their loss to Houston. He was replaced by Danny Etling in the second half.
Regardless, Lombardi is someone that this organization is high on heading into 2026. He’s flashed quite a bit of potential in practice, and could see himself in a QB2 role next year depending on how things shake out this offseason.
OG Victor Curne
Victor Curne was an offseason pickup by GM Steve Kazor heading into 2025, and brought some much needed depth to Michigan’s offensive line. He ended up starting in two games, when Cohl Cabral was injured towards the end of the year.
Curne played 191 blocking snaps in 2025, with a 57.9 Offensive Grade via PFF. He allowed one sack and seven QB pressures in that span. Penalties were a bit of an issue, as Curne had three on the year. He’s a younger prospect, who with more time in the system could find himself in a larger role.
OT Chim Okorafor
Kazor once again strikes gold with the re-signing of Chim Okorafor, who worked his way into a starting role on this O-Line over the past couple of seasons. Okorafor joined Michigan as a draft pick back in 2024, and started in a few games that year.
This season, Chim started in every outing at right tackle, allowing two sacks on the season (both coming in a week two loss to Birmingham). He’s a guy who’s got some NFL experience, and is now a veteran on this O-Line heading into 2026.
OT Keith Russell
Russell, similar to Curne, was an offseason addition that saw a rotational role in 2025. Keith wasn’t active much, playing just 70 snaps across four games. The majority of his snaps came in a week eight win over the Houston Roughnecks, playing 42 snaps not allowing a single pressure.
At 6’6”, 308 lbs., Russell is a big-framed lineman who fits the mold of the athlete that Steve Kazor looks to attract to this team. Depending on who all returns to the franchise, keep an eye on Russell as someone who could make more of an impact in 2026.
CB Kedrick Whitehead
Finally, the Panthers have re-signed CB Kedrick Whitehead – who’s fresh off an All-UFL campaign with the organization. The former Delaware standout has been excellent with these Panthers the past two years, showcasing growth in multiple areas.
Whitehead was actually named UFL Special Teams Player of the Year as well, after being an “iron man” for Michigan playing snaps in all four phases of ST play.
Across the last two seasons, Kedrick has totaled 100 tackles and four PBU’s. He’s put his versatility on full display, playing multiple positions for this defense at a high level. Kedrick comes back to Michigan as a prospect who should once again be a full-time starter.
As we’ve stated over the last week: Michigan is wasting no time in bringing their standout talent back – or younger prospects who need another year in the system. So far, they’ve re-signed 20 players from their 2025 Championship campaign.
What are your thoughts on these latest re-signings for the Michigan Panthers? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
