Last Updated: Jan 5, 2026
Louisville Kings 2026 Player Selection & Draft Guide | UFL
The Louisville Kings are preparing for their inaugural season in the United Football League (UFL), and the league’s newly announced 2026 player selection and team allocation process will be key to shaping the team’s first roster. With a combination of quarterback drafting, regional college allocations, and a two-day UFL Draft, the Kings have multiple avenues to secure both local talent and experienced professional players.
Overview of the 2026 UFL Season
The 2026 UFL season will feature eight teams, including three new franchises: Columbus Aviators, Louisville Kings, and Orlando Storm. The season kicks off on Friday, March 27, 2026 with a 10-week regular season, followed by a two-week postseason and the United Football League Championship Game. ([UFL Announcement](https://www.theufl.com/news/ufl-announces-player-selection-and-team-allocation-process-for-2026))
The Three Phases of Player Selection
1. Quarterback Draft – January 9, 2026
The first phase of the process is the Quarterback Draft, held remotely on January 9. Head coaches, including Chris Redman of the Louisville Kings, will evaluate quarterbacks in collaboration with the UFL’s centralized scouting department. Selections will be publicly announced on January 12, 2026. This phase ensures the Kings can secure a franchise quarterback early in the process.
2. Regional College Allocation – January 10, 2026
Louisville Kings fans will have a particular interest in this phase. Each team may select up to three players from a predefined list of colleges in their region. The Kings’ allocated schools are:
- University of Tennessee
- University of Kentucky
- University of Louisville
- University of Cincinnati
This allocation allows the Kings to claim priority on top talent from well-known regional programs, strengthening fan connections and establishing a foundation of locally recognized players. All selections will be announced January 12, and the Kings retain first refusal rights for players from these colleges throughout the season.
3. UFL Draft – January 13–14, 2026
The main UFL Draft will take place at the league headquarters in Arlington, Texas. It is broken into two days:
Day 1: UFL Players Draft (Jan. 13)
- Includes all players who finished the 2025 UFL season on active rosters or injured reserve.
- Teams may protect up to 12 players on a Reserve List.
- Selections are divided into six positional groups: Offensive Linemen, Running Backs/Tight Ends, Wide Receivers, Defensive Front Seven, Defensive Backs, Specialists.
Day 2: Free Agents Draft (Jan. 14)
- Teams can select free agents, including NFL draft-eligible players, NFL training camp cuts, UFL Showcase attendees, and other uncontracted players.
- Seven positional groups: Offensive Linemen, Running Backs/Tight Ends, Wide Receivers, Defensive Front Seven, Defensive Backs, Specialists, and Open (any position to backfill).
Draft Order & Team Limits
- Draft order determined by a virtual lottery.
- Snake-style selection ensures competitive balance.
- Teams may select 60–62 players, including three quarterbacks, up to three regional allocations, and up to 12 Reserve List players. Training camp rosters can expand to 64.
What This Means for the Louisville Kings
For the Kings, this process provides multiple advantages:
- Priority Access to Local Talent: Players from Tennessee, UK, Louisville, and Cincinnati are likely to resonate with local fans.
- Early Quarterback Decision: Chris Redman and his staff can secure a leader for the offense in the dedicated quarterback draft.
- Balanced Roster Building: With free agents, returning UFL players, and regional allocations, the Kings can build a competitive, well-rounded team for their first season.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 drafts approach, Louisville Kings fans can watch closely as the team secures top regional talent and fills key positions. The league’s structured selection process ensures that the Kings will be equipped to compete and make an immediate impact in the UFL’s third season.
Recent updates from UFL insider James Larsen reveal that the rosters formerly known as the Brahmas, Panthers, and Showboats have been allocated to new teams as part of the league’s restructuring. For the Kings, this means acquiring the former Memphis players, giving Louisville a head start on building depth and identifying key contributors before the draft. With coaches now in place, including Chris Redman, the Kings have tangible pieces to evaluate and integrate, providing a clearer picture of potential team dynamics heading into training camp. This will allow the Kings to protect 12 players from the old Memphis roster to keep before the draft.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Louisville Kings season start?
The UFL 2026 season begins on March 27, 2026 with a 10-week regular season and a two-week postseason.
Which colleges are assigned to the Louisville Kings for regional selection?
The Louisville Kings have priority on players from Tennessee, Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Cincinnati.
When is the quarterback draft?
The UFL Quarterback Draft is on January 9, 2026, with selections announced January 12.
How many players can the Kings draft?
The Kings may select 60–62 players, including three quarterbacks, up to three regional college allocations, and up to 12 Reserve List players. Training camp rosters can expand to 64.
Where is the UFL Draft held?
The 2026 UFL Draft will take place at UFL HQ in Arlington, Texas on January 13–14, 2026.
Official UFL: https://www.theufl.com/news/ufl-announces-player-selection-and-team-allocation-process-for-2026
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