The 2025 United Football League (UFL) season has kicked off, showcasing former Nebraska Cornhuskers players aiming to cement their professional football careers in a revamped league. The UFL emerged from the merger of the XFL and USFL, forming two conferences named after these leagues.

Seven former Huskers are set to make their mark across six teams: the Birmingham Stallions, Houston Roughnecks, Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers, Arlington Renegades, DC Defenders, San Antonio Brahmas, and St. Louis Battlehawks. Notably, Adrian Martinez, the inaugural league MVP last season, has since joined the New York Jets. Other Cornhuskers like Matt Farniok (Arlington Renegades) and Carlos Davis (Birmingham Stallions) continue to push for success in the UFL.

Spring leagues like the UFL have become fertile ground for football talent, enabling players to transition to the NFL. Among the standout performers are Brandon Aubrey of the Dallas Cowboys, who has set an NFL record with 35 consecutive field goals, and Jake Bates of the Detroit Lions, who has been highly accurate as a kicker.

Kavontae Turpin, also a Cowboy, has established himself as a dual threat on special teams and as a receiver, while edge rusher Dondrea Tillman is making an impact with the Denver Broncos. Other notable players include Jalen Redmond of the Vikings and Jeremiah Pharms Jr. with the Patriots, both contributing significantly to their teams' defenses.

Aaron Rodgers marked his 41st birthday by reaffirming his position as the starting quarterback for the New York Jets, amid speculation about potential changes. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich expressed confidence in Rodgers, emphasizing his capability to lead the team despite recent struggles.

The Jets, now at 3-9 after a loss to Seattle, face mounting pressure as they risk missing the playoffs for the 14th consecutive year. Rodgers acknowledged his own shortcomings while also highlighting team issues.

Despite injuries impacting his performance, Ulbrich remains optimistic about Rodgers' ability to perform at a high level. The Jets' special teams showed promise with a kickoff return for a touchdown, but the overall team performance continues to falter.