The XFL launched as a league that will add to the football calendar and provide opportunities for players waiting for their NFL chance. Several players have gone on to parlay their XFL opportunity into an NFL role, defying the odds and becoming fan favourites. More players are looking to add themselves to the ranks this offseason, with several XFL stars trying to make NFL rosters.
While you won’t see any of these players leading gambling odds for the MVP award, they still have a chance to stick in the league and fulfill their dreams. Let’s look at some elite XFL players now getting their chance in the big leagues.
Abram Smith
Abram Smith came into the XFL with much hype and immediately fulfilled his potential. He rushed for 788 yards and seven touchdowns and was one of the favourites for the XFL MVP award on sports betting apps all season long. He was released from his contract and found his way into the league by joining the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings released star running back Dalvin Cook this offseason and lack established depth behind presumptive starter Alexander Mattison. Abram Smith’s power and explosiveness give him a real chance of securing a roster spot this year.
Jordan Ta’amu
Jordan Ta’amu is only 25 but has bounced around practice squads, XFL rosters, and USFL rosters, waiting for his chance. The former Ole Miss passer is just waiting for a real opportunity after earning the XFL Offensive Player of the Year and leading the USFL in passing yards. He might now have his chance after the Minnesota Vikings signed him. It might be tough sledding, as the Vikings have Nick Mullens and recent draft pick Jaren Hall on the roster. But Ta’amu is a quality player who has excelled at a professional level, so don’t bet against him.
Ben DiNucci
Ben DiNucci surpassed expectations in his first year in the XFL, leading the league in passing yards. The quarterback, who had previously played for the Dallas Cowboys, showed a gunslinger mindset and let it rip all season long. He was released from his contract and signed with the Denver Broncos. Now, he’s locked into a competition to make the roster, as Denver has Russell Wilson entrenched as a starter and Jarrett Stidham and Jarett Guarantano also on the roster. But DiNucci has a solid arm and experience leading a team. He’s a solid wager to make the roster.
Luq Barcoo
Luq Barcoo has bounced around the NFL since going undrafted in 2020. He found an opportunity with the San Antonio Brahmas and made the most of it, earning a spot on the All-XFL Team in 2023. He’s parlayed that into an opportunity with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who many betting sites have considered a sneaky playoff threat. Barcoo is young and hungry. At 25, he could still develop further, and he is already a high-quality player. The Steelers don’t have excellent depth at cornerback, and Barqoo will have a real opportunity to earn a place on the roster. If he does, he could work his way into the CB rotation.
Hakeem Butler
Hakeem Butler is a massive 6’5 wide receiver who was drafted in the 4th round to the NFL after dominating in college. However, it didn’t work out for Butler in the NFL, and he found a place for the St. Louis Battlehawks, earning a spot on the All-XFL Team. Butler was then snatched up by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who gave him an opportunity. However, he lost his place at the team’s training camp with an injury. Still, Butler has rare size for the position and has produced when given opportunity. He could still latch onto an NFL roster.
