Spring football is almost here, and there is a new league in town. The XFL and USFL have merged and will now be the United Football League, or UFL, and there are a number of Michigan State football alums on the first rosters released heading into the inaugural 2024 season.
For many, this will be an opportunity to see beloved Spartans like Kenny Willekes and Montae Nicholson continue to play competitive, professional football on live television, something I think many of us will be looking forward to.
Below, you can see which Spartans are on rosters, and what team they will be playing for.
Matt Carrick
Team: D.C. Defenders
Position: Guard
Montae Nicholson
Team: D.C. Defenders
Position: Safety
Jarrett Horst
Team: Michigan Panthers
Position: Offensive Tackle
Brian Lewerke
Team: Michigan Panthers
Position: Quarterback
Kenny Willekes
Team: Michigan Panthers
Position: Defensive End
Drew Beesley
Team: San Antonio Brahmas
Position: Defensive End
Mike Panasiuk
Team: St. Louis Battlehawks
Position: Center
(Interestingly, Panasiuk seems to be moving to center after playing defensive tackle most of his career).