The Ohio State Buckeyes are worried about figuring out its next iteration of stars as spring practices are underway, but alumni are still playing in professional games right now. While the NFL is littered with Ohio State representatives, Year 2 of the United Football League is a platform keeping several Buckeyes on the field.

The UFL kicked off this past weekend, and four Buckeyes made rosters. Of course, Buckeye fans will be interested in knowing how some big-time names and talents will fare in the spring league.

Cornerback Damon Arnette, linebacker Steele Chambers, former tight end-turned-linebacker Rashod Berry, and defensive tackle Antwuan Jackson are active in the UFL. Let's take a look at how each played this past weekend. 

Steele Chambers, Memphis Showboats

Tied for the second-most tackles in Week 1 with 10 finishes, Steeler Chambers was a can't miss player in his debut with Memphis.

After wrapping up his time at Ohio State in 2023, Chambers has experienced a bit of a journey. He went undrafted in 2024, initially signing with the Detroit Lions as a free agent, but was later claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots, where he was unable to secure a spot on the roster that fall.

The Showboats are optimistic that Chambers can provide a boost to their defense. Memphis struggled significantly in the UFL, finishing last in points allowed (29 per game), which contributed to their disappointing 2-8 record in 2024.

Damon Arnette, Houston Roughnecks

The most well-known former Buckeye in the UFL is Arnette, and he didn't disappoint in Week 1. He totaled four tackles and one sack, proving to be arguably one of the most talented players in the league right away.

Arnette has experienced a significant decline since being selected as a first-round pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2020 NFL draft. He was released by the Raiders in 2021 after a video emerged showing him brandishing a firearm and making threats. 

The Kansas City Chiefs attempted to offer him a fresh start in January 2022, but just nine days after signing, he was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and drug-related charges, leading to his release.

In February 2024, Arnette faced legal issues again with arrests for firearm and drug offenses. With those troubles now behind him, he is working to revive his football career and his life with the Roughnecks. 

Rashod Berry, San Antonio Brahmas

The 28-year-old Berry is making another attempt at professional football after sitting out the last two seasons. He previously played in the NFL with the New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, and Jacksonville Jaguars but was suspended after being signed by the Indianapolis Colts in 2023 due to a violation of the league's gambling policy, leading to him being waived immediately. 

He has since been reinstated by the NFL, but he has not found another opportunity to return to the league.

During his best season at Ohio State, Berry recorded only 100 receiving yards. He has since transitioned from the tight end position he played in college to outside linebacker. In 2024, the Brahmas showcased the top defense in the UFL, allowing just 15.3 points per game and reaching the league's championship game.

Berry failed to log a stat in his debut with the team.

Antwuan Jackson, Memphis Showboats

Although Jackson failed to log a stat in Week 1, he's actually been a helpful player in past seasons.

Jackson is in his third consecutive year of playing spring professional football, spending 2023 with the Seattle Sea Dragons in the XFL and moving to the St. Louis Battlehawks in the UFL for 2024 before joining Memphis this offseason.

 In 2024, he recorded 10 tackles and half a sack with the Battlehawks, while he made 20 tackles during his time with the Sea Dragons in 2023.

Considering his journey, Jackson has had a solid career, especially since he didn't become a standout player during his four seasons at Ohio State, where he made 23 tackles as a nose guard in 2021. After the 2023 XFL season, he signed with the Carolina Panthers but was later released.