Renegades QB Holton Ahlers Retires: What’s Next

Image via X @JamesBakerUFL

The Renegades have been hit by Two retirements recently, both of which leaving some questions for the team moving forward. The Renegades saw spring league mainstay Garrett McGhin retire, along with 2nd year QB Holton Ahlers also call it quits. While Ahlers wasn’t a high impact player for Arlington his retirement is the second major roster transaction at the Quarterback position this off-season for the UFL.

What Does This Mean:

The retirement of Ahlers could mean that all signs point to incumbent Luis Perez returning for 2026. Perez has thrown for almost 10,000 yards and 60 Touchdowns being dubbed the “Spring King”, owning the title of QB1 since his trade to Arlington. For Ahlers a young QB who just completed his 3rd season in professional football, the fact that he is retiring could signify that his opportunity in Arlington was limited, and his ability to earn reps was in question.

Quarterback Movement This Off-Season:

Quarterback movement this off-season has been limited as of the middle of July. Dresser Winn has signed with the LA Rams for the 3rd time in his career. While Rocky Lombardi, and Jalan McClendon have re-signed with the Michigan Panthers and Houston Roughnecks respectively. Ahlers’ retirement now opens up a roster spot for a new Quarterback to make their debut in the UFL.

What Options are out there:

I would hope that the Renegades would lobby for Luke Lehnen to become their QB2 in 2026. However, there are several options on the board. The Renegades do still have the rights to John Rhys Plumlee however, the former UCF QB is transitioning to WR with the Seattle Seahawks.

The Renegades could look into options like Hudson Card who play several years at the University of Texas, Jordan McCloud of Texas State, or maybe Donovan Smith of the University of Houston. While it’s possible the Renegades do kick tires on an NFL veteran, with the consistency of Perez, and the upside of Lehnen, it is more likely that Arlington opts for a new development project this season.

Final Thoughts:

The retirement of Ahlers does send some ripple effects throughout the UFL. With the league championing itself as a league of opportunity, a young player calling it quits may possibly deter younger players from joining the league. With Ahlers now retired, and Perez seemingly returning the UFL has now seen it’s first bit of roster shakeup as the 2025-26 offseason begins.