The 2026 Houston Gamblers season is the third season for the Houston Gamblers and their first in the UFL. The Gamblers will seek to improve from their 5–5 record from last season, where they failed to qualify for the playoffs.
The biggest lowlight of the season came in Week 3, against the defending UFL champions DC Defenders, where they lost by the score of 45–7, which is the biggest loss in UFL history.[1]
Coaching Changes
On December 31, 2025, Kevin Sumlin would be hired as the head coach of the Gamblers, replacing Curtis Johnson.[2][3] On February 24, 2026, the Gamblers announced their full 2026 coaching staff.[4]
The Gamblers had a rough start to their season, as they were down 30–3 early in the third quarter and ultimately lost to Austin Reed and the Dallas Renegades by the score of 36–17 in the process starting 0–1 for the fourth straight season, a streak that dates back to the 2023 season.
Week 2: vs. Birmingham Stallions
Week 2: Birmingham Stallions at Houston Gamblers– Game summary
The Gamblers rebounded at home, as kicker John Hoyland successfully made a 50-yard field goal as time expired to upset the Stallions, 22–20. This win improved the Gamblers to 1–1 and snapped a five-game losing streak against Birmingham, beating them for the first time since Week 5 of the 2023 season.
Despite the win, quarterback Nolan Henderson left with a dislocated finger, keeping him out for next week.
Week 3: at DC Defenders
Week 3: Houston Gamblers at DC Defenders– Game summary
Down 16–6 at halftime, third-string quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa entered the game at the beginning of the third quarter and led the Gamblers to a 16–8 scoring run in the second half, including 16 unanswered points in the third quarter, which were the only points in that quarter. But it was not enough to beat the previously winless Louisville Kings, who would seal the game with a two-point pass conversion and defensive stop in overtime and pick up their first win in franchise history while dropping the Gamblers to 1–3.
Week 5: vs. Columbus Aviators
Week 5: Columbus Aviators at Houston Gamblers– Game summary
In a battle of 1–3 teams, the Gamblers stayed home to host yet another expansion team. This time, it was the Columbus Aviators, who upset the Renegades the week prior. The Gamblers raced out to a 14–0 lead in the second half, before allowing back-to-back touchdowns from the Aviators (the latter coming with a missed extra point). After a scoreless third quarter, Houston put the final touches of the game via a 23-yard field goal from John Hoyland, followed by a fumble from Aviators quarterback Jalan McClendon, who was with Houston just last season. Houston snapped its two-game losing streak and improves to 2–3.
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