The second season of the United States Football League 2.0 has kicked off and it appears this spring league may be here to stay. A few former Ohio State players have shined, and we like to keep tabs on it all.
It is always great to see former Buckeyes live their dream, and I will always tune in and pay attention to alternative football leagues to support these young guys chasing their dreams. The USFL has eight teams: the Birmingham Stallions, Houston Gamblers, Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers, New Jersey Generals, New Orleans Breakers, Pittsburgh Maulers and the Philadelphia Stars. Let’s dive into the four former Buckeyes that see action in the USFL.
Marcus Baugh, Michigan Panthers
Breaking it Down
Baugh was a four-star recruit who was fairly productive in his final two seasons at Ohio State with 52 receptions for 573 yards and seven touchdowns. He went undrafted and spent a brief time in the NFL with the Raiders before playing extremely well with the San Diego Fleet of the Alliance of American Football. Baugh had more stops with the Carolina Panthers, Washington Football Team and Pittsburgh Steelers. He was with Michigan last season, but an injury held him back. He is expected to start.
Five years ago today, J.T. Barrett went 33-of-39 passing for 328 yards and four touchdowns — including this 16-yard game-winner to Marcus Baugh — in Ohio State’s 39-38 comeback win over Penn State.
Best college football game I’ve ever attended or covered. pic.twitter.com/yV6hUDj2V2
— Garrett Stepien (@GarrettStepien) October 28, 2022
Matt Burrell Jr., Memphis Showboats
Buckeyes guard Matt Burrell,Jr pic.twitter.com/Pg77uBsmxH
— Jeremy Birmingham (@Birm) August 6, 2017
The former four-star recruit played briefly for the Buckeyes before transferring to Sam Houston State. He has since played in the Indoor Football League with the Tuscon Sugar Skulls. Burrell played last season for the Tampa Bay Bandits, but that team is now known as the Memphis Showboats.
Johnnie Dixon, New Orleans Breakers
Breaking it Down
Dixon was a former four-star recruit that struggled with injuries but played well and went undrafted in 2019. He had cups of coffee with the Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys in the NFL, and he looks to have found a permanent home with the Breakers. Dixon was a top-notch contributor last season and comes into the season as their No. 1 receiver.
Johnnie Dixon after scoring his first touchdown in the USFL today: “I love you Dwayne” 🥺❤️ pic.twitter.com/wwe7OmybUu
— Barstool Ohio State (@BarstoolOSU) April 24, 2022
Jonathan Newsome, Birmingham Stallions
Compensatory Pick: Welcome to Birmingham, Jonathan Newsome!
We have added another DE/Edge selection and will pass on a pick in a future round, as a result. pic.twitter.com/bF4kRr7EbN
— Birmingham Stallions (@USFLStallions) February 23, 2022
Breaking it Down
Jonathan Newsome was a Big 33 All-Star recruit out of Glenville High School in Cleveland. He played sparingly in two seasons but did earn one start before transferring to Ball State and absolutely dominating the MAC.
Newsome was actually drafted in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts and was solid before moving on to the CFL and finding stardom with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Ottawa Redblacks and BC Lions. He played last season for the Birmingham Stallions and is returning for his second season with the Stallions.
