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UFL Power Rankings Week 2: Renegades Rise Week 2 shook up the standings and power rankings. The Dallas Renegades dismantled the previous Crown Holder on their home field to claim the throne, while the DC Defenders bounced back with a dominant road win. Orlando stayed perfect, Houston pulled off an upset over Birmingham, and the bottom three teams all fell to 0-2. Crown Holder 👑: Dallas Renegades The Dallas Renegades took The Crown from the Battlehawks via a 31-15 victory at home in week 2. They will look to defend the title at home on Sunday against the Columbus Aviators. Court Jester 🃏: Columbus Aviators The Columbus Aviators were unable to shake the title of Court Jester as they fell 26-44 at home against the DC Defenders. If a team defeats the Crown Holder, they steal the Crown and become the new Crown Holder. If a team loses to the Court Jester, they become the new Court Jester, freeing the previous holder. 1. Dallas Renegades (2-0)👑 Previous Rank: #4 Week 2 Result: 31-15 win vs St. Louis Week 3 Opponent: vs Columbus Aviators Sunday 12 ET Austin Reed and the Renegades had another impressive offensive showing as Reed passed for 240 yards and a UFL record-tying 4 touchdowns with 1 interception. Receiver Tyler Vaughns broke both the receptions and receiving yards single-game records as he caught 11 passes for 146 yards and 3 touchdowns. On defense, the Renegades held St. Louis to only 224 yards. Dallas is looking like the team to beat after 2 weeks after 2 dominant victories. UFL defenses will need to find a way to slow down Austin Reed. 2. St. Louis Battlehawks (1-1) Previous Rank: #1 Week 2 Result: 15-31 Loss at Dallas Week 3 Opponent: vs Birmingham Sunday 3 ET The Battlehawks' position in the Power Rankings is very precarious at number 2 and largely based on past success and the fact that they beat the defending champs in week 1. They have to get their offense going quick or they will find themselves falling out of the playoff race. Last week’s 224 yards. They have to find a way to get more than 55.5 rushing yards per game. The offense is simply not good enough over the first 2 weeks. 3. DC Defenders (1-1) Previous Rank: #3 Week 2 Result: 44-2 win at Columbus Week 3 Opponent: vs Houston Saturday 12 ET The Defenders bounced back with a massive victory, raining down 44 points on the Aviators' first home game parade. Deon Jackson rushed 11 times for 97 yards and 3 touchdowns. DC felt fully in control of their week 2 match in Columbus, partially due to 4 turnovers. Columbus has been struggling, so DC will still need to pass some challenges to prove they are the team to beat. 4. Orlando Storm (2-0) Previous Rank: #5 Week 2 Result: 19-9 win vs Louisville Week 3 Opponent: at Louisville, Friday 8 ET We weren’t sure exactly how this team would look, with it being the most revamped roster of any team heading into this season, but the Storm are undefeated after 2 weeks. Anthony Becht is now an impressive 23-8 as a head coach in the UFL regular season. There is much work to be done yet, as Orlando’s 2 victories have both come against struggling opponents, or from a different perspective, you might say that their opponents have struggled because they had to play Orlando. If Orlando can improve their passing game, then we might see it start to reach a Category 5 storm. 5. Houston Gamblers (1-1) Previous Rank: #8 Week 2 Result: 22-20 win vs Birmingham Week 3 Opponent: at DC Saturday 12 ET I did not expect Houston to hand Birmingham their first defeat after what we saw from both teams in week 1, but the Gamblers pulled it off and are back to .500. Nolan Henderson helped lift the team to a victory after losing the starting position heading into week 2. The Gamblers led on their rushing attack with Jalen White rushing 26 times for 82 yards and a touchdowna dn Marcus Yarns rushing 10 times for 54 yards. 6. Birmingham Stallions (1-1) Previous Rank: #2 Week 2 Result: 20-22 loss at Houston Week 3 Opponent: at St. Louis Sunday 3 ET Is Birmingham really the 6th best team in the UFL? Absolutely not. However, their rank took a hit for losing to a Houston that had a low rank in the power rankings, and their only victory came against Louisville. Matt Corral and the offense have looked very good through 2 weeks, particularly the passing game, but we will need to see fewer interceptions from Corral if he is to return to the NFL. Birmingham’s upcoming match against St. Louis will be critical to the landscape of the 2026 UFL season. 7. Columbus Aviators (0-2)🃏 Previous Rank: #7 Week 2 Result: 26-44 loss vs DC Week 3 Opponent: at Dallas Sunday 12 ET I’m not going to sugarcoat it; the Aviators have been hard to watch at times. The pass blocking needs to get figured out, and the passing game has got to be better. What was previously such a great run defending team as the Michigan Panthers, just got the ball run down their throats in the Aviators' first-ever home game. The team needs to improve, or it will be asking a lot of its new fan base. 8. Louisville Kings (0-2) Previous Rank: #6 Week 2 Result: 9-19 loss at Orlando Week 3 Opponent: vs Louisville, Friday 8 ET In week 1, the Kings' run blocking struggled, but was solid in pass blocking. That was not the case in week 2, as the pass blocking really struggled. Louisville struggled on offense and only handed the ball off 10 times, which accounted for just 12 yards. Quarterback Chandler Rogers was the leading rusher thanks to 1 12 yard rush. In this game, you move on from the tape quickly after learning what you can, and just be better.

UFL Power Rankings Week 2: Renegades Rise by Jonathan Clink

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Mike Repole asked for the good, bad and ugly of the UFL so far; here's how fans answered Earlier this week, UFL co-owner Mike Repole went on Twitter/X to ask fans to give him some feedback on the 2026 season so far: As of Friday morning, there were over 600 replies to this post. On Wednesday, I went through several hundred of those replies to see what fans found good, bad and ugly two weeks in. As expected, there were common threads woven throughout the comments. Here are some of the compliments and concerns that appeared in multiple replies. The Good New venues: Fans were largely complimentary of the new franchises and locations. Each home team drew well its first time out; as longtime spring football fans know, the curiosity factor will attract fans at first, but there has to be more to bring them back to the stadium over time. Patience needed: There was an acknowledgment that these new teams - as well as some of the returning ones - will require patience from ownership in order to cultivate a fanbase. The word "trust" was also frequently used, in that the locals needed to trust that ownership was not going to pull away at the first signs of struggle. Patience is not something previous spring football leagues have shown a lot of, hence the frequent shuffling of cities. Fans are prepared to be patient; is Repole, et al? Big musical acts for home openers: Whether in attendance live or watching on television, respondents were positive about Repole getting notable musical artists for each team's home opener. It was a unique way to give credibility to the UFL while also getting fans out to the stadiums. I think followers of the league are going to be supportive of any outside-the-box ways to get fans in the building, knowing the importance of butts in the seats to the long-term viability of the individual teams and the league at large. New rules: More than a few fans nit-picked a couple of the new rules (more on that below), but there were a lot of fans who supported the entirety of the new set of on-field guidelines. Some, like myself, even indicated they were surprised at how they enjoyed some of the changes. On-field product: One thing the UFL hasn't had to worry all that much about since merging the USFL and XFL is the quality of football. It's not always pristine, especially at the beginning of the season, but the majority of fans in Repole's mentions were approving of the game action. Of all the issues the UFL may have in getting through to the mainstream sports fan, this doesn't seem to be at the top of the list. The bad/ugly ESPN presentation of games: Far and away the topic brought up the most as a negative was how ESPN produces their games. Fans are not interested in seeing reporters try to interview coordinators, backup QBs or head coaches during the game. So far, the results haven't been worth it: Those calling plays offer little insight and clearly have contempt for being bothered mid-game. In addition, there were many complaints about how much attention ESPN gives to betting and the odds. Marketing: A constant refrain from spring football fans has been the perceived lack of marketing both nationwide and locally. This issue was raised time and time again in the replies to Repole's post. Fans want to see the league better engage the public, especially in the markets. There were a number of anecdotes shared by people where, in talking to friends and family, those acquaintances had no idea the UFL had even started its season or, worse, that the city in which they lived had a team. Lack of selection in UFL online shop: Repole already addressed this one, admitting he dropped the ball on the shop, not realizing the demand fans would have to purchase UFL gear. Fans were particularly upset about the absence of jerseys and New Era caps. Game access in international markets: Several fans from across the globe chimed in, indicating they'd want to watch the UFL but, in their country, have no way of legally accessing the games. Finding a broadcast partner in some of the large foreign nations will go a long way in getting the UFL to be recognized as a brand worldwide and open up other potential revenue streams for the league. Fan engagement at stadiums: Those who've attended games, including a lot of folks from St. Louis, iterated how there isn't as much fan interaction at games as there used to be. If Repole wants to focus on attendance, which he clearly does, that also means making the gameday experience worthwhile for fans. This is where the UFL can take its cues from minor league sports, which tend to do a great job in this regard. Scheduling: There are a couple complaints in this bucket: The first request was no games on Easter. There were others who disagreed and in fact wanted the UFL to make Easter games akin to how the NFL treats Thanksgiving games in terms of tradition and celebration. Repole has noted in interviews that he wants the season to start earlier, and fans posted their agreement with that line of thinking. New rules: Punting and extra points: The two rules that came up over and over again in the complaint department section of peoples' posts was the no punting once a team crosses the 50, and the extra point kick. Several fans even suggested ways to tweak the punting rule, such as pushing it to the opponents' 45-yard line. As for the extra point kick, it takes away a potential scrimmage play and seems to go against the "more action" edict that many of these rules are based upon. Inability to access basic league information: I thought I was the only one that would have this complaint, but others did as well: The UFL puts injury reports and depth charts in a media portal, only to be accessed by folks with credentials. Then, they're often not updated in a timely manner. If you want to know your team's transactions, you have to have an X account, because that's the only place they're posted. The UFL pushing out this information to a wider audience would certainly interest those in the gambling community, as well as fantasy football aficionados. It would also encourage more fans to participate. Besides, the NFL releases all of this information to the masses; why are they more transparent than the UFL in these matters? Coaches with more experience needed: It's not lost on fans that the first-time head coaches - some who are first time coaches, period - are struggling. Fans seemed to understand the desire to hire coaches with local ties but didn't like the fact that it's a disadvantage for these franchises to put these people in prominent positions so early in their coaching careers. Mad about leaving previous cities: As one would expect, Repole heard from plenty of Michiganders and San Antonians (and yes, one person from Memphis) upset that the UFL abandoned those cities. Similarly, there were also more than a few who did not like the rebranding of the Roughnecks to the Gamblers. Repole posted a response, thanking those who replied to share their thoughts. https://x.com/repolestable/status/2041976737320354131

Mike Repole asked for the good, bad and ugly of the UFL so far; here's how fans answered by Greg Parks

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Predictions: UFL News Hub Writer’s Week 3 Picks Week 3 of the 2026 UFL season is here. The 10-game sprint is starting to separate the contenders from the rest of the pack. Dallas and Orlando both hit the road this weekend, while several 1-1 squads look to create separation. Columbus and Louisville are each looking for their first win. Matchup Consensus Writers’ Split Orlando Storm at Louisville Kings Orlando Storm 6–2 Houston Gamblers at DC Defenders DC Defenders 7–1 Columbus Aviators at Dallas Renegades Dallas Renegades 8–0 Birmingham Stallions at St. Louis Battlehawks Birmingham Stallions 5–3 This article is NOT gambling advice. If you do place bets, please do so responsibly and seek help if you have a gambling problem. ORLANDO STORM at LOUISVILLE KINGS Friday, April 10 | 8:00 PM EDT | Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville, KY | FOX The 2-0 Orlando Storm visit the 0-2 Louisville Kings in a rematch of week 2, which saw Orlando win 19-9 at home. Jack Plummer and Jashaun Corbin have powered a balanced attack, while the defense has been stout early. Louisville has shown some fight, but needs to improve its areas of weakness quickly. Anthony Becht’s group has the momentum and should keep rolling on the road. Writer's Pick: 75% Orlando Storm HOUSTON GAMBLERS at DC DEFENDERS Saturday, April 11 | 12:00 PM EDT | Audi Field, Washington, DC | ESPN Houston (1-1) travels to face the defending champion DC Defenders (1-1). The Gamblers earned a road upset last week over Birmingham, 22-20, but will now face a DC squad looking to build on their first win. Jordan Ta’amu and the DC offense should find more rhythm at home against a Houston team that may see Taulia Tagovailoa get the start due to injuries to Hunter Dekkers and Nolan Henderson. Writer's Pick: 88% DC Defenders COLUMBUS AVIATORS at DALLAS RENEGADES Sunday, April 12 | 12:00 PM EDT | Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX | ABC The 0-2 Columbus Aviators travel to face the 2-0 Dallas Renegades. Dallas has looked like the most complete team in the league through two weeks, with Austin Reed slinging the ball to Tyler Vaughns and the defense creating havoc. Columbus has shown flashes but continues to battle early turnover problems and find consistent quality play. If Columbus does not tighten things up in week 3, they could get blown out. Writer's Pick: 100% Dallas Renegades BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS at ST. LOUIS BATTLEHAWKS Sunday, April 12 | 3:00 PM EDT | The Dome at America's Center, St. Louis, MO Two 1-1 teams with championship pedigrees square off in what could be the most competitive game of the weekend. Birmingham is coming off a tough road loss and has one of the best passers in the league in Matt Corral. St. Louis struggled offensively and will need to correct things quickly in this short season. Writer's Pick: 63% Birmingham Stallions

Predictions: UFL News Hub Writer’s Week 3 Picks by Jonathan Clink

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23 hours ago

Previewing the Louisville Kings and Orlando Storm Rematch As the UFL Louisville Kings prepare to take on the 2-0 Orlando Storm for the second week in a row, head coach Chris Redman welcomes the chance to “even the score a little bit.” The Kings Face The Storm In A Rematch Looking ahead to this week and preparing for a rematch against Anthony Becht’s team, Redman emphasized in the post-game media session, “I have all the confidence in the world in these guys.” “You learn from your mistakes, and you get better.” He predicted,” I definitely think this team has got the potential to make a big turnaround… and it’s just a matter of us going out and executing, and that’s what we’re going to work on.” What The Team Will Focus On This Week Figuring out what worked well and what elements of the game need to change will be crucial to the team’s turnaround. Establishing a Running Game in The Kings' Offense One of the keys to a different outcome and winning the rematch will be to find a consistent, strong ground game. Unfortunately, for the second week in a row, the Louisville ground game was missing in action. In Week 2, the Kings put up a total of 26 yards, only 12 of which were attributed to the team’s three running backs, Benny Snell, Jaden Shirden, and Ian Wheeler. It’s hard to grasp why Snell, the former Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Wheeler, the New Orleans Saints RB, and Shirden, a talented UFL veteran, have only combined for 21 carries for 31 yards in two games. By comparison, the Storm posted 51 yards on 19 carries last week from All -UFL Team running back Jashaun Corbin. After posting a two-game total of 34 carries for 119 yards and two touchdowns, he continues to be an offensive weapon for Orlando. Offensive coordinator Steve Logan will be tasked with getting the Kings' running game going. Establishing an effective ground game increases the time of possession and takes the pressure off the passing game. A better-rested defense is more likely to withstand a late-game Storm surge. The Two-Quarterback System Following Jason Bean's strong Week 1 performance with 226 passing yards, one touchdown, and one turnover, he earned the starting role. However, in implementing a two-quarterback system approach, the offensive scheme called for Bean to alternate series with Chandler Rogers. The results were a mixed bag. During the week, Rogers was told he would be going in early and to be ready. During the post-game media session, when asked about his preparation, Chandler responded that he focused on “the concepts, the run game, and taking full advantage of the opportunity.” A week ago, Bean confidently launched multiple long-range throws and delivered precision passes to his receivers. However, on Saturday night, he struggled offensively, completing only 4/15 passes for 49 yards. Taking over at quarterback in the third series, Rogers had a solid debut, completing 13/20 passes for 161 yards and one interception. He was the team’s lead rusher with a heads-up scramble that gained 12 yards. Connecting with Kaden Prather, TE Tre’ McKitty, and UFL veteran JaVonta Payton, Rogers demonstrated that he could command the offense with a consistent rhythm. Asked about Rogers' performance, Redman was full of praise. “Chandler had a great night tonight. For the first time out there, I thought it was a great job. Obviously, we fell a little short, but man, a lot to build on.” Limiting Costly Penalties Looking ahead to this week’s rematch, Rogers was asked where he wanted to see improvement. “For one, operationally, we had too many penalties, especially in the red zone. We had opportunities to score. So, just operationally getting that better…improving communication and getting that cleaned up.” The Kings had nine penalties for 50 yards. It was an increase from Week 1, when the team had three penalties for 30 yards. Limiting The Orlando Storm Offense The Louisville defense played two of the UFL’s top teams, doing an admirable job controlling the offense with key takeaways and impressive stops. Although the Storm took a 9-3 lead at halftime, Jamie Sharper’s defense shut down Orlando in the third. But the Louisville offense was unable to score in the second half, leaving the defense on the field too long, and fatigue set in. The defense faces an equally tough challenge again this week. Orlando's offense boasts some of the league’s top talent in running back Jashaun Corbin, wide receiver Chris Rowland, and emerging stars Elijhah Badger and K.J. Hamler. Rowland had eight catches for 54 yards. Badger had four catches for 59 yards and scored a touchdown for the second week in a row. Hamler produced an impressive 41-yard touchdown reception for Orlando. Riding a two-game winning streak, Storm quarterback Jack Plummer is one of the UFL's hottest signal-callers. In his UFL debut against the Columbus Aviators, Plummer completed 17/22 passes for 240 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. He gained 11 yards on the ground. Last week, the Kings' defense held Plummer to 18/23 passes for 182 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and four rushing yards on four carries. One of the game's highlights was Louisville rookie Deantre Prince snagging a stunning endzone interception and running it back 47 yards. Orlando Storm Defense All-UFL Team LB Tavante Beckett, who has been on the Orlando injury report the last two weeks, has been practicing in full and appears ready to take the field for the Storm. In Beckett’s absence, Nate Meadors has been a standout with 12 tackles (six solo) and a pass breakup. Josh Minkens led the team last week with six tackles (four solo). Orlando safety Mishael Powell nabbed a late-game interception off Rogers. Injury Report and Recent Transactions Unfortunately, holding off the Orlando defense last week took a toll on the Kings' offensive line. Tackles Leroy Watson and James Tunstill did not practice earlier this week. Guard J.D. DiRenzo had a limited practice on Tuesday. The Kings may gain some help from the recently acquired Michigan Panthers' offensive lineman, Chim Okorafor. The 6'6", 345 lb. tackle was signed to the Kings earlier this week. In a late-breaking transaction, the Kings waived safety Kory Chapman and signed spring football veteran quarterback Sam Castranova, who previously played for the USFL Houston Gamblers. In other transactions, the Kings re-signed former Chicago Bears safety Quindell Johnson after DB Teldrick Ross was placed on IR. Offensive tackle Nathan Gilliam was waived while the team signed DT La Ron Stokes and waived DE Jerome Robinson. Game Date and Time The action kicks off Friday night, April 10th, at Lynn Family Stadium. The game will be televised on "FOX UFL Friday" at 8:00 pm ET Orlando is favored by 3.5 points, with the over/under set at 38.0 to 39.5 points.

Previewing the Louisville Kings and Orlando Storm Rematch by Sue Levine

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United Football League Announces Week Two Players Of The Week Houston Gamblers QB Nolan Henderson Named Offensive Player of the Week presented by Progressive DC Defenders S Sam Kidd Named Defensive Player of the Week presented by NOBULL Houston Gamblers K John Hoyland Named Special Teams Player of the Week presented by Dynasty Financial Partners ARLINGTON, TX (April 8, 2026) – Clutch moments and strong performances defined Week 2 as Quarterback Nolan Henderson of the Houston Gamblers, safety Sam Kidd of the DC Defenders, and kicker John Hoyland of the Houston Gamblers have been named United Football League Players of the Week. Offense: QB, Nolan Henderson, HOU One week after being replaced as the starting quarterback, Nolan Henderson delivered a resilient and poised performance in Houston’s Week 2 victory over Birmingham. Midway through the second quarter, Hunter Dekkers went down with an injury, putting Henderson back at the helm of a tightly contested game. Henderson responded with composure and toughness after suffering an injury of his own with a dislocated finger on his throwing hand, yet still finished 15-of-23 passing for 186 yards and a 90.1 passer rating while adding 23 rushing yards on three carries. It was Henderson’s late-game heroics, however, that earned him Player of the Week honors. Trailing 20-19 with 2:02 remaining, Henderson led the Gamblers on a nine-play game-winning drive. After an earlier fourth-down conversion by Henderson’s legs was wiped out by a penalty, he responded by converting a critical fourth-and-16 from Houston’s own 24-yard line with a strike over the middle to Armani Rogers to extend the possession. Henderson then scrambled for five yards to help set up the game-winning field goal in a thrilling 22-20 win over the Birmingham Stallions. Defense: S, Sam Kidd, DC Strong safety Sam Kidd turned in a complete defensive performance for DC in a win over the Columbus Aviators. Leading the Defenders with seven tackles (six solo), Kidd made his presence felt in coverage as well with his first interception of the season to go along with two pass breakups. Kidd consistently disrupted the rhythm of the Columbus offense, showcasing strong instincts and physicality while delivering impact plays that helped swing field position and momentum. Special Teams: K, John Hoyland, HOU Kicker John Hoyland accounted for 16 of Houston’s 22 points in a flawless outing, converting all five of his field goal attempts, including a game-winning 50-yarder as time expired. His consistency and composure under pressure proved decisive, delivering in the game’s biggest moment to secure the comeback victory for Houston. About the United Football League The United Football League (UFL) is the premier professional spring football league, powered by the visionary leadership and investment of Mike Repole and Impact Capital, RedBird Capital Partners, FOX, Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and ESPN. Built on innovation, accessibility, and competitive excellence, the UFL delivers the most engaging professional football experience in the world—for both players and fans. The league features eight teams: the Birmingham Stallions, Columbus Aviators, Dallas Renegades, DC Defenders, Houston Gamblers, Louisville Kings, Orlando Storm, and St. Louis Battlehawks. The 2026 season kicks off Friday, March 27.

United Football League Announces Week Two Players Of The Week by Mark Perry

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Race for the UFL MVP - Week Two 1. (last week: 1) QB Austin Reed, Renegades Last Week: 22-36, 240 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT Season: 48-76, 616 yards, 7 TD, 1 INT It's early, but Reed is putting together a spring football season for the record books. Lest anyone think he feasted on a bad Houston secondary in week one, he came out and repeated the performance in week two against a formidable St. Louis defense. After setting the UFL single-game passing yardage record last week, Reed tied the record for most TD passes in a game this past week. He's not doing it by dinking and dunking either; he's taking shots down the field in this Noel Mazzone offense. With a running game that's been stuck in neutral, Reed has had to carry the load so far. I'm sure Head Coach Rick Neuheisel would love to get his running game going to ease some of that pressure on Reed as the season progresses. 2. (2) WR Tyler Vaughns, Renegades Last Week: 11 receptions, 146 yards, 3 TDs Season: 18 receptions, 290 yards (16.1 avg.), 4 TDs Speaking of records, Vaughns made the UFL single-game record book with his 11 receptions, 146 receiving yards, and three TDs. His combination of size and speed have made him a special target for Reed. Sometimes you just have to feed your best players, and Vaughns is far and away the best receiver Dallas has. He's been overlooked by NFL teams despite playing three seasons of solid spring football; that streak of being overlooked may come to an end after this season. 3. (UR) RB Deon Jackson, Defenders Last Week: 11 att., 97 yards, 3 TD; 1 reception, 29 yards Season: 28 att., 155 yards (5.5 avg.), 4 TD; 2 receptions, 29 yards (14.5 avg.) The leading rusher by yardage, yards per carry, and touchdowns, Jackson won the lead back job during the season last year in D.C., overtaking Abram Smith. This year, Jackson is clearly the top dog in the Defender backfield. His three touchdowns on Friday night helped his team pull away from Columbus. Smith and Xazavian Valladay see snaps on offense as well, but this is a run-first scheme so Jackson will get his share of carries even though he'll cede time to others. If he can become more of a receiving threat, that multi-dimensional ability could keep him in the MVP conversation through the duration of the season. 4. (3) QB Jack Plummer, Storm Last Week: 18-23, 182 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT Season: 35-45 (77.8%), 422 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT Plummer and Birmingham's Matt Corral are neck-and-neck in a lot of statistical categories, but I give Plummer the edge here because he leads the UFL in completion percentage and has one fewer interception than Corral. Plummer's Orlando team is also 2-0 while the Stallions are 1-1 under Corral's leadership. Plummer toughed one out this week in a dogfight with Louisville, still putting up decent numbers despite the overall lack of offense and scoring in the game. This week, he has a rematch with the Kings, so we'll see what Orlando saw on film watching the game back and how they'll choose to attack this week. 5. (UR) QB Matt Corral, Stallions Last week: 21-27, 226 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Season: 42-57 (73.7%), 434 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT When Corral left the field for the final time against Houston on Sunday, his Birmingham Stallions were in the lead, on the way to 2-0. Had the defense held up, Birmingham would be just that. The defense isn't solely to blame, though; Corral contributed to the loss as his two interceptions against Houston were costly, resulting in 10 Gamblers points, more than enough to be the difference in the game. Instead of 2-0, they're 1-1 and getting ready to face another team coming off a tough loss in the St. Louis Battlehawks. It's early in the season but there will be a big difference between going into week four 2-1 versus 1-2. Dropped out: 4. Pita Taumoepenu, Battlehawks; 5. WR Jalen Moreno-Cropper, Gamblers

Race for the UFL MVP - Week Two by Greg Parks

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UFL to Locate New Team in Oklahoma City in 2028 League Sets Sights on OKC as Part of Overall Growth Strategy The United Football League (UFL) today announced its plans to launch a new team in Oklahoma City beginning with the 2028 spring football season. As a cornerstone of the league’s growth strategy, the yet-to-be named team will bring high-quality professional football and family-friendly entertainment to Oklahoma. “Oklahoma lives and breathes football, so bringing the UFL to Oklahoma City was an easy decision,” said UFL Co-Owner Mike Repole. “This is a state that shows up, cares deeply, and truly understands the game. From college powerhouses to Friday night lights, football runs deep here. We’re committed to building a franchise in OKC that the entire state can rally behind.” Central to the UFL’s launch strategy will be the team’s home field: the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium. Currently under development in downtown Oklahoma City, the venue is scheduled to open in early 2028 with a capacity of just over 10,000, offering UFL fans a modern football experience in the heart of the city’s burgeoning sports and entertainment district. The team's name, colors, and branding will be unveiled at a later date with the local OKC community included in the selection process. “Oklahoma City has long been one of the most glaring vacancies on the professional football map,” said UFL President & CEO Russ Brandon. “The combination of a new stadium, deep-rooted football culture, and a city that has proven its ability to support major league sports makes this an easy decision. We are thrilled to bring the UFL’s brand of high-octane spring football to the passionate fans of Oklahoma.” “Oklahoma City welcomes the UFL to our championship city!” said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt. “We love sports and we love football, so we think this should be a great fit. We have always said that the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium opens up new opportunities for our city, and this is a perfect example. We look forward to the UFL’s arrival in 2028!” The UFL kicked off its third season on Friday, March 27, with eight teams, including the Birmingham Stallions, Columbus Aviators, Dallas Renegades, DC Defenders, Houston Gamblers, Louisville Kings, Orlando Storm, and St. Louis Battlehawks. The league is conducting a 10-week regular season followed by playoffs featuring the four best teams, which will compete to play in the 2026 UFL Championship Game on Saturday, June 13. Building on a Legacy of Football Passion Oklahoma’s identity is inextricably linked to the sport of football. From the legendary success of the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University to the state’s high school powerhouse programs, the appetite for the game is second-to-none at the collegiate and grade school levels. A Stadium Fit for Football Set to open early 2028, the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium will be a state-of-the-art venue featuring modern amenities, premium fan experiences, and the capacity to host a variety of events in addition to a UFL team, including professional soccer, concerts, rodeo, and other sporting and cultural events. Designed by global stadium architecture firm Populous, the venue will have an initial capacity of 10,000, with the ability to increase, if needed. The MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium will anchor a new multi-use cultural district that will unify downtown OKC from the city center to the Oklahoma River. The development, which will be one of the largest downtown districts created to date, will be within walking distance of the new Continental Coliseum, the Oklahoma City Convention Center, Bricktown, and the 70-acre Scissortail Park. The stadium will be managed by Echo Investment Capital, an OKC-based multi-strategy investment firm founded by Christian Kanady. Lingo Construction serves as the construction manager. Groundbreaking is set to take place in June. “We are excited to welcome professional football to Oklahoma City and partner with the United Football League," said Christian Kanady, Founding Partner and CEO of Echo Investment Capital. "With the successful sales of the 1910 Founders Club, OKC has demonstrated its readiness for professional soccer in 2028, and we are eager to embrace professional football as well. By introducing another world-class league to OKC, we aim to activate our stadium as the busiest outdoor venue in the country. This initiative will provide a great experience for downtown and for families throughout our community.”

UFL to Locate New Team in Oklahoma City in 2028 by Mark Perry

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2026 Week 3 Game Preview: Orlando Storm (2-0) @ Louisville Kings (2-0) Visiting Team: Orlando Storm (2-0) Home Team: Louisville Kings (0-2) Date and Time: Friday, April 10th at 8 pm EDT Game Location: Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville, Kentucky Where to Watch: FOX Betting Lines: Orlando Storm (-3.5), Louisville Kings (+3.5), O/U 38.5 points During Week 3 of the 2026 UFL season, the Orlando Storm and Louisville Kings meet in a rematch to complete the second leg of their Home-and-Home series. Last week, the Storm capitalized on the Kings' mistakes by playing sound football and tightening up defensively whenever the Kings advanced inside the Storm's 20-yard line (the red zone). Both teams should be better prepared after facing each other, but as before, the game will come down to which team makes fewer mistakes. The Orlando Storm picked up its second win of the season last week against the Kings, though not without overcoming several challenges. Throughout the season, the Storm offense has averaged 21.0 points per game, but during the first half last week, they struggled to get the ball into the end zone. Later, a series of chunk plays boosted the offense. After halftime, the Storm defense took charge, holding the Kings scoreless. The Louisville Kings come into their second home game of the season desperate to pick up a win. However, the Kings have struggled to consistently put points on the scoreboard. Turnovers have also limited Louisville's scoring opportunities. On the other hand, the Kings' defense did a solid job of putting pressure on Storm quarterback Jack Plummer. If they can force the Storm to turn the ball over, they will give the Kings' offense a chance to play on a short field. Next stop, Louisville. The Storm heads to Kings country this Friday at 8PM ET on FOX! pic.twitter.com/IjBF2EVP5e — Orlando Storm (@UFLStorm) April 7, 2026 Orlando Storm Key to Victory #1: Protect QB Jack Plummer During the Orlando Storm's first two games of the 2026 season, quarterback Jack Plummer has driven the Storm to victory. Last week, Plummer struggled to maintain rhythm under pressure from the Louisville Kings' heavy blitz package. That left the Storm behind the chains often, forcing Plummer to generate explosive plays to extend offensive possessions. This week, the Storm needs better offensive tackle play against King's pass-rusher Cam Gill. Gill posted 2.0 sacks last week. The Storm also needs to convert on 1st down and avoid 3rd-and-long situations. More efficient 1st-down plays could help Plummer have a big game. If the Kings' defense can't bring a strong rush, Plummer will have more opportunities. Orlando Storm Key to Victory #2: Sustain the "No-Fly Zone" on Defense Orlando Storm defensive coordinator Donnie Abraham's defense was the MVP in last week's game against the Kings, shutting out Louisville in the second half. A key factor in the Storm's defensive dominance was their ability to stop the Kings' running game, making Louisville's offense one-dimensional. The Storm defense held the Kings to 33 rushing yards, the lowest by any UFL team this season. Consequently, the Storms' defensive front seven unleashed its powerful pass rush against the Kings' quarterbacks. That pressure forced the Kings' offense to turn the ball over, including an interception by defensive back Mishael Powell. Containing the Kings running game and vertical play-action passing game will put more pressure on the Kings quarterbacks, Jason Bean and Chandler Rogers. Orlando Storm Key to Victory #3: Maximize Game-Breaking Playmakers So far this season, the Orlando Storm's offense has had to rely on explosive chunk plays by wide receivers K.J. Hamler and Elijah Badger. Ideally, the Storm's offense would be able to drive the ball methodically, but so far this season, that has not been the case. However, the Storm have found ways to win with good performances by their defense. The key to improving the Storm's offense will be to strengthen their running game, especially on early downs, to keep the Kings' defense from teeing off on Storm quarterback Jack Plummer. Being able to do a better job of establishing their running game with running back Jashaun Corbin to maintain the Storm's ability to utilize play-action plays to help the Storm offense get the ball in the end zone. Orlando Storm Key to Victory #4: Clean Up Red Zone Execution The Orlando Storm must improve at scoring touchdowns in the red zone instead of settling for field goals. If their running game improves, they can avoid situations like last week when they turned the ball over on the 1-yard line instead of scoring. Although they won despite red zone struggles against the Columbus Aviators, they need to be more efficient there to beat the UFL's top teams. Orlando Storm kicker Michael Lantz has been effective at helping the Storm put points on the scoreboard when their offense stalls near the goal line. However, if the Storm offense can execute at a higher level in tight quarters like on the goal line and in the red zone, then they could potentially distance themselves from the Kings early in the game rather than allowing Louisville to hang around until late in the 4th quarter. In addition, the Storm's kicker will have to maintain their focus in a much louder environment than the home crowd the last two weeks. Game Prediction: Orlando Storm 20, Louisville Kings 12 For more football content, check out Football Scientific Follow me on X: @AaronSauter7

2026 Week 3 Game Preview: Orlando Storm (2-0) @ Louisville Kings (2-0) by Aaron Sauter

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What We Learned From UFL Week Two Each week, Greg will present what we learned from UFL games over the previous weekend. -It was Jekyll and Hyde for some teams from week one to week two. Inconsistency is going to be the name of the game for some teams early on in the season, as we saw in the first two weeks. A lack of preseason games and the shuffling of lineups will have this effect. Notably, the Houston Gamblers looked in shambles in week one against Dallas but in week two, they upset Birmingham on a last-second field goal. St. Louis did a number on D.C. in the opener but appeared much less polished on Tuesday. D.C. was on the receiving end of that number from the Battlehawks; they were able to recover nicely and put up 44 points against Columbus. Many of these players are still getting used to playing with each other and each team will take a different amount of time to gel, hence that week-to-week inconsistency. Expect to see more of that in week three. -The Dallas Renegades are for real. Inconsistency has not been a problem for Dallas, which has looked like the class of the UFL in the first two weeks. For anyone who thought Houston was a cupcake in week one, the Renegades handled business similarly against the Battlehawks in week two. They're not perfect - the run game needs work and the kicking game has had some hiccups - but to be where they are in week two after a truncated pre-season is impressive. -The Louisville Kings are in trouble. In week one's Friday night opener, Louisville was able to keep it close against Birmingham. They did the same against Orlando in week two but despite the 10-point margin, the Kings looked overmatched at times. Quarterback Jason Bean, a player some expected to be a dynamic presence under center, was replaced by Chandler Rogers, who had more success in the passing game. It'll be interesting to see who Head Coach Chris Redman opts to go with in a week three rematch with the Storm. -This ain't your 2022 Kevin Sumlin Gamblers. Sumlin's first go-round with the Gamblers was in the relaunched USFL in 2022, and in that season, the team finished 3-7. What did them in was several close losses, including three each by one point. It looked for a while like the same recipe would be followed in week two against Birmingham. In a wild final drive, however, Houston converted two fourth downs - one by penalty upon review - and kicker John Hoyland hit the game-winning 50-yard field goal as time expired. It immediately became an early contender for UFL game of the year. -First-time Head Coaches are struggling. It should be no surprise that the three coaches who came into the UFL with little to no coaching experience, period, let alone head coaching experience - Redman, Ted Ginn Jr. and A.J. McCarron - are a combined 1-5 through two weeks. And McCarron's win came against Redman's Kings. Even casual observers could see this would likely be an issue. For a league that was so intent on shuffling rosters to ensure parity to the greatest degree, opting to staff half the league with novice head coaches and the other half with veterans was a curious choice. The league would've been better served by going all in one direction or the other. -Columbus continued the attendance success of new franchise openers; Orlando dipped. The last of the three new franchises to host a game, Columbus opened up some new sections to accommodate late interest. Drawing in the first game is one thing; being able to keep it up is another, as we saw with the Storm, whose second game dropped by about 3,000 people. Louisville hosts their second game in week three so we'll check their follow-up next week.

What We Learned From UFL Week Two by Greg Parks

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UFL Week 2 Attendance: Columbus Leads With 14,810 as League Average Drops to 9,235 Week 2 of the 2026 UFL season featured all eight teams in action across four games spread over five days. Total attendance came in at 36,938 fans — an average of 9,235 per game. That is a drop from Week 1, which totaled 65,222 (16,305 average). But the two weeks are not an apples-to-apples comparison. Week 1 included a St. Louis home game that drew 31,191 and the Louisville Kings' debut at 14,034. Week 2 had neither of those factors working in its favor. Instead, the league faced Easter Sunday, the Final Four, and a first-ever Tuesday night game. Columbus Draws 14,810 in Home Opener The Columbus Aviators hosted the D.C. Defenders on Friday night at Historic Crew Stadium. The Defenders won 41-20, but the Aviators drew 14,810 for their first home game in franchise history. Crew Stadium has a capacity of about 20,000. The crowd filled the lower bowl and parts of the upper deck. Columbus is one of the three new markets the UFL added for 2026, replacing the Michigan Panthers. Head coach Ted Ginn Jr. made his home professional coaching debut. The number falls in line with Mike Repole's stated goal of 10,000 to 15,000 fans per game across the league. For a brand-new franchise with no history in the market, 14,810 on a Friday night is a number the league can work with. Orlando Drops to 8,585 Against Final Four Competition The Orlando Storm hosted the Louisville Kings on Saturday night at Inter&Co Stadium. Orlando won to move to 2-0, but the crowd dipped to 8,585 — down from 11,127 in the Week 1 home opener. Saturday's game kicked off at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, directly opposite the NCAA Final Four. That is about as tough a programming conflict as the UFL will face all season. Inter&Co Stadium holds 25,500, so the building was about one-third full. Orlando is still building its fan base. The franchise replaced the San Antonio Brahmas and has no carryover history in the market. A drop from Week 1 to Week 2 is common across UFL markets in previous seasons. Houston Posts 7,744 on Easter Sunday The Houston Gamblers hosted the Birmingham Stallions on Easter Sunday at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston won, but only 7,744 fans attended. The game aired at 6 p.m. ET on NFL Network — a channel that some fans may not have easy access to. This was the first UFL game to air on NFL Network, which ESPN acquired in January 2026. Playing on Easter likely kept some families away from the stadium. Shell Energy Stadium has a capacity of about 20,600. Houston has been one of the UFL's toughest markets since the league launched. In 2025, the Roughnecks (now rebranded as the Gamblers) opened with 7,124 and dipped below that number at points during the season. The 7,744 figure is an improvement over last year's Week 1 number, but still sits below Repole's 10,000-fan floor. Dallas Posts 5,799 on First-Ever Tuesday Night Game The Dallas Renegades hosted the St. Louis Battlehawks on Tuesday night in the UFL's first-ever Tuesday game. Dallas won 31-15, but only 5,799 fans were at Toyota Stadium. That is the lowest attendance figure through two weeks of the 2026 season. Dallas drew 8,870 in Week 1 on a Saturday, so the Tuesday drop-off is steep — a decline of more than 3,000 fans. Toyota Stadium holds about 20,500. The game aired on FS1 at 8 p.m. ET. Tuesday night is uncharted territory for the UFL. The league included midweek games in the 2026 schedule to test new windows, but the Dallas number suggests Tuesday is a hard sell for in-person attendance — at least in a market that already struggles to fill seats on weekends. Week 2 Attendance at a Glance D.C. Defenders at Columbus Aviators Friday Historic Crew Stadium 14,810 DC 41, CLB 20 Louisville Kings at Orlando Storm Saturday Inter&Co Stadium 8,585 ORL win Birmingham Stallions at Houston Gamblers Sunday (Easter) Shell Energy Stadium 7,744 HOU win St. Louis Battlehawks at Dallas Renegades Tuesday Toyota Stadium 5,799 DAL 31, STL 15 Total / Average 36,938 / 9,235 Week 1 vs. Week 2 Week 1 65,222 16,305 St. Louis (31,191) Dallas (8,870) Week 2 36,938 9,235 Columbus (14,810) Dallas (5,799) Note: Week 1 included a St. Louis home game (31,191) and Louisville's debut (14,034). Week 2 had no St. Louis or Louisville home games. The Week 2 schedule also faced Easter Sunday, the NCAA Final Four, and the UFL's first Tuesday night game. What the Numbers Say Columbus showed that a new market can draw close to 15,000 with the right setup — a Friday night game on FOX in a right-sized stadium. That is the formula Repole has pushed since joining the ownership group. The other three games tell a different story. Orlando, Houston, and Dallas all came in below 10,000. Each had circumstances working against it — the Final Four, Easter, and a Tuesday night slot — but the numbers also reflect markets that have not yet built the kind of weekly habit the UFL needs. Dallas has now posted the lowest attendance in both weeks. The Renegades are 2-0 on the field, but the wins have not translated to ticket sales. Houston remains a problem market, though the 7,744 figure is at least in range of what the team drew in previous years. Through two weeks, the league has drawn 102,160 total fans across eight games, for a cumulative average of 12,770 per game. Remove St. Louis's Week 1 home opener, and the other seven games average 10,138. Week 3 begins Friday, April 10, with Orlando at Louisville on FOX. Saturday features Houston at D.C. on ESPN, followed by two ABC games on Sunday: Columbus at Dallas and Birmingham at St. Louis. The Battlehawks return home, which should push the Week 3 total back up.

UFL Week 2 Attendance: Columbus Leads With 14,810 as League Average Drops to 9,235 by Mark Perry

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5 Observations From Dallas Renegades' Impressive Week 2 Win Over St. Louis Battlehawks For the second straight week, the Dallas Renegades took care of business in a big way at home as they took down the St. Louis Battlehawks 31-15. While the yards and points might not have been as much in Week 2 as last week, the Renegades still dominated on offense with over 300 yards and are now the only team in the UFL to have 30 or more points two weeks in a row. The victory put the Renegades at 2-0 on the season and is considered by many as the best team in the league. There was more to the game than just the offensive dominance, even though it was a big part of the game. Here are five observations about the Renegades in their win over the Battlehawks. 5 Dallas Renegades Observations from Week 2 Victory Tyler Vaughns is undoubtedly the best wide receiver in the UFL That's now two weeks in a row that Vaughns has had over 100 receiving yards and at least one touchdown in a game. He finished Week 2's matchup with 11 receptions for 146 yards and three touchdowns, putting his season total at 18 receptions for 290 yards and four touchdowns through two games. Vaughns may not kill defenders with his speed, but he's the best route runner in the league and always finds a way to get open. He's great on the fade routes, where he knows how to exactly position his body so that he can make the catch. There's never been a receiver in the UFL, XFL, or USFL who has gone for over 1,000 yards in a season. While it still feels like a stretch, Vaughns might have the best shot at doing it at the rate he is going. He might have to be in the conversation for MVP of the UFL. Austin Reed once again proved he's an NFL quarterback Speaking of MVP candidates, how about another stellar game for Reed at quarterback? He went for 240 yards and four touchdowns to one interception, with his season totals at 616 yards and seven touchdowns to one interception in two contests. The arm talent is there as Reed is accurate with where to put those deep balls, and despite the one interception, he is good about keeping it in harm's way. There were a few passes from Austin that were deflected and almost intercepted, but Reed showed his mental toughness by throwing two touchdowns on the next two drives after his interception. Arguably, Week 1 was a better overall performance for Reed, as he was more accurate with the football, but his play against the Battlehawks was still a work of magic. Unless he has some kind of massive drop off in the next few weeks, UFL fans might never see him on the field again, as he will get calls from every NFL team to play for them in 2026. Renegades' secondary is just built differently This Dallas secondary is just on another level right now. The two big stars from this game were Qwynnterrio Cole and Steven Jones Jr. Both combined for five pass deflections, with Cole grabbing an interception and Jones having three pass breakups, including a critical one in the fourth quarter. That doesn't even include Shaun Wade, who nabbed the game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter, which was the second straight week he got a pick in a game. The Renegades allowed just 186 passing yards and got two interceptions with eight pass deflections as a team. Good luck to the rest of the league in trying to throw it on the Renegades. This secondary was tough on the Battlehawks' wide receivers, so if they can be slowed down, who knows what else Dallas' unit can do moving forward. Offensive line for Dallas deserves their respect An underrated part of this game that wasn't discussed was the offensive line's performance. St. Louis got seven sacks in Week 1 against the DC Defenders, but against Dallas got zero. The running game, while a bit inconsistent, produced some nice runs that opened up, averaging 3.8 yards per carry. Last year's Renegades offensive line struggled mightily with protecting Luis Perez in the pocket. It's a very different story in 2026, as the new-look line has done a great job of making sure Reed stays upright. Look for the unit to try to get better with the running game and not lean so much on big runs to carry them. This offensive line will only get better as the season goes on. Week 2 showed this Renegades team is different from others The biggest difference in this Renegades team compared to past teams is their ability to take the lead and keep their feet on the opponent's throats. Sure, St. Louis was within one possession at one point in the fourth quarter, but the feeling was different that the Renegades had enough firepower on offense to hold strong. Reed brings a different kind of confidence to this team, with the flurry of weapons around him, Vaughns, Greg Ward Jr., Drake Stoops, Denzel Mims, and Deontay Burnett all ready to make plays. These are all NFL-caliber receivers who can break loose at any time for a big play. Sure enough, the Renegades responded with Reed hitting Vaughns on a perfect 30-yard fade route for a touchdown to seal the win. Last year, they started 3-1 and ended up missing the playoffs at 5-5. This 2026 Renegades team is complete with a strong offense and defense. They look ready for a run the city has never seen since they arrived in the DFW area in 2020.

5 Observations From Dallas Renegades' Impressive Week 2 Win Over St. Louis Battlehawks by Anthony Miller

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Battlehawks drop first game of the season in loss against Dallas Renegades In what was one of the more anticipated matchups of the 2026 UFL season, the Battlehawks now head into week three with a 1-1 record. In a matchup that has plenty of postseason implications in an early season, the Battlehawks were outmatched by what appears to be the best team in the UFL through two weeks. What Went Right: Kevon Latulas: In limited opportunities, Latulas continues to make the most of his time with the football. Latulas had 30 All-Purpose yards on five touches, and the Battlehawks offense looked in sync when he was in the game. Unfortunately, he only touched the football five times and the Battlehawks only ran the ball 12 times before the final drive. Hakeem Butler is still good at football: Despite missing week one due to injury, Butler had a pretty solid debut all things considered. Butler recorded four receptions for 56 yards, including a two-point conversion. While Butler may be at the end of his pro football career, he still was a giant bright spot for the Battlehawks offense that struggled for most of the game. Stacking up TFLs: Despite allowing 31 points, St. Louis did manage to record 8 TFLs, led with Sean Fresch who totaled another 2 TFLs himself. The Battlehawks were able to rally to the football as a unit, however too many big plays negated the good that was done. What Went Wrong: Drops x2: Realistically it's the same story as week one. While I counted less drops this week (5), the Battlehawks receivers are continuing to struggle with seeing the football, in addition to working their way back to it. While Hakeem Butler provides relief, the rest of unit is way behind. Penalties, Penalties, Penalties: Despite registering 8 TFLs, and multiple 3rd down stops the Battlehawks had seven accepted penalties four of which allowed Dallas to convert first downs. Carlos Davis was called for two roughing the passer calls both of which led to touchdowns. Poor Offensive Line: The Battlehawks running backs struggled to find running lanes, and quarterback Brandon Silvers was on the move for the majority of the game. While Silvers wasn't an elite by any means, the Battlehawks had plenty of issues up front that cracked the foundation of their offensive scheme and negated any possibility of a balanced scheme. Milestone Watch: Brandon Silvers has eclipsed 4,000 passing yards in his career. He currently sits at 35 passing touchdowns which is 4th behind Jordan Ta'amu (66), Luis Perez (60), A.J. McCarron (39)/Case Cookus (39). Pita Taumoepenu is 3.5 sacks away from 25 sacks which would tie him with Chris Odom for the most in the modern era of spring football. Travis Feeney is 3 sacks away from 20 career sacks. He is also 11 tackles away from 200 career spring football tackles. With there week three matchup at home in St. Louis the Battlehawks are about 30,000 fans away from surpassing 700,000 in attendance since 2020. Final Thoughts: St. Louis will take on the Birmingham Stallions in what will be a highly anticipated matchup with both teams suffering week two losses. Returning to the dome will be A.J. McCarron who was the team's starting quarterback in 2023 and 2024. Both teams will look to rebound offensively, and off the rip had plenty of opportunities make plays based off their film. For St. Louis on defense the team will obviously look to rebound from mental errors, and missed assignments that allowed Austin Reed to throw for four touchdowns. St. Louis and Birmingham will play at the "Dome" Sunday, April 12th at 3pm.

Battlehawks drop first game of the season in loss against Dallas Renegades by Patrick Rifino

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UFL News Hub's Week Three Quarterback Rankings by Patrick Rifino

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DC Defenders Officially Find Seth Williams Replacement with Familiar Face Coming off an impressive 44-26 win over the Columbus Aviators in Week 2, the DC Defenders went to work on adding some much-needed depth at wide receiver. Last week, the Defenders had to place one of their top receivers, Seth Williams, on IR after getting hurt in the Week 1 loss to the St. Louis Battlehawks. According to the UFL Communication Department's X page, DC has signed wide receiver Javon Antonio to replace Williams on the roster. https://x.com/ufl_pr/status/2041313157038137785 Antonio was on the Defenders last year as he caught 18 passes for 212 yards in nine games. He was selected by DC during the draft in January, but did not make the final roster. Defenders replace Seth Williams with Javon Antonio This was a move DC needed to make to give quarterback Jordan Ta'amu another weapon to throw to in the passing game. The Defenders already have top guys like Ty Scott, Cornell Powell, and Keke Coutee. It's been a relatively quiet start to the season for the Defenders in the passing department. Through two games, Ta'amu has thrown for just 222 yards and one touchdown to three interceptions with only 27 pass attempts. The hope is that Antonio can give the Defenders another weapon to have when throwing the football and give DC the confidence to go to the passing game. What has helped DC is running back Deon Jackson and the rest of the backs running the ball well for the Defenders, as they are coming off a 230-yard performance on the ground, with 97 of them from Jackson. DC is sitting at 1-1 on the season and will play at home for the first time this season in Week 3, facing the Houston Gamblers at Audi Field.

DC Defenders Officially Find Seth Williams Replacement with Familiar Face by Anthony Miller

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Rick Neuheisel Ready to Lead Dallas Renegades in Rare Tuesday Night Showdown It's been a long week plus for the Dallas Renegades, but the moment has finally come as they are set to take on the St. Louis Battlehawks to conclude Week 2 on a rare Tuesday matchup. The Renegades are coming off a great 36-17 blowout win over the Houston Gamblers in Week 1 action. Dallas's offense exploded for 427 total yards, the most of any UFL team on the opening weekend, including a league regular season record 376 yards from new starting quarterback Austin Reed. Even the defense was great, allowing just 284 yards of offense from Houston and creating two turnovers. Now the stage is set for an intriguing showdown between two teams that are 1-0 after St. Louis defeated the DC Defenders 16-10 last week. Renegades head coach Rick Neuheisel spoke with the media just one day before the team's showdown with the Battlehawks, discussing a variety of topics. Renegades head coach Rick Neuheisel talks Week 2 vs. Battlehawks UFL News Hub asked Neuheisel about his early assessment of St. Louis after watching game tape on the Battlehawks. Dallas's head coach was impressed by what they accomplished against the defending UFL champions. "I thought Ricky Proehl did a great job having his team ready to play. That was a blitzkrieg by their defense over that Defender offense. And remembering that's the, you know, you know, the league-defending champs. I know there's a lot of new faces, but that was Jordan Ta'amu playing quarterback, and they got him seven times down on the ground. So that was really, really interesting. I obviously was watching tape rather than the game, but I felt like I could hear the fans even though I'm watching tape. I mean, it was obvious it was a raucous environment, which is great for the league and certainly great for the Battlehawks. And we've got our hands full this week." One aspect of St. Louis's game that was impressive was the seven sacks they got on the Defenders. Neuheisel has his sights set on one guy that they cannot let their quarterback, Reed, get hit by: Pita Taumoepenu. "Well, we are mindful of how good St. Louis is in that front. That leading sack guy for last year was at his usual antics against, against Washington, D.C. last week. And so we've got to know where number seven is at all times. At least last week he was always to the right. There were times he lined up over the center and even over the guard. But we got to know where he is and we've got to take what the defense gives us. We can't be greedy and we got to stay on the field. Time of possession was a big weapon last week. It's relatively talked about, but it's, it's one of my favorite stats. And so staying on the field and protecting our defense, both with field position and time of possession, is huge again this week." A lot of last week's discussion centered on the stunning decision to go with Reed over Luis Perez. UFL News Hub asked Neuheisel if there was any vindication in Reed playing well despite the constant questioning of Perez not starting, but the coach quickly shut down that narrative. "I love Luis. This is not personal. This isn't about me. This is about you know, what's best for our team. And I had planned to get Luis into the game, and I always preface when I say that to a youngster that, hey, things happen in a game. When he was going to go in, we had the ball on the one-yard line, and I didn't think that was fair to him, right, to be down there having to make the decisions with, you know, no place to back up. So, uh, I expect Luis to play a lot this year. And I'm hopeful that will be the case. And we have nothing but great things to say about him. It just was Austin's turn and Austin played well." Long-time Renegades fans have been used to seeing Dae Dae Hunter as the running back after being the starter last year and finishing in the top five in rushing. Hunter was inactive last week, and it was Lorenzo Lingard and Ellis Merriweather taking carries instead as they combined for 21 carries for 59 yards. Neuheisel explained the Hunter situation further. "Dae Dae's fine. Unfortunately, this, this rule where we can only have 43 guys as opposed to our roster of 50 requires us to sit some guys. And last week it was Dae Dae's turn. We'll wait and see exactly how that turns out this week. But my hope is that Day Day is going to get a lot of playing time this year as well." The Renegeades are set to take on the Battlehawks on Tuesday night at 7:00 pm CST in Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas as they look to improve to 2-0 on the season.

Rick Neuheisel Ready to Lead Dallas Renegades in Rare Tuesday Night Showdown by Anthony Miller

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3 days ago

UFL Schedule Today April 8: Battlehawks vs Renegades - TV Channels, Live Stream Odds Austin Reed's record-breaking arm meets St. Louis's stingy defense in Tuesday night's UFL showdown. This Week's UFL Schedule St. Louis Battlehawks at Dallas Renegades When Tuesday, April 8, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET TV FS1 Line Dallas Renegades -4 | O/U 42 The Battlehawks hit the road for the first time this season after gutting out a 16-10 win over defending champion DC at The Dome. Dallas torched Houston 36-17 behind Austin Reed's UFL single-game passing record of 376 yards. Rick Neuheisel's quarterback gamble paid off big time in Week 1. This matchup pits Reed's explosive offense against a Battlehawks defense that held the high-powered Defenders to just 10 points. St. Louis won with defense and field position, while Dallas lit up the scoreboard. Something's got to give under the lights in Frisco. Players to Watch: Austin Reed (Renegades, QB) — Set the UFL passing record with 376 yards and earned Offensive Player of the Week honors Tyler Vaughns (Renegades, WR) — Reed's top target with 7 catches for 144 yards and a touchdown in the opener Jordan Mosley (Battlehawks, DB) — Named Defensive Player of the Week after shutting down DC's passing attack Pick: Renegades 24-17. Reed's arm talent is too much for St. Louis to contain on the road. UFL Standings Orlando Storm 2 0 42 25 Dallas Renegades 1 0 36 17 St. Louis Battlehawks 1 0 16 10 DC Defenders 1 1 54 42 Houston Gamblers 1 1 39 56 Louisville Kings 0 2 22 34 Quick Hits Reed's 376-yard performance answered all questions about Rick Neuheisel's decision to start him over veteran Luis Perez Battlehawks safety Kenny Robinson announced his retirement after suffering a season-ending injury in Week 1 St. Louis packed 31,000 fans into The Dome for their opener but won't host this year's UFL Championship game Who wins this week? Drop your picks in the comments.

UFL Schedule Today April 8: Battlehawks vs Renegades - TV Channels, Live Stream Odds by Mark Perry

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3 days ago

UFL Fans Sound Off: The Good, the Bad, and Ugly After Mike Repole Asked for Real UFL Feedback Mike Repole doesn't just own the UFL — he's in the comments section. On Monday afternoon, Repole's official X account (@RepoleStable) posted a direct, no-filter call to action to UFL fans: "Hey @TheUFL — I want REAL feedback. Good, bad, ugly… I want it all." He asked about venues, new markets, the TV product, the new rules, and how 2026 stacks up against last year. Within an hour, more than 200 fans responded. The post hit 26,000 views and counting. The message? Fans are paying attention — and they have plenty to say. https://x.com/RepoleStable/status/2041240786650423520 The Good: Venues Are a Win The loudest positive feedback centered on the new stadium experiences. Fans who showed up in person are largely impressed. "I went to the Week 1 STL home game and the Week 1 Orlando home game. Venues are both great," wrote @CHRIS_T1SDALE, one of the most-liked replies. The sentiment was echoed throughout the thread. @Vanster2000 offered a venue-by-venue breakdown: "The new venues are fantastic. Food and beverage are great in Orlando, Louisville, and Houston." His one knock? Columbus, which he described as "pedestrian" on the food and bev front. For a league that spent the offseason relocating teams into smaller, more intimate stadiums, the early verdict from fans who've been there in person is a clear win. The new rules are also landing well with many fans. @EaglesVsCrows13 summed it up simply: "This year is going in a better direction than last year. Love the Fox broadcast and new rules." Even skeptics are warming up — @ScottnSC12 admitted he "was skeptical of the rule changes but [they're] growing on me." The Bad: ESPN Broadcasts, Merchandise Gaps, and Injury Reports If there's one consistent target in the thread, it's the ESPN broadcast. "The ESPN broadcasts are difficult to watch because of how much wasted space there is — way too many split screens," wrote @JaguarGator9NFL, whose reply drew hundreds of views. @TheDegenDoc put it bluntly: "Can we just tone it down a bit? We are tuning in to watch football." And @ScottnSC12 went straight to the comparison: "FOX has the better product. Get ESPN to stop putting the mic in everyone's face." To be fair, @EaglesVsCrows13 specifically praised the FOX broadcasts — so the quality gap between the two broadcast partners is clearly being felt by fans. The second major complaint is the UFL shop. Fans want to spend money on their teams, and the league isn't making it easy. "I'd love to buy a UFL hat from @TheUFLShop but haven't seen anything," wrote @Rick_8Bit, pulling in nearly 1,000 views on a reply that hit home for many. @JaguarGator9NFL pointed out that mini helmets for the Kings, Storm, and Aviators don't even exist in the shop. And @trippwhitbeck — a season ticket holder dating back to the XFL days — complained that authentic or matching jerseys aren't available in team stores: "The difference in what jersey is noticeable." The third recurring theme is injury reports and depth charts. @JakeTribbey stated plainly: "Injury reports/inactives/depth charts are being done very poorly, and it is seriously limiting the reach of the league in terms of gambling interest and availability. This must be fixed." @TheDegenDoc agreed, noting that better injury report consistency would "legitimize the league and open more betting markets." The Ugly: Punt Rules, Attendance Questions, and a Loyal Fan Base That Feels Overlooked Some fans aren't mincing words. @NoahBeauso, who covers special teams closely, went right after the UFL's punt rules: "For the hundredth time, the punt rules in the UFL suck." He acknowledged he's made peace with the no-punt-past-the-50 rule but says specialists are getting shortchanged in the current format. On attendance, @ScottnSC12 raised a pointed concern: "Good numbers announced, but no way they showed up." It's a skepticism the league will need to address with transparency if it wants to build credibility around its growth story. Perhaps the most important reply in the thread came from @CHRIS_T1SDALE, who flagged an issue that cuts to the core of the league's fan loyalty: season ticket holders. "Your most loyal fans might..." — the reply was cut off with a "Show more" button, but the implication was clear. The fans who have been there from day one want to feel valued. The Bigger Picture What makes this thread newsworthy isn't just the feedback — it's the fact that it happened at all. A billionaire league owner going directly to fans on social media, asking for unfiltered criticism, and tagging the league's official account in the process, is not how most sports leagues operate. It's a signal about who Repole is and how he intends to run this league. Whether the UFL actually acts on what fans are saying is the next chapter of this story. A few themes from the thread deserve a direct response from the league: The ESPN broadcast experience needs work. Fans are noticing the difference between the two broadcast partners, and it's not flattering for ESPN. The merchandise gap is a missed revenue opportunity and a loyalty problem — fans literally cannot buy gear. Injury report transparency isn't just a fan preference, it's a gateway to broader media coverage and betting market access. And the season ticket holder experience needs to be protected. These are the fans who showed up before the cameras did. @MaxHolbrookPFN offered the most measured take in the thread: "Don't give up on Orlando just yet. This market has gotten worn out by spring football. I promise you this can become a great market — time with Orlando is all." That patience, from a fan, extended toward a league that asked for honesty, might be the best sign of all. The original tweet can be found at x.com/RepoleStable. The UFL's Week 2 continues Monday, April 6, with the Birmingham Stallions hosting the Houston Gamblers on NFL Network at 6 PM ET.

UFL Fans Sound Off: The Good, the Bad, and Ugly After Mike Repole Asked for Real UFL Feedback by Mark Perry

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