USFL Conference

Birmingham Stallions (2024: 9-1)

Predicted 2025 Record: 7-3
The defending champions remain strong but face stiffer competition in 2025. Losses projected against St. Louis (away), San Antonio (home), and Michigan (away). Their experienced defense and consistent offensive line should help them secure the conference title despite the tougher schedule.

Michigan Panthers (2024: 7-3)

Predicted 2025 Record: 6-4
The Panthers maintain their competitive edge with wins against Memphis, Houston, and splitting their series with Birmingham. Losses come against St. Louis, San Antonio, and DC on the road. Their strong running game continues to be their identity.

Memphis Showboats (2024: 2-8)

Predicted 2025 Record: 4-6
The Showboats show improvement under coach DeFilippo’s second year. Home wins against Houston and Arlington, plus splits with DC and Houston. Their young roster begins to gel, but still struggles against top teams.

Houston Roughnecks (2024: 1-9)

Predicted 2025 Record: 3-7
Modest improvement with home wins against Memphis and Arlington, plus one upset victory over DC. Still facing development challenges but showing signs of progress in close games.

XFL Conference

St. Louis Battlehawks (2024: 7-3)

Predicted 2025 Record: 7-3
Despite McCarron’s departure, the three-way QB competition brings fresh energy. The winner emerges strong behind excellent protection and weapons. Six home games prove crucial with wins over Birmingham, Michigan, and DC. Losses to San Antonio (away), Memphis (away), and Arlington (away).

San Antonio Brahmas (2024: 7-3)

Predicted 2025 Record: 6-4
Strong start but face challenging road schedule mid-season. Notable wins against Birmingham and St. Louis, but stumble against DC and Michigan on the road. Home field advantage proves crucial in tight games.

DC Defenders (2024: 4-6)

Predicted 2025 Record: 5-5
Improved record with home wins against Michigan, Memphis, and San Antonio. Road struggles continue but manage victory at Houston. The Beer Snake remains undefeated.

Arlington Renegades (2024: 3-7)

Predicted 2025 Record: 2-8
Struggles continue despite Bob Stoops’ experience. Home win against St. Louis shows potential, but consistency issues persist. Their young secondary faces challenges against experienced QBs.

Head-to-Head Records (Conference Games Only)

USFL Conference

• Birmingham: 4-2 in conference (losses to Michigan, Memphis)
• Michigan: 3-3 in conference
• Memphis: 2-4 in conference
• Houston: 1-5 in conference

XFL Conference

• St. Louis: 4-2 in conference (losses to Arlington, San Antonio)
• San Antonio: 4-2 in conference (losses to DC, St. Louis)
• DC: 3-3 in conference
• Arlington: 1-5 in conference

Playoff Predictions

1. Birmingham Stallions (7-3)
2. St. Louis Battlehawks (7-3)
3. San Antonio Brahmas (6-4)
4. Michigan Panthers (6-4)

Key Storylines

• The Battlehawks’ QB competition becomes the preseason’s biggest story
• Birmingham’s quest for a three-peat faces its toughest challenge
• San Antonio emerges as a legitimate title contender
• The bottom teams show more competitiveness, leading to closer games
• Friday night games create new challenges for team preparation

Impact Players to Watch

• The winner of St. Louis’s QB battle becomes the league’s most scrutinized player
• Birmingham’s defense remains the benchmark for the league
• San Antonio’s receiving corps emerges as the league’s best unit
• Michigan’s running game continues to set the pace

Schedule Impact Analysis

• St. Louis’s six home games prove crucial in tight race
• Birmingham faces toughest road schedule of defending champions
• Cross-conference games become increasingly important for playoff positioning
• Early season divisional matchups carry extra weight