The 2025 UFL season is officially underway — and if Week 1 is any indication, we’re in for a wild ride.
From dominant debuts to record-setting runs, to a coaching miracle in D.C., every team has shown us who they are — or who they might become. With all eight teams now tested, it’s time to drop the first UFL Rumors Power Rankings of the season.
Let’s break it down.
🥇 1. St. Louis Battlehawks (1-0)
Last Game: W 31–6 vs. Houston Roughnecks
Trending: ⬆️
The most complete performance of Week 1 belongs to St. Louis. QB Manny Wilkins Jr. led a balanced, explosive offense, and the defense smothered Houston. This looked like a team with championship aspirations — and the firepower to back it up.
💥 Wilkins Jr. is already a breakout name to watch.
🥈 2. DC Defenders (1-0)
Last Game: W 18–11 vs. Birmingham Stallions
Trending: ⬆️⬆️
What do you get when your head coach leaves a week before kickoff? If you’re the Defenders, you get a defensive clinic and a signature win. Shannon Harris coached like a veteran, and DC’s defense racked up 7 sacks and an INT to knock off the champs.
🛡️ That pass rush is scary. This team has bite.
🥉 3. Arlington Renegades (1-0)
Last Game: W 33–9 vs. San Antonio Brahmas
Trending: ⬆️
Kalen Ballage made history in Week 1 with a 77-yard touchdown run, the longest in UFL history. The Renegades looked tough, fast, and physical — dominating the line of scrimmage from start to finish.
💪 Ballage + bruising defense = championship formula.
🔢 4. Birmingham Stallions (0-1)
Last Game: L 11–18 vs. DC Defenders
Trending: ⬇️
Let’s not overreact. The Stallions lost a physical battle in Week 1, but they’re still the two-time defending champs. QB Alex McGough was under siege all game, but this team’s pedigree and talent keep them in the top tier — for now.
⚠️ A wake-up call, not a panic button.
🔻 5. Michigan Panthers (1-0)
Last Game: W 18–16 vs. Memphis Showboats
Trending: ⬆️
The Panthers pulled out the weekend’s tightest game, showing composure in crunch time. It wasn’t dominant, but it was resilient. The defense stood tall late, and Michigan looked well-coached when it mattered.
🧊 Cool under pressure — but need more firepower to climb.
🔻 6. Memphis Showboats (0-1)
Last Game: L 16–18 vs. Michigan Panthers
Trending: ↔️
Memphis looked solid at times, but stalled in the red zone and couldn’t close. The defense held its own, but finishing drives remains an issue. Still, this is a team that played to the wire and could climb fast with cleaner execution.
⏳ Potential is there — polish isn’t yet.
🔻 7. San Antonio Brahmas (0-1)
Last Game: L 9–33 vs. Arlington Renegades
Trending: ⬇️
The Brahmas were outmatched from the start, both physically and mentally. Penalties, missed tackles, and poor execution buried them. They’ll need to regroup quickly before Week 2 turns into a freefall.
❌ No rhythm, no discipline, no identity (yet).
🔻 8. Houston Roughnecks (0-1)
Last Game: L 6–31 vs. St. Louis Battlehawks
Trending: ⬇️⬇️
There’s no sugarcoating it — this was the worst performance of Week 1. The Roughnecks were blown out, out-coached, and outplayed. They’ll need a total reset on both sides of the ball to bounce back.
🛑 Total system reboot needed in Houston.
📊 UFL Week 1 Power Rankings Summary
| Rank | Team | Record | Week 1 Result | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Battlehawks | 1-0 | W 31–6 vs HOU | ⬆️ |
| 2️⃣ | Defenders | 1-0 | W 18–11 vs BHAM | ⬆️⬆️ |
| 3️⃣ | Renegades | 1-0 | W 33–9 vs SA | ⬆️ |
| 4️⃣ | Stallions | 0-1 | L 11–18 vs DC | ⬇️ |
| 5️⃣ | Panthers | 1-0 | W 18–16 vs MEM | ⬆️ |
| 6️⃣ | Showboats | 0-1 | L 16–18 vs MICH | ↔️ |
| 7️⃣ | Brahmas | 0-1 | L 9–33 vs ARL | ⬇️ |
| 8️⃣ | Roughnecks | 0-1 | L 6–31 vs STL | ⬇️⬇️ |
🌟 Week 1 Superlatives
- 🏆 Player of the Week: Kalen Ballage (Renegades) – 77-yard TD, UFL record
- 💪 Defensive Standout: DC front seven – 7 sacks, game-winner
- 🚀 Breakout QB: Manny Wilkins Jr. (Battlehawks) – total command
- 🎯 Clutch Performer: Matt McCrane (Defenders) – 3-for-3 on FGs
🧠 What We Learned:
- The Battlehawks are legit contenders with Wilkins at QB
- The Defenders’ defense is the real deal under Shannon Harris
- Arlington’s ground game is terrifying with Ballage leading the charge
- The Stallions are vulnerable, but still dangerous
- The Roughnecks and Brahmas need immediate answers
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