Week 2 of the 2025 United Football League (UFL) season showcased intense matchups, with defenses taking center stage and teams striving to establish their dominance. Here’s a comprehensive look at the week’s action:

Stallions Rebound with Defensive Mastery

The Birmingham Stallions bounced back from their Week 1 defeat by overpowering the Michigan Panthers 21–12 at Ford Field. Despite losing starting quarterback Alex McGough early in the game, backup Matt Corral stepped up, delivering a crucial fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Deon Cain. The Stallions’ defense was relentless, recording three sacks and forcing multiple turnovers, effectively stifling the Panthers’ offensive efforts. Michigan’s decision to alternate quarterbacks Bryce Perkins and Danny Etling raised questions about their offensive strategy and consistency.

Defenders Edge Showboats in Defensive Standoff

In a game where defenses dominated, the D.C. Defenders narrowly defeated the Memphis Showboats 17–12 at Audi Field. The first half was a battle of field goals, with both teams struggling to find the end zone. Memphis quarterback E.J. Perry’s 16-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter briefly gave the Showboats the lead. However, the Defenders responded with a touchdown pass from Jordan Ta’amu to Ben Bresnahan, followed by a successful two-point conversion. A critical blocked field goal by Devonnsha Maxwell in the closing minutes sealed the victory for D.C., highlighting their defensive resilience.

Renegades Triumph in Defensive Duel

The Arlington Renegades secured a hard-fought 11–9 victory over the Houston Roughnecks at Choctaw Stadium. Both defenses were formidable, making offensive progress challenging. Renegades quarterback Luis Perez managed the game efficiently, completing 19 of 27 passes for 198 yards and a touchdown. Houston’s offense struggled to establish rhythm, with quarterback Nolan Henderson completing 14 of 33 passes and facing relentless pressure from Arlington’s defense. The game underscored the defensive strengths of both teams and the challenges their offenses need to address moving forward.

Battlehawks Command Home Opener

The St. Louis Battlehawks delivered a commanding performance in their home opener, defeating the San Antonio Brahmas 26–9 at The Dome at America’s Center. Running back Jacob Saylors was instrumental, recording three touchdowns and accumulating 72 all-purpose yards. The Battlehawks’ defense was equally impressive, forcing crucial turnovers and limiting the Brahmas to a single touchdown and a field goal. This victory propels St. Louis to a 2–0 start, signaling their strong intentions for the season.

Attendance Figures Show Positive Trend

The UFL witnessed an uptick in attendance during Week 2, signaling growing fan engagement:

• Michigan Panthers: 10,049 attendees at Ford Field, surpassing last year’s team high.
• D.C. Defenders: 13,142 fans at Audi Field, an increase from their home opener.
• Arlington Renegades: 9,582 spectators at Choctaw Stadium, slightly down from Week 1.
• St. Louis Battlehawks: A robust 32,115 fans filled The Dome at America’s Center, maintaining their reputation for strong home support.

The average attendance for Week 2 was 16,222, a significant rise from Week 1’s average of 8,446, reflecting the league’s growing popularity.

As the UFL progresses, teams are showcasing their strengths and addressing their weaknesses, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.