2025 UFL Season: Week 1 Players of the Week
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Week 1 of the UFL is finally complete and the 2nd season of the merged love child of the USFL and XFL steams ahead despite labor disputes, threats of a sit out, and the Rock no showing, all eight teams took to the field with hopes of a championship season. With the season beginning Alt-Football Digest took it upon themselves to hand out Player of the Week honors for those who have distinguished themselves from their peers.
Offensive Player of the Week: Jacob Saylors RB St. Louis Battlehawks 16 Carries 98 Yds 1 TD, 4 Receptions 47 Yds
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Saylors gets the nod due to his workload this week. The All-UFL RB was an asset on the ground and through the air, totaling 145 yards on 20 touches. Saylors provided the Battlehawks the ability to settle Wilkins into his first start of the season and paired with a 1-2 punch with Jarveon Howard could exceed his production from 2024.
Honorable Mention: Kalen Ballage RB Arlington Renegades, De’Veon Smith RB Arlington Renegades, Bryce Perkins QB Michigan Panthers, Manny Wilkins QB St. Louis Battlehawks
Defensive Player of the Week: Anthony Hines LB D.C. Defenders 6 Tkls, 2.0 Sacks, 2 TFLs, 1 FR
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The stars were out on the defensive side of the ball in the UFL, but in my opinion Anthony Hines’ burned the brightest. The Defenders LB was the leader on the field for D.C. leading an attack that got to Alex McGough 8 times and had him running for his life all game. Hines’ performance and leadership gives him the edge over so many other great competitors this week.
Honorable Mention: Garrett Marino Michigan Panthers, Frank Ginda Michigan Panthers, Pita Taumoepenu St. Louis Battlehawks, Kai Nacua Michigan Panthers, Derick Roberson D.C. Defenders
Special Teams Player of the Week: Matt McCrane 4/4 Long of 53
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McCrane fresh off his successful 2024 picked up where he left off in Week One. The veteran of 2020 XFL, went 4 of 4 against the Birmingham Stallions with a long of 53. McCrane’s output should bode well for the Defenders who continue to find their footing under the new regime of Shannon Harris as Head Coach.
Honorable Mention: Matt Coghlin Kicker Memphis Showboats, Deon Cain Birmingham Stallions, Anthony McFarland San Antonio Brahmas
