2025 UFL Season: Week 1 St. Louis Battlehawks at Houston Roughnecks Game Preview
The UFL is officially back for the 2025 season as it all kicks off in H-Town with the St. Louis Battlehawks and the Houston Roughnecks on Friday night.
St. Louis finished last season with a 7-3 overall record and hosted the XFL Conference title game before losing to the San Antonio Brahmas. They enter the season with all the same pieces in place except their starting quarterback, A.J. McCarron, and offensive coordinator Bruce Gradkowski.
Houston had a season to forget in 2024, as the Roughnecks finished with the worst record in the league, going 1-9, with their only win coming against the Arlington Renegades. New general manager Will Lewis cleaned house with about half the roster and brought in all new players to turn the season around, starting at quarterback with Anthony Brown.
Game Details
Location: TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas
Date and Time: Friday, March 28 at 7:00 pm CST
Network: FOX
Betting Odds via DraftKings: Battlehawks -6, O/U 37.5
Injury Report
Despite dealing with a left hamstring injury, star receiver Hakeem Butler appears to be good to go to play in Week 1. The Roughnecks will be without offensive tackle T.J. Bradley (left ankle and left knee) and linebacker Xavier Benson (illness) for the game.
Depth Chart
While Manny Wilkins is listed as the starter for St. Louis at quarterback, Max Duggan will most likely get some reps as well. Frank Darby will make his debut in the starting lineup bringing an interesting twist to the offense with former NFL receiver Denzel Mims backing up Butler. The Battlehawks’ front seven is all pretty much the same starters from a season ago which is a massive advantage for a unit needed continuity.
Unsurprisingly, Brown is the starter at quarterback for the Roughnecks, as he has NFL experience; however, Nolan Henderson could see playing time in specific packages due to his athletic abilities. At running back, Lorenzo Lingard gets the start with him, and Kirk Merritt should split carries. Watch the edges for Houston with Christopher Allen and Eyabi Okie-Anoma replacing Chris Odom with some big shoes to fill.
Keys to Roughnecks Win
Brown needs to be unleashed in this offense as he is fast and can rip the ball. His chemistry with receivers Justin Hall and Keke Chism will be crucial in getting the offense off to a quick start. This was one of the worst offenses in the UFL a season ago because of a lack of a running game and inconsistency at quarterback.
All eyes are on the secondary with former first-round pick Damon Arnette expected to shut down the number-one receiver on the Battlehawks, Butler. Arnette and All-UFL safety Markel Roby will need to create turnovers as St. Louis will attack through the passing game as that is their strength.
Keys to Battlehawks Win
Wilkins is a different type of quarterback from McCarron, being more mobile than he was a season ago. When he played last season, Wilkins was inconsistent, so he needs a strong start and to utilize his legs to secure his job. Duggan will need time to grow in the offense, but the good news is his offensive line is among the best, and the playmakers at receiver are impressive with Butler and Jahcour Pearson.
The front seven of the Battlehawks is their strength defensively, so forcing Brown to be uncomfortable and making the Roughnecks one-dimensional with just a passing game should be the route to take. Guys like Travis Feeney, Pita Taumoepenu, and Willie Harvey are elite pass rushers.
Prediction
It’s Week 1, so anything can happen, but this seems like a lock for who will win. The Battlehawks made the playoffs a season ago and appeared to improve with overall roster talent, except at the quarterback position. Houston has to find its identity as a team, which it never really did last year. St. Louis should get off to a good start with big offensive pass plays and turnovers created on defense to pick up win number one on the season.
