Alt-Football Digest’s UFL Week One Power Rankings
Week one in the UFL is in the books. I have solicited power rankings from some of the top minds here at Alt-Football Digest. Those who participated in the survey this week:
-John Lewis
-Anthony Miller
-Sam Just
-Mike Mitchell
-Pat Rifino
-Greg Parks
The collective rankings are based on a scoring system that awards eight points for a first place vote, seven for second, so on and so forth. These will be updated each week throughout the regular season. Select comments will follow each team’s place in the rankings.
To view the preseason power rankings we compiled, click here.
Please share your own Power Rankings and comments below!
T1. St. Louis Battlehawks (42 points - highest rank: 1 - lowest rank: 3)
St. Louis also received two first place votes. They were ranked fifth in our preseason rankings.
“St. Louis had the most convincing win of the weekend, and answered a lot of questions about the turnover on their roster. Seeing very little drop off with Manny Wilkins at QB. Time will tell if this is sustainable for the veteran spring football QB.” (SJ)
“The Manny Wilkins Show was ready for prime time against the Houston Roughnecks, even when we were all talking about Max Duggan as the star signal-caller. The Battlehawks defense toyed with Houston but could face a tougher test against San Antonio on Sunday.” (JL)
“No A.J. McCarron? No Bruce Gradkowski? No problem for St. Louis as quarterback Manny Wilkins was efficient and accurate with the ball while showing his athleticism. St. Louis offensive coordinator Phil McGeoghan called a perfect game with a nice balance of run and pass. Oh yes, the defense was spectacular all game, leaving many to believe the Battlehawks could finally get to the league title like many want them to.” (AM)
“St. Louis took care of business. But the result shouldn't have been in doubt going against the Houston Roughnecks. I'd like to see a bit more of elevated decision making from Manny Wilkins rather than taking off and running, along with a pass rush that is more aggressive during first and second down in the earlier quarters.” (PR)
“The legendary Benny Hill once proclaimed, 'Do onto others, then run.’ On Friday night, St. Louis did whatever they wanted against Houston, and then kept running all over them, to the tune of nearly 300 yards on the ground. It was a great debut for new offensive coordinator Phil McGeoghan and quarterback Manny Wilkins. The Battlehawks, who have won 14 games the last two seasons under Anthony Becht, are stepping up in class next Sunday, seeking revenge against San Antonio at home.” (MM)
“Even though their win was the most dominating, I can’t rank St. Louis number one because of the quality of opponent. Can St. Louis play this clean and this well against stronger competition? That said, they did exactly what good teams should do against weaker teams, which is to dominate.” (GP)
T1. Arlington Renegades (42 points - highest rank: 1 - lowest rank: 4)
Arlington received two first place votes. They ranked sixth in the preseason rankings.
“The 2023 XFL champions look to be a competetior once again in 2025. Perez looked dialed-in outside of one out-of-character poor decision that led to an INT. Perez may be a game manager-style QB, but he has the roster around him that can be a winning team as long as he limits turnovers and keeps the chains moving which is exactly what he does best.” (SJ)
“Quarterback Luis Perez said as long as he feels good and plays well, he’s going to keep going. He looks like he’s going to keep going. A solid game from Perez against the defending XFL Conference champion Brahmas coupled with what looks like a stronger defense has me believing in the blue.” (JL)
“Since covering the Renegades in 2020, their blowout win against San Antonio was the most impressive win I have seen from them. Perez was near perfect outside of the one pick, and Kalen Ballage dominated with a 77-yard touchdown run and over 100 yards in the game. Granted, the penalties need to be refined, but the Renegades picked up where they left off at the end of last year.” (AM)
“While many may want to give the Battlehawks the top spot, I had to hold my horses. The Renegades dominated the Brahmas, making San Antonio look inept in the trenches. I don't believe the passing attack is fully in sync yet, and when that happens Arlington could rebound mightily from their 3-7 2024.” (PR)
“Strength of victory is an on-going theme in week one of the UFL as Arlington sent a strong message in mastering last year's championship runner up San Antonio. Entering year number four in Spring pro football, Bob Stoops's Renegades have never looked more balanced than they did this past Saturday. Arlington dominated the line of scrimmage against San Antonio. The Brahmas were outplayed and outcoached in every respect. A vast departure from the inconsistent style of play the Renegades have played the last couple of seasons.” (MM)
“Of the teams that were victorious in week one, Arlington’s win was the most impressive, not only winning but thrashing a Brahmas team that appeared to rebuild into a contender once again in the off-season. “ (GP)
3. D.C. Defenders (37 points - highest rank: 1 - lowest rank: 4)
D.C. received one first place vote. They were fourth in our preseason rankings.
“The Defenders will likely slide higher up this list as the season goes on. Jordan Ta’amu looked to be knocking off some rust, while the defense looked stout. They played a very talented team in Birmingham but scoring just 18 points is not going to cut it every week. I expect that with each passing week the offense will only get better. It would not be a surprise if they end up as the top team on this ranking for several weeks this season. Considering they lost their head coach so close to the season, to come out firing was a good omen for their 2025 season.” (SJ)
“D.C. defensive coordinator Gregg Williams answered any kind of criticism he got about his team’s pass defense in 2024 by starting off 2025 completely stifling the Stallions. Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu and his chemistry with the receivers could develop even more, especially with a visit from the Showboats this weekend.” (JL)
“D.C. was about as impressive a team as we could have imagined. Defenders defensive coordinator Gregg Williams called the best game of his spring football career, and the offense did enough to keep the Stallions' offense off the field. Big credit to interim head coach Shannon Harris for having his team ready to play despite losing their head coach just a week before the season began.” (AM)
“Anytime you take on the three-time champs and win you deserve respect. However, there are still worries regarding the offensive line. Let’s see if Abram Smith is ready to take off in week two.” (PR)
“By my estimation, the Defenders had the strongest victory of any UFL squad to start the season, beating the league's best in Birmingham. Perhaps it's a case of catching a team at the right time, one that was breaking in an old quarterback returning after a two-year excursion and position change in the NFL. Nevertheless, D.C., who was doubted because of Reggie Barlow's late hour departure, for one day at least were the UFL's doorkeeper, preventing the Stallions from entering the 2025 season victorious. Moving forward, the Defenders will have to prove that week one wasn't an anomaly. But they couldn't have kicked down the door to a new campaign any more adeptly.” (MM)
“The Defenders’ victory over Birmingham was the most shocking of opening weekend (presented by New Era) but let’s not kid ourselves: Birmingham shot themselves in the foot numerous times, in ways Skip Holtz’s teams usually don’t do, and they still only lost by seven points. D.C.’s defense looked to be back to their 2023 form, but both the running game and the passing game need to improve.” (GP)
4. Michigan Panthers (35 points - highest rank: 1 - lowest rank: 4)
Michigan received one first place vote. They were tied for second in the preseason rankings.
“Michigan won their game but beat the Showboats to do so. Now a win is a win and I can’t rank them in the bottom half of the league when they are undefeated. Playing two quarterbacks due to injury was not helpful for their ranking and a lack of a run game in week one also hurt their standing. Their defense could be a big reason they are competitive this season. They have arguably the best defensive line in the league; get enough pressure on any quarterback and you will keep yourself in the running for any game.” (SJ)
“What’s not to like about the Panthers right now? Bryce Perkins looks like the real deal at QB and the continuity of returning more than two dozen players as well as the coaching staff showed on the field. Yes, they were playing the Memphis Showboats, but we can see what they have when they face Birmingham in the Friday night spotlight.” (JL)
“Mike Nolan's unit demonstrated once again what made them so successful a season ago: a balanced offense and a punishing defense. Quarterback Bryce Perkins looked like one of the best quarterbacks in the league with a defense that held up strong against the Showboats' rushing attack. Could this finally be the year the Panthers knock off the almighty Stallions in the USFL Conference?” (AM)
“I'd rank Michigan a tad higher if they widened the gap a bit between Memphis but that may just tell us the Showboats are better than expected. Right now, Bryce Perkins is "QBHIM" and should be respected as such. Danny Etling is a top 10 QB in spring football but unfortunately he's sitting behind a top three QB. Shout out to Garrett Marino, who dominated up front.” (PR)
“Michigan took care of business in week one on the road against Memphis. It's a game the Panthers had to win if they are to challenge for the USFL, and ultimately the UFL crown this season. They have a pivotal home showdown against Birmingham this Friday, in what could be a tone-setter for the 2025 season.” (MM)
“I’m not sure why Michigan insists on this two quarterback system. Bryce Perkins is clearly the guy and messing around trying to give Etling play time may come back to bite them at some point. A workmanlike victory against what appeared to be an improved Memphis team in week one sets Michigan for a big showdown against the team they’ll likely be battling against for the top spot in the USFL Conference standings once again this season.” (GP)
5. Birmingham Stallions (23 points - highest rank: 5 - lowest rank: 6)
Birmingham ranked first in the preseason rankings.
“Holy offensive line woes, Batman. What a disaster for the defending UFL champions. Make no mistake, they are still one of the most talented teams on paper, but if they can’t fix the offensive line, they may as well expect a rough season of watching whoever plays at QB running for their lives.” (SJ)
“It’s not time to hit the panic button, but Stallions fans have their hands hovering above it. D.C.’s defense made quarterback Alex McGough look like a rookie rather than a former league MVP. Head coach Skip Holtz might have a decision to make when they visit the Panthers on a short week Friday.” (JL)
“The offensive line in Birmingham is a problem after allowing eight sacks in their loss. Alex McGough may need another week or two to get comfortable in Skip Holtz's offense again. The Stallions were 3-2 after five games in 2023 and they won the USFL title so I'm not ready to count them out.” (AM)
“People will blame McGough, but when you watch the game you'll struggle to find a QB who could succeed with Birmingham’s offensive tackles. Alex Taylor and Christian DiLaurio looked inept and the missing pieces of Zack Johnson and Matt Kaskey are glaring. Look for McGough and company to rebound especially with another week of practice under Skip Holtz.” (PR)
“Despite uncharacteristic sloppy play from the defending champion Stallions, Birmingham still had a chance to steal one late against D.C. Ultimately, they couldn't overcome the rust shown by Alex McGough, or the deficiency displayed by their offensive line. It was a good wake-up call for Skip Holtz's squad, who since the 2022 season, hasn't played in the type of road environment they experienced on Sunday. Birmingham should be better for it moving forward but they have to iron out their kinks quickly with a short week heading into Michigan.” (MM)
“Thanks to the on-field audio provided by ESPN, the frustration of Skip Holtz and Alex McGough was palpable. Birmingham may finally be paying the price for putting the amount of players in the NFL they have in the last three years. That said, I’d be shocked if the Stallions didn’t right the ship, perhaps as soon as this Friday.” (GP)
6. San Antonio Brahmas (17 points - highest rank: 5 - lowest rank: 7)
They were tied for second in the preseason rankings.
“The Brahmas struggled offensively anytime players not named Anthony McFarland touched the ball. McFarland looked explosive but by the end of the game, he only had five touches. Kellen Mond struggled to find consistency in the passing game, and part of it was due to the penetration Arlington was getting on defense. Allowing nine negative plays on the day while being called for 11 penalties went a long way toward ending drives and helping Arlington take home the win.” (SJ)
“New quarterback Kellen Mond looked as if he was still adjusting, and that’s understandable. That’ll work itself out. The defense has some issues that need to be ironed out…and quick.” (JL)
“It was an odd showing for a Wade Phillips-led team as Kellen Mond struggled to get into a consistent rhythm and the defense got ripped apart on a big run play by Kalen Ballage and couldn't slow down the Renegades' offense. It's too early to count out San Antonio, but it all falls on Mond to get back to being the quarterback we know from at Texas A&M.” (AM)
“I do think the Brahmas rebound, but it starts with that defense. I think Wade Phillips needs to be on the sideline to get the best out of his team but we will see. San Antonio doesn't have much reprieve as they are set to take on St. Louis this weekend at the Dome.” (PR)
“Wade Phillips and his entire team looked listless in week one. It's as if they weren't ready to play, and it showed. Many will attribute the less than stellar showing to a hangover from last year's demoralizing meltdown in the UFL championship game. But the truth is the Brahmas looked like they didn't have a plan, and as a result, they got punched in the gut. How they respond in St. Louis will be very telling.” (MM)
“Like Birmingham, San Antonio is too talented to play this poorly over the long haul. Kellen Mond looked to have trouble with the sped-up play clock in the UFL. The poor defensive showing was one of the more surprising aspects of week one league-wide.” (GP)
7. Memphis Showboats (14 points - highest rank: 6 - lowest rank: 7)
They ranked seventh in the preseason rankings.
“Memphis has had a lot of turmoil this off-season. Switching head coaches after the 2024 season only to install an interim head coach for week one, followed by Ken Whisenhunt returning for week two. Their home field advantage is minimal at best and they need work in a lot of areas. I had them pegged as a team that could be one of the most improved but after week one, they have a ways to go to make that prediction accurate. Neither QB seemed to get anything going.” (SJ)
“The Showboats looked better in a loss than they have in recent memory. Despite the turmoil of losing a coach before the season and having to host the USFL Conference runners-up, this team was competitive in a 26-12 loss to the Panthers (which included a desperation throw at the end of the game that went for a pick-six). This Showboats team is intriguing after week one.” (JL)
“Credit to Showboats interim head coach Jim Turner, as his team was prepared and within striking distance of tying the game before a late-game interception sealed the outcome. The offense is inconsistent, but defensive coordinator Jarren Horton has that unit playing well, which will help keep them in games this season.” (AM)
“There are no moral victories in football, but you can't ignore Memphis putting together a gritty effort. The Showboats fought and, after getting comfortable in Jarren Horton's system, looked to embrace the bend-but-don't-break mentality. T.J. Vernieri looked to finally get comfortable as a play caller as well, especially with EJ Perry at the helm.” (PR)
“Unlike the D.C. Defenders, the Showboats were unable to course correct quickly after their captain abruptly jumped ship. Memphis, did however, show some fight, particularly with a defense helmed by Jarren Horton. But it wasn't enough to overcome Michigan. The Showboats are not completely dead in the water, but with three of its next four games on the road against D.C., Michigan, and Birmingham, their chances to not repeat last year's free-fall could drown quickly.” (MM)
“For a team with as many off-season roster changes as Memphis had, in addition to breaking in a brand-new offensive and defensive system, the Showboats looked quite competent against the Panthers. That’s a low bar to be sure, but one that wasn’t always met last year.” (GP)
8. Houston Roughnecks (8 points)
All voters had Houston ranked eighth. That is where they ranked in the preseason poll as well.
“Houston produced just 170 total yards of offense, and six points on the day despite only logging three penalties in what amounted to the most pitiful showing of the weekend. Curtis Johnson’s seat should feel very hot after week one. St. Louis is among the most talented teams in the league but Houston certainly helped them out along the way.” (SJ)
“C.J. Johnson can use Bruce Coslet’s quote, possibly after each game this season: ‘We can’t run. We can’t pass. We can’t stop the run. We can’t stop the pass. We can’t kick. Other than that, we’re just not a very good football team right now.’” (JL)
“Curtis Johnson coaches them—nothing more to say.” (AM)
“This is a bad football team that’s coached by a bad football coach and offensive coordinator. Nolan Henderson and Justin Hall are the only players that could play on other UFL teams. C.J. Johnson only has a job due to the lack of coaches, leaving short notice.” (PR)
“The Roughnecks are making the case for being the worst team in the modern era of Spring pro football. Kirby Wilson's 2022 Pittsburgh Maulers and the 2023 Orlando Guardians led by Terrell Buckley would've wiped the floor with this Houston team. C.J. Johnson and his squad were comically bad on Friday night, resembling a semi-pro team who looked like they were playing flag football in a parking lot. The Roughnecks defense in particular played like they were on strike. It was an embarrassing display. The league office spared Johnson after last year's 1-9 debacle, but if they have any self-respect, they'd make a change immediately. Time to pull the plug and insert Tom Cable.” (MM)
“Somehow, this Roughnecks team came out of the gate looking worse than last year. The league literally cannot afford to have a team this bad playing week-in and week-out on national cable or network television.” (GP)