UFL Week 1 2025: Defenders Dominate Stallions, Runners Rewrite Records in Explosive Opening Weekend

Defensive Dominance: DC Stuns Champions

The UFL's opening weekend delivered fireworks as the DC Defenders (1-0) dismantled defending champion Birmingham Stallions (0-1) in a defensive clinic. Under new coordinator Gregg Williams, DC recorded eight sacks while limiting QB Alex McGough to just 89 passing yards. Linebacker Anthony Hines III and DE Derick Roberson each notched two sacks in the 24-13 statement win.

"Their pressure packages completely disrupted our rhythm," admitted Stallions coach Skip Holtz, who kept McGough in despite his struggles. The decision leaves Birmingham with quarterback questions heading into Week 2.

Ground Game Revolution

Running backs stole the spotlight as two UFL rushing records fell in 18 hours:

1. St. Louis' Jarveon Howard opened the season with a 74-yard TD scamper, finishing with 115 yards in the Battlehawks' 38-17 rout of Houston
2. Arlington's Kalen Ballage responded with a 77-yard record-breaker, amassing 110 yards on just 9 carries against San Antonio

Key Stats:

• 273 rushing yards by St. Louis (most in Week 1)
• 4 rushing TDs by Battlehawks
• Ballage becomes first player with 100-yard games in both NFL and UFL

Secondary Standouts

Michigan's Kai Nacua iced their 27-12 win over Memphis with an 80-yard pick-six, showcasing the Panthers' defensive improvements. The All-UFL safety now has 4 INTs in his last 10 games.

Week 2 Watchlist

• Birmingham at Michigan: Can the Stallions avoid 0-2?
• DC at St. Louis: Clash of Week 1's most impressive teams
• Ballage vs. Houston's leaky run defense

Note: The UFL's Century Club now includes seven members after Week 1, halfway to 2024's season total of five 100-yard rushing games.