Inside the UFL: Expert Takes on All 8 Teams Before Week 1

The UFL kicks off on Friday.

ESPN, FOX and ABC will air four games each weekend through the end of May.

I recorded podcast episodes with three experts to get an overview of the league.

Cody Main - Director of Niche Sports at Establish the Run 

James Larsen - UFL Journalist and Insider for Pro Football Newsroom

Jake Tribbey - UFL Analyst for Fantasy Points

The three of them provided a great perspective of inside league info and professional fantasy sports analysis.

The episodes are available to listen in full here on Apple or Spotify.

Below is a combined summary of their thoughts on each team entering the season.

St. Louis Battlehawks:

• Cody and Jake are aligned: QB1 Manny Wilkins is a threat with his legs but nowhere near AJ McCarron as a passer. Max Duggan may eventually start, but this offense will take time to find its identity.

• James believes Max Duggan will eventually get the nod as full time starter, but notes there's real uncertainty about the QB battle.

• Jake is cautious: the loss of OC Bruce Gradkowski and a new playcaller could cap this offense early despite an NFL-pedigree receiving corps.

San Antonio Brahmas:

• All three agree: Kellen Mond is the likely starter, but there's skepticism due to him not starting in five years.

• Cody cites poor NFL preseason accuracy (56.2%) as a red flag for executing OC AJ Smith's high-precision offense.

• Jake expects a run-heavy approach with Mond’s rushing upside and a talented backfield (McFarland, Lovett) masking QB limitations.

• James suggests the Brahmas have quiet confidence, but even he concedes the offense may look similar to 2024’s ground-heavy unit.

Birmingham Stallions:

• Jake, Cody, and James all trust Skip Holtz more than any other coach in the league. But they’re not blind to the risk of replacing the reigning MVP QB.

• Alex McGough hasn’t played quarterback in 22 months after a pro stint at WR. Still, he was the 2023 USFL MVP with this same coach and scheme.

• Cody warns of a possible early-season timeshare with Matt Corral.

• Jake notes McGough’s efficiency but flags the danger of assuming a clean return to form.

DC Defenders:

• All eyes are on RB Abram Smith’s health. No video evidence yet, and that has Jake nervous.

• Cody emphasizes DC’s identity is built around running the ball, playing ahead, and blitzing relentlessly. If they fall behind, they struggle.

• James notes Smith’s health is crucial — without him, this isn’t the 2023 DC team. Couldn’t get through by phone to any DC coaches.

• Concern about early season performance with HC Reggie Barlow walking out on team last minute.

Memphis Showboats:

• James and Jake agree: 75% roster turnover and a new coaching staff are a good thing after a disastrous 2024.

• QB battle between EJ Perry and Troy Williams, leans toward Perry.

• Cody isn’t optimistic mobile QB play will be enough to mask offensive line concerns.

• Much of the turnaround optimistic was based on head coach Ken Whisenhunt, but now he has left the team, nobody has the same expectations.

• Nobody on the team staff has play caller experience.

Michigan Panthers:

• Bryce Perkins is the X-factor. Jake calls him the most efficient spring football QB in recent history.

• Cody is “down on his knees” hoping that Mike Nolan makes Perkins the full time starter.

• Etling is a downgrade. Michigan could go from #2 in Jake’s ratings to #4 if he starts.

• Michigan’s defense is elite, returns 10 starters and could be the best in the league.

Arlington Renegades:

• All three analysts are bullish on the Renegades in 2025.

• Jake: "Luis Perez is the spring king. Returning nearly 100% of WR production, plus RB1 and added NFL calibre weapons.

• Cody sees a continuity edge: same HC, OC, QB, and top skill players.

• Early-season value at 11-1 to win the title.

Houston Roughnecks:

• No one likes head coach CJ Johnson.

• Jake outright calls him the worst coach in the league: dishonest about depth charts, poor in-game strategy.

• Nolan Henderson the best option at QB to start, mobility can mask scheme issues.

• Sneaky good group of skill position players who were under utilized due to the team not having QB stability last season.

My league preview of each team will be sent out on Tuesday.