DC Defenders emerge as UFL’s surprise powerhouse

Three weeks into the 2025 UFL season, the DC Defenders (3-0) have stunned the league as the lone undefeated team. Under interim head coach Shannon Harris, they dominated the previously unbeaten St. Louis Battlehawks (2-1) 27-15 at The Dome at America’s Center, drawing a crowd of 30,014. Harris warned of heightened expectations postgame: “We’ve put a huge bull’s eye on our back. The job demands more now.”

Battlehawks eye redemption and championship ambitions

St. Louis’ Week 10 rematch in Washington offers a chance to avenge their loss. Adding fuel to their fire, the UFL announced during halftime that St. Louis will host the league championship for the second consecutive year. The Battlehawks, yet to reach the title game, now have dual motivation: toppling the Defenders and securing a historic playoff berth.

Stallions rally, hand renegades first loss

In a thrilling showdown, the defending champion Birmingham Stallions (2-1) overcame the Arlington Renegades (2-1) with a comeback victory at Protective Stadium. The win solidified Birmingham’s resilience, while handing legendary coach Bob Stoops his first defeat of the season.

As the UFL season unfolds, the Defenders’ meteoric rise and St. Louis’ championship hosting rights have injected fresh drama into the league, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive playoff race.