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Fox Sports
6 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Battlehawks shining ahead of playoffs highlights UFL storylines from Week 10
St. Louis Battlehawks head coach Anthony Becht achieved the two biggest goals that he set before the start of the 2025 UFL season — make the playoffs and win home games. After finishing the regular season on a six-game winning streak and with a UFL-best 8-2 record, the Battlehawks won't have to leave the city of St. Louis as they continue their quest to win a championship. St. Louis hosts the DC Defenders on Sunday in the XFL Conference Championship Game on FOX, and the winner will compete for the UFL title against either the Birmingham Stallions or the Michigan Panthers , who will face off earlier in the day in the USFL Conference Championship Game. Both the XFL and UFL championships will take place at The Dome at America's Center. The Battlehawks averaged a league-best 30,000 fans at home games this season. "We're incredibly grateful to be in this position, and we're excited for next week's game in St. Louis," Becht said. Becht sat the majority of his starters, including QB Max Duggan and RB Jacob Saylors , in a narrow Week 10 victory over the Defenders. In the other postseason game, the defending champion Stallions host the Panthers. Birmingham crushed the Memphis Showboats on the road in Week 10, while the Panthers fell to the Houston Roughnecks at home. Elsewhere, the Arlington Renegades scratched back to the .500 mark with a win over the San Antonio Brahmas . Here's a look at other storylines from Week 10: It's the Tae Crowder show! Crowder led a Birmingham defense that forced two turnovers, totaled three sacks and held Memphis to 201 total yards in the final game of the regular season. The Stallions' standout linebacker was responsible for both takeaways, as he became the first player in UFL history to account for two pick-sixes in a single game. Birmingham's 46 points scored are the most the Stallions have scored in franchise history during the regular season. Crowder's first interception came off a tipped pass from defensive lineman Carlos Davis, with the Georgia product hauling in the deflection and weaving his way past the Showboats for a score. On the second pick for a score — this one from 75 yards — Crowder faked a pitch to teammate Chapelle Russell, fooling Memphis receiver Isiah Hennie and creating space for him to scoot into the end zone. "I feel like the coaches do a great job of working the turnover drills throughout the week," Crowder said. "And we're just flying around as a defense, and it paid off today." In their last home game of the season, the Panthers paid tribute to one of their star players from last season, handing out bobbleheads of Bates to the first 2,000 fans who attended their game against the Roughnecks. Bates went 17-for-22 on field goals for the Panthers last season. That included going 7-for-11 from at least 50 yards and 3-for-4 from 60-plus yards. His 64-yard, game-winning field goal last season is the longest in UFL history. The impressive performance earned him a job as kicker for the NFL's Detroit Lions, going 26-for-29 on field goals last season, with a long of 58 yards in his rookie season. "My life and my family's life [have] changed forever because of this league and this team giving me an opportunity to keep chasing a dream," Bates said about the UFL and the Panthers. "It's just so cool to see … the way the league has continued to grow. I'm going to be the biggest supporter of it forever because it did so much for me, and I'm so thankful for it." The Panthers' replacement for Bates this season is B.T. Potter. He is 11-for-16 on the year, with a long of 56 yards. Arlington QB Luis Perez finishes season as UFL passing leader With UFL MVP frontrunner and Defenders QB Jordan Ta'amu resting in Week 10 in preparation for the postseason, Perez overtook the Ole Miss product as the league's passing leader for a second straight season with a sizzling performance in a Week 10 win over the Brahmas. Perez went 26-for-32 (81%) for 283 yards. The San Diego native, not known for his running ability, also ran for a 7-yard touchdown. For the season, Perez totaled a league-high 2,298 passing yards, with nine touchdown passes and five interceptions. Perez led the UFL last season with 2,307 passing yards. Even with the big numbers, Perez still failed to get the Renegades into the playoffs for a second straight year. Arlington head coach Bob Stoops did not attend the game due to a leg injury suffered during practice this week. Renegades offensive coordinator Chuck Long served as interim head coach. Houston head coach C.J. Johnson got a suffocating performance from his defense to help the Roughnecks finish at the .500 mark to end the year. Houston forced four turnovers and held Michigan to 12 points defensively. Panthers head coach Mike Nolan didn't play starting QB Bryce Perkins, who's recovering from an ankle injury and working to get fully healthy for the playoffs. Instead, Nolan started third-stringer Rocky Lombardi and played backup Danny Etling. The Roughnecks finished tied with St. Louis for the league-lead in takeaways (17). J'Mar Smith appears to have seized the starting job for the Stallions, who are looking to earn a fourth consecutive pro spring football championship, with his stellar play over the past three weeks. He has completed 65% of his passes for 758 yards, six touchdowns and just one interception in three starts, two of those ending in victories for Birmingham. However, with Alex McGough (shoulder) and Matt Corral (abdomen) potentially making a healthy return next week and both ahead of Smith on the depth chart to start the year, Holtz will have options heading into the postseason. Andrew Peasley served as the backup for Smith and got some playing time in the second half, allowing Holtz to get a closer look at the overall depth of his QB room. Case Cookus was the No. 3, emergency QB over the weekend. "With the way the game got, it gave us an opportunity to put him (Peasley) in there and give him a little bit of game experience to be able to evaluate him a little bit," Holtz said. "We're getting ready to make some decisions on what that quarterback room is going to look like for the playoffs." Eric D. Williams has reported on the NFL for more than a decade, covering the Los Angeles Rams for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Chargers for ESPN and the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma News Tribune. Follow him at @eric_d_williams . Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily ! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience United Football League recommended Get more from United Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Fox Sports
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Five things to watch for in Week 8 of the 2025 UFL season
Since the start of the 2025 UFL season, St. Louis Battlehawks head coach Anthony Becht has been preparing his team for this weekend's matchup. Becht has built the Battlehawks to win an UFL title, St. Louis will have to dethrone the current champion Birmingham Stallions in order to do that. They'll get an opportunity to see if they're up to that task this weekend when they host the Stallions at The Dome at America's Center on Saturday (1 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app). "They're the reigning champions, so if you want to be where they are, you've got to take it from them," Becht said. [MORE: What is the UFL? Everything to know about the 2025 United Football League ] The Stallions won the first and only matchup between these two franchises last season, a 30-26 victory in Birmingham in Week 7 of the regular season. St. Louis failed to make it to the championship game last year, losing to the San Antonio Brahmas in the XFL Conference title game, 25-15. However, with both teams sitting at 5-2 and tied for the lead atop their respective conferences, Saturday's game could be a preview of this year's championship tilt. The Battlehawks hope to play in that one, with the highly anticipated contest taking place in St. Louis. However, Becht understands there's still a lot of work to do. "We know how good Birmingham is, but we're a good team, too," Becht said. "They're going to have to worry about us as well, so it's going to be a great matchup." Elsewhere, the Brahmas (1-6) kick things off by hosting the Memphis Showboats (1-6) on Friday (8 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app). On Saturday, the Michigan Panthers (5-2) hit the road to face the Houston Roughnecks (3-4) in a game that'll be broadcast simultaneously (1 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app) alongside Stallions-Battlehawks. Things come to a close with the DC Defenders (5-2) hosting the Arlington Renegades (3-4) on Sunday (noon ET). Here's a closer look at five things to watch for in Week 8: 1. Alex McGough returns, but J'Mar Smith to start for Stallions Out since suffering a separated shoulder in Week 2, Birmingham's starting quarterback McGough returned to practice this week, giving head coach Skip Holtz a tough decision to make as to who to start against St. Louis in an all-important contest with huge postseason implications. Last week's starter, Case Cookus, could not finish the game due to an injured elbow on his throwing arm. Cookus has also been nursing a balky knee and was limited in practice this week. Smith, who helped lead Birmingham to a USFL title in 2022, subbed in for Cookus and helped lead the Stallions to a comeback victory over Houston in Week 7. Backup QB Andrew Peasley also returned to practice this week after suffering a knee injury in Week 6. The Stallions released Jalen Morton to make room on the roster for McGough. Holtz says he's carrying four QBs on the roster this week because he doesn't know who's healthy enough to play, but Smith will get the start against the Battlehawks. "The only healthy guy I've got right now is J'Mar Smith," Holtz said. "He's the healthiest quarterback right now and gives us the best chance to win." 2. QB Troy Williams to start for Showboats The quarterback carousel churned again for Memphis, as interim head coach Jim Turner made the decision to start Williams this weekend against the Brahmas. Williams split time with E.J. Perry to start the year. The Utah product has played in three games, making one start and completing 16 of 27 passes for 180 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception. Perry will serve as the backup and Dresser Winn, who started the last three games but missed practice time this week with a knee injury, will serve as the emergency third-string quarterback. The Showboats will also be without running back Wes Hills due to a calf issue. For San Antonio, star running back Anthony McFarland (shoulder) and receiver Mathew Sexton (hamstring) are inactive. 3. UFL's leading tackler Frank Ginda out for year with shoulder injury Michigan will have to play the rest of the season without its leading tackler after Ginda was placed on IR due to a left shoulder injury. Ginda leads the league with 61 combined tackles, including four tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. The Panthers already lost last year's UFL Defensive Player of the Year in edge rusher Breeland Speaks when he was placed on IR with an unspecified injury. However, the Panthers did get an explosive playmaker back, with running back Matt Colburn returning to the active roster after missing five games because of a shoulder issue. To make room, the Panthers waived running back Jaden Sheridan, who was claimed by the Brahmas. 4. WR Jacob Harris returns to action for San Antonio Speaking of the Brahmas, one of the team's leading receivers will return to action this week. Big-bodied pass catcher Harris returned to the active roster this week after missing Week 7 because of a foot injury. A fourth-round selection by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2021 NFL Draft, Harris spent two seasons in L.A. and one year with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Harris leads San Antonio with 247 receiving yards on 15 receptions, averaging 16.5 yards per catch. Kevin Hogan is set to make his third start at quarterback for San Antonio. The Brahmas also waived safety BoPete Keys (hamstring) this week. St. Louis signed a familiar face to the roster, adding depth to the defensive backfield with the addition of Micah Abraham. A sixth-round selection by the Indianapolis Colts last season, he was cut during final roster cuts. He spent part of the 2024 season on the practice squad with the Cincinnati Bengals and signed a deal with the team in January. However, he was released by the Bengals this week. Micah Abraham, 24, finished with 150 combined tackles and 12 interceptions during his college career at Marshall. He joins a St. Louis defense that's allowed just one touchdown over the last two games. To make room on the roster, the Battlehawks waived LB Olakunle Fatukasi. Eric D. Williams has reported on the NFL for more than a decade, covering the Los Angeles Rams for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Chargers for ESPN and the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma News Tribune. Follow him at @eric_d_williams . Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily ! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience United Football League recommended Get more from United Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Fox Sports
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Ranking 2026 QB draft class: Is Arch Manning clear-cut No. 1 of a stacked bunch?
If you are wondering why quarterback-needy teams like the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams decided to acquire multiple first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, it's due to the spectacular collection of quarterbacks in next year's class. Though the draft has been dubbed "the Arch Manning Sweepstakes" due to the anticipated entry of the Texas standout, the 2026 class features a talented collection of passers and playmakers with the potential to emerge as franchise QB at the next level. While the 2025 class did not garner rave reviews from evaluators looking for a QB1, the upcoming crop of quarterbacks could provide teams with plenty of options to address their needs. Whether it is a classic drop-back passer ideally suited to play in a traditional pro-style system or a mobile playmaker with the arm talent and athleticism to produce explosive plays as a dual-threat, the 2026 class will likely feature a smorgasbord of playmakers who appeal to team builders around the league. After taking a few days to conduct an extensive film study on the group, here's an early preview of the quarterback prospects who have scouts salivating over the 2026 class. 8. Rocco Becht, Iowa State (6-1, 210) Scouts looking for a hidden gem could find the Iowa State gunslinger intriguing based on his performance and production with the Cyclones. Becht picks apart defenses with surgical precision, executing a quick-rhythm offense that features a variety of "dink-and-dunk" concepts. While his inconsistencies with his accuracy and ball placement must improve in 2025, Becht's hot streaks provide a glimpse at his potential as a distributor in a rhythm offense that relies on a "catch-and-throw" wizard at the position. After making a surprising transfer to "The U," Beck could erase a disappointing 2024 campaign to re-emerge as a viable QB1 candidate with a strong performance with the Hurricanes. He certainly possesses the tools and talent to warrant consideration as a first-round pick, but he must show the consistency and accuracy that piqued the interest of scouts in 2023. As a classic drop-back passer with quick release and plus arm talent, Beck spins it with the best of them in a throwing competition. Moreover, the fifth-year senior's intangibles and toughness could make him an attractive option for a team looking for an experienced prospect with the potential to flourish as a pro in the right system. The talented playmaker is a dynamic offensive weapon with polished passing skills and explosive running ability. Measuring at good size with plus arm talent and athleticism, Klubnik is a scheme-friendly fit for any system. He has flashed franchise player potential at Clemson in his two-plus years starting, directing an offense that showcases his talents as a dual-threat. Though he needs another year of experience to continue his mastery of situational football, Klubnik's spectacular moments could intrigue a team builder looking for a mobile playmaker with QB1 potential. Despite entering the college football season viewed as Public Enemy No. 1, Iamaleava possesses the physical tools scouts covet in a franchise quarterback. From his quick release to his limitless range as a deep-ball passer to his crafty running skills, Iamaleava is the mobile playmaker that enables offensive playcallers to utilize a mix of RPOs, bootlegs and traditional dropback passes prominently in the game plan. With the polarizing figure showing pinpoint accuracy and ball placement on vertical throws and in-breaking routes, he could force evaluators to look past his contract squabble with Tennessee to appreciate him as an elite QB prospect. The slender gunslinger is an efficient dink-and-dunk passer with underrated deep-ball prowess that forces opponents to defend the entire field. Nussmeier is ideally suited to play in a quick-rhythm offense that enables him to pepper the defense with touch and timing throws at intermediate range, but also flashes the arm strength and range to push the ball down the field on various vertical throws that exploit and expose nosy safeties creeping to the line. Given his high IQ, pedigree and processing skills, Nussmeier could skyrocket up the charts as a QB1 candidate in the 2026 class. The dynamic dual-threat playmaker fits the NFL's new prototype for the position as an athletic quarterback with A-plus arm talent and athleticism. Sellers' rugged game forces opponents to deal with a relatively big power runner who flashes big-play potential as a downfield passer. As more NFL teams embrace and showcase big-bodied quarterbacks with dual-threat potential, Sellers' ability to move the chains as a runner and thrower could make him the hottest commodity in scouting circles by the end of the 2026 season. The two-year starter is the prototype for the position as a classic drop-back passer with plus arm talent and nimble feet. Allar is a dart thrower from the pocket, with the touch, timing and anticipation to throw pass-catchers open from short and intermediate ranges. As a high-end game manager with playmaking ability, the Penn State standout can seamlessly transition from a pass-first point guard to scorer in an offense that relies on the quarterback to make good decisions with the ball in his hands. Though his costly miscues in the College Football Playoff have led to some concerns about his performance in the clutch, Allar can silence his critics with a strong 2025 campaign that puts him in a position to emerge as a viable candidate for the No. 1 overall pick. Despite only two career starts, Manning is currently positioned to be the No. 1 overall pick due to his talent, tools and pedigree. The nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning is more talented than his uncles, with more power and pop as a passer. Manning flashes big-play potential as a passer and runner with the ability to produce explosives from inside and outside the pocket. Though his lack of game experience could leave him unprepared for the speed and complexity of the pro game, the presumed QB1 of the class could follow the established Manning blueprint and wait until 2027 to pursue his NFL dreams. Bucky Brooks is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He also breaks down the game for NFL Network and as a cohost of the "Moving the Sticks" podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BuckyBrooks. recommended Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Fox News
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Five things to watch for in Week 6 of the 2025 UFL season
The St. Louis Battlehawks have work to do. Head coach Anthony Becht said at the start of the year that he believed the Battlehawks built a roster that could win the 2025 UFL Championship Game, which takes place on June 14 in front of his team's hometown fans in St. Louis. [MORE: What is the UFL? Everything to know about the 2025 United Football League] If the playoffs started today, however, the Battlehawks would miss out and be watching from home. "We've got a huge game next week against a divisional opponent," Becht said. "And I'm just asking everyone to bring a friend." The contest Becht is referring to is the opening game of Week 6, with the Battlehawks hosting the Arlington Renegades in an all-important XFL Conference tilt on Friday night (8 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app). It's a crucial matchup, with both teams sitting at 3-2 on the season and fighting for the second playoff spot in the division. The Renegades won the previous head-to-head matchup earlier this year, a 30-15 victory in Arlington in Week 4. Elsewhere, the Memphis Showboats (1-4) travel to face the Houston Roughnecks (2-3) on Saturday (noon ET). Closing out the week, the Michigan Panthers (3-2) host the DC Defenders (4-1) at Ford Field on Sunday (noon ET), followed by the San Antonio Brahmas (1-4) traveling to face the Birmingham Stallions (3-2) at Protective Stadium (4 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app). Here's a closer look at five things to watch for in Week 6: One of the main reasons for Arlington's continued success on defense this season is Harris' sharp play. The USC product and Los Angeles native just earned UFL Defensive Player of the Week honors for the second consecutive week, finishing with two picks and six combined tackles in a late-game loss to the Defenders last week. Through five weeks, Harris leads the league in interceptions (three), pass breakups (11) and forced fumbles (two). "He's continually coming up with big plays," head coach Bob Stoops said about Harris. "And he plays multiple positions … so he understands all the positions. He's really a bright player, on top of being a skilled player." One of the top runners in spring football, Memphis brought Hills back to shore up the team's depth at running back. Williams finished with 277 rushing yards and five touchdowns in eight games for the Panthers in 2024. The year prior, Hills led the legacy USFL in rushing with 679 yards and 10 touchdowns while playing for current Memphis offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone as a part of the now defunct New Orleans Breakers organization. The Showboats also activated receiver Daewood Davis from IR. An All-UFL selection in 2024 who finished with 41 receptions for 446 receiving yards and five touchdowns, Davis signed with the NFL's Carolina Panthers after the 2024 UFL season but was released due to injury. The Renegades also executed a trade this week, sending linebacker Storey Jackson to the Brahmas for defensive end Ikenna Enechukwu. Kellen Mond could be holding a clipboard for the Brahmas when they travel to Birmingham this weekend. An ineffective Mond was replaced in the second half by Jarrett Guarantano in San Antonio's home-opening loss to the Roughnecks in Week 5. However, Brahmas head coach Payton Pardee indicated that the quarterback switch could be permanent, as he declined to name a starter for this weekend's game. "I believe in all three quarterbacks we have," Pardee said. "I think they're all very talented. They all have unique skill sets, so I feel very confident in the players that we have in that room, but that's going to be something that we evaluate this week in practice." In five starts, Mond has completed 56.8% of his passes for 597 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Guarantano finished 6-of-15 for 29 yards in his first action of the season last week. Houston defeated Memphis by one point, 18-17, on the road in Week 3 — the team's first victory of the season at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. This week, the Showboats get a shot at revenge when they travel to face the Roughnecks in Houston. Starting for the first time this season, Memphis QB Dresser Winn earned Offensive Player of the Week honors for Week 5, completing 17 of his 29 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown in a 24-20 overtime win over Birmingham. Winn gets an opportunity to see if he can play efficient football for a second straight week against a Houston defense holding opponents to 14.3 points per game over the past three weeks, with the Roughnecks winning two of those. On the other side, Houston QB Jalan McClendon continues to play solid football. Since taking over as the team's starter, he has completed 70% of his passes for 407 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions. McClendon has also rushed for 34 yards and a score. The UFL announced this week that it handed down a one-game suspension without pay to Nacua after a video emerged showing him striking a Battlehawks fan in an altercation after the Panthers' Week 5 road game in St. Louis. Nacua, who agreed to participate in community service, will miss this weekend's away game against the Defenders. Nacua is the older brother of Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua. His other brother, Kai Nacua, plays in the UFL as a safety for Michigan. Eric D. Williams has reported on the NFL for more than a decade, covering the Los Angeles Rams for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Chargers for ESPN and the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma News Tribune. Follow him at @eric_d_williams. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
Fox Sports
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Five things to watch for in Week 6 of the 2025 UFL season
The St. Louis Battlehawks have work to do. Head coach Anthony Becht said at the start of the year that he believed the Battlehawks built a roster that could win the 2025 UFL Championship Game, which takes place on June 14 in front of his team's hometown fans in St. Louis. [MORE: What is the UFL? Everything to know about the 2025 United Football League ] If the playoffs started today, however, the Battlehawks would miss out and be watching from home. "We've got a huge game next week against a divisional opponent," Becht said. "And I'm just asking everyone to bring a friend." The contest Becht is referring to is the opening game of Week 6, with the Battlehawks hosting the Arlington Renegades in an all-important XFL Conference tilt on Friday night (8 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app). It's a crucial matchup, with both teams sitting at 3-2 on the season and fighting for the second playoff spot in the division. The Renegades won the previous head-to-head matchup earlier this year, a 30-15 victory in Arlington in Week 4. Elsewhere, the Memphis Showboats (1-4) travel to face the Houston Roughnecks (2-3) on Saturday (noon ET). Closing out the week, the Michigan Panthers (3-2) host the DC Defenders (4-1) at Ford Field on Sunday (noon ET), followed by the San Antonio Brahmas (1-4) traveling to face the Birmingham Stallions (3-2) at Protective Stadium (4 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app). Here's a closer look at five things to watch for in Week 6: 1. Renegades CB Ajene Harris leads league in interceptions One of the main reasons for Arlington's continued success on defense this season is Harris' sharp play. The USC product and Los Angeles native just earned UFL Defensive Player of the Week honors for the second consecutive week, finishing with two picks and six combined tackles in a late-game loss to the Defenders last week. Through five weeks, Harris leads the league in interceptions (three), pass breakups (11) and forced fumbles (two). "He's continually coming up with big plays," head coach Bob Stoops said about Harris. "And he plays multiple positions … so he understands all the positions. He's really a bright player, on top of being a skilled player." 2. RB Wes Hills returns to UFL with Showboats One of the top runners in spring football, Memphis brought Hills back to shore up the team's depth at running back. Williams finished with 277 rushing yards and five touchdowns in eight games for the Panthers in 2024. The year prior, Hills led the legacy USFL in rushing with 679 yards and 10 touchdowns while playing for current Memphis offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone as a part of the now defunct New Orleans Breakers organization. The Showboats also activated receiver Daewood Davis from IR. An All-UFL selection in 2024 who finished with 41 receptions for 446 receiving yards and five touchdowns, Davis signed with the NFL's Carolina Panthers after the 2024 UFL season but was released due to injury. The Renegades also executed a trade this week, sending linebacker Storey Jackson to the Brahmas for defensive end Ikenna Enechukwu. Kellen Mond could be holding a clipboard for the Brahmas when they travel to Birmingham this weekend. An ineffective Mond was replaced in the second half by Jarrett Guarantano in San Antonio's home-opening loss to the Roughnecks in Week 5. However, Brahmas head coach Payton Pardee indicated that the quarterback switch could be permanent, as he declined to name a starter for this weekend's game. "I believe in all three quarterbacks we have," Pardee said. "I think they're all very talented. They all have unique skill sets, so I feel very confident in the players that we have in that room, but that's going to be something that we evaluate this week in practice." In five starts, Mond has completed 56.8% of his passes for 597 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Guarantano finished 6-of-15 for 29 yards in his first action of the season last week. 4. Roughnecks host Showboats in rematch Houston defeated Memphis by one point, 18-17, on the road in Week 3 — the team's first victory of the season at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. This week, the Showboats get a shot at revenge when they travel to face the Roughnecks in Houston. Starting for the first time this season, Memphis QB Dresser Winn earned Offensive Player of the Week honors for Week 5, completing 17 of his 29 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown in a 24-20 overtime win over Birmingham. Winn gets an opportunity to see if he can play efficient football for a second straight week against a Houston defense holding opponents to 14.3 points per game over the past three weeks, with the Roughnecks winning two of those. On the other side, Houston QB Jalan McClendon continues to play solid football. Since taking over as the team's starter, he has completed 70% of his passes for 407 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions. McClendon has also rushed for 34 yards and a score. 5. Panthers WR Samson Nacua suspended one game for altercation with fan The UFL announced this week that it handed down a one-game suspension without pay to Nacua after a video emerged showing him striking a Battlehawks fan in an altercation after the Panthers' Week 5 road game in St. Louis. Nacua, who agreed to participate in community service, will miss this weekend's away game against the Defenders. Nacua is the older brother of Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua. His other brother, Kai Nacua, plays in the UFL as a safety for Michigan. Eric D. Williams has reported on the NFL for more than a decade, covering the Los Angeles Rams for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Chargers for ESPN and the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma News Tribune. Follow him at @eric_d_williams . Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily ! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience United Football League Get more from United Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
