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USA Today
13 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
UFL playoff schedule: How to watch USFL, XFL conference championships in 2025
UFL playoff schedule: How to watch USFL, XFL conference championships in 2025 Show Caption Hide Caption Greg Olsen expresses excitement for upcoming Olympic flag football Former TE Greg Olsen is excited for some NFL players to showcase their skills in the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics and the debut of flag football. Sports Seriously The 2025 UFL regular season has come to a close, which will begin the league's playoff sprint to a spring football championship. The UFL will host just three playoff games in 2025 before crowning its champion. Both of the league's conference championship games will be played on Sunday, June 8 before the two victors face off in the league championship game six days later. Here's what to know about the UFL's playoff schedule for 2025, including how to watch the USFL and XFL conference championship games. UFL playoff schedule 2025 Below is a complete look at the UFL playoff schedule for 2025: Sunday, June 8 USFL conference championship : Birmingham Stallions vs. Michigan Panthers, 3 p.m., ABC : Birmingham Stallions vs. Michigan Panthers, 3 p.m., ABC XFL conference championship: St. Louis Battlehawks vs. DC Defenders, 6 p.m., Fox Saturday, June 14 UFL championship game: USFL champion vs. XFL champion, 8 p.m., ABC USFL championship game time, TV channel, live stream Michigan Panthers (6-4) at Birmingham Stallions (7-3) Start time : 3 p.m. ET : 3 p.m. ET TV channel : ABC : ABC Live stream: Fubo | ESPN+ The Stallions have already beaten the Panthers twice this season and haven't yet lost to them since the 2024 USFL-XFL merger. That includes a 31-18 victory over Michigan in last year's USFL conference championship game. Can Birmingham repeat that history? It won't be as easy to do so in 2025, as Michigan's offense averaged a league-best 24.5 points per game. That said, the Stallions averaged 24.4 points per game and held the Panthers to two of their three lowest point totals of the season. If Skip Holtz's defense can once again contain Mike Nolan's offense, the Stallions could find themselves playing for a fourth consecutive spring football title. XFL championship game time, TV channel, live stream DC Defenders (6-4) at St. Louis Battlehawks (7-3) Start time : 6 p.m. ET : 6 p.m. ET TV channel : Fox : Fox Live stream: Fubo The Defenders and Battlehawks split their season series, with St. Louis winning the teams' most recent battle in Week 10. Both teams had already clinched playoff spots ahead of that matchup, however, so they rested some of their key players. Both teams sport quality offenses, as DC led the league in passing yards per game (246.5) while St. Louis led the league in rushing yards per game (144.4). The Battlehawks allowed a league-low 16.3 points per game last season, so they may be better positioned to slow down Jordan Ta'amu and the Defenders offense. St. Louis also has the best home-field advantage in the UFL, so playing at The Dome at America's Center should help Anthony Becht's team as it looks to make it to its first spring-league championship game. UFL championship game time, TV channel, live stream USFL champion vs. XFL champion Start time : 8 p.m. ET : 8 p.m. ET TV channel : ABC : ABC Live stream: Fubo | ESPN+ The winners of the USFL and XFL conference championship games will square off in the UFL championship game on Saturday, June 14. The game will be played at The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
Fox News
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
J'Mar Smith rallying Stallions to comeback win tops UFL storylines from Week 7
The defending champions returned to their winning ways for a second week in a row, and a familiar face helped lead the Birmingham Stallions to a 33-25 comeback victory over the Houston Roughnecks in Week 7. Second-string quarterback J'Mar Smith replaced starter Case Cookus late in the fourth quarter after the Northern Arizona product took a big hit that resulted in an elbow injury to his throwing arm. [MORE: What is the UFL? Everything to know about the 2025 United Football League] Smith had not played in a game since 2023 and had retired from professional football. However, Smith was brought back a few weeks ago to serve as the team's emergency third-string quarterback after Alex McGough, Matt Corral and Andrew Peasley were all sidelined due to injuries. Smith played for Birmingham head coach Skip Holtz in college at Louisiana Tech and helped lead the Stallions to the USFL Championship Game in 2022. "I always wanted J'Mar on this roster," Holtz said. Birmingham trailed 25-6 in the first half but scored 27 unanswered points to earn the big win. Smith scored the game-winner, rolling to his right and scrambling to the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown when all his receivers were covered. Smith finished 3 of 5 for 63 yards in relief of Cookus. The 19-point comeback was the largest in UFL history. "Just getting back out there was the main thing for me," Smith said. "It [has] been a long time coming. I know the offense pretty well. Me and Coach Holtz have been together for a while, so it's just knowing what he wants, going out there and executing." With the win, the Stallions (5-2) remain tied atop the USFL Conference with the Michigan Panthers (5-2), who narrowly defeated the Arlington Renegades (3-4) at Choctaw Stadium, 25-24. The DC Defenders (5-2) held off the San Antonio Brahmas (1-6) in the opening game of the weekend, 32-24, while the St. Louis Battlehawks (5-2) closed things out with a 19-9 road victory over the Memphis Showboats (1-6). The Brahmas and the Showboats have been eliminated from playoff consideration. Here's a look at other storylines from Week 7: The top rushing team in the UFL a year ago, the Stallions struggled to get things going on the ground through the first half of this season. However, Birmingham found a rhythm running the football against the Roughnecks, finishing with 142 rushing yards as a team. Ricky Person Jr. led Birmingham with 60 yards on the ground and a score. "I'm really proud of the way we ran the ball today," Holtz said. "I thought both tailbacks ran the ball hard and did some good things on offense." And because the Stallions scored more than 30 points for the first time this season, Holtz said he'll make good on a bet with his wife Jennifer and shave the beard he's been growing since the start of the year. Duggan had his best game since taking over for an injured Manny Wilkins in Week 5. The TCU product completed 15 of 23 passes for a total of 158 yards, including a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jacour Peason on a corner route. Duggan also ran for a game-high 57 yards and a score. However, the Battlehawks were led by their defense. St. Louis has given up just one touchdown in two games and held the Showboats' offense to 4.2 yards per play. "On defense, we've been just relentless," St. Louis pass rusher Travis Feeney said. "A bend but don't break mentality. … At the end of the day, our defense has to beat the other team's defense, and that's the biggest thing." Winners of three straight, the Battlehawks will face another tough test when they host the Stallions at The Dome at America's Center on Saturday (4 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app). QB Jordan Ta'amu had another big day, completing 19 of 24 passes for 278 yards, three scores and no interceptions. Those numbers include a 76-yard touchdown strike to his former teammate at Ole Miss in receiver Braylon Sanders. Ta'amu remains the league leader in passing yards (1,750) and passing touchdowns (14) through Week 7. However, the momentum-changing play came on defense for the Defenders when linebacker Anthony Hines picked up a fumble by San Antonio QB Kevin Hogan after he ran into left tackle Willie Tyler while trying to evade pressure. Hines corralled the loose ball and returned it 51 yards to tie the game at 12-all to end the half. Hines finished with nine tackles, while teammate defensive tackle Joe Wallace contributed six tackles and two sacks. With San Antonio running back Anthony McFarland out due to a shoulder injury, his replacement Jashaun Corbin put in some work, finishing with 109 rushing yards on nine carries — including a stunning 57-yard touchdown run. With a handful of family and friends in attendence, Taua delivered on Mother's Day weekend. The Nevada product tied the game on a 1-yard plunge as time expired and then won the game on another grinding run from two yards out for the one-point conversion and the victory. Taua finished with 70 scrimmage yards. QB Bryce Perkins also had another big day, totaling 231 passing yards and 68 rushing yards. "I'm just proud to be a part of these moments … and for the guys trusting me and having faith," Taua said. "There's never a dull moment in the game. We all looked at each other and said we're going to get another [opportunity] here, and we're going to capitalize. Just be ready. "It's one of those moments where you look at everyone in the huddle and say, 'Let's go win this ball game.'" Arlington QB Luis Perez threw for a league-high 314 passing yards in the loss. Tyler Vaughns finished with a game-high 127 receiving yards on nine receptions and a touchdown. Rams Pro Bowl receiver Nacua was at Choctaw Stadium to watch his older brothers play over the weekend. Michigan safety Kai Nacua finished with a tackle and a pass breakup, while brother Samson Nacua totaled 35 kick return yards, although he did have a fumble. "I would say the two words would be love and competitiveness, for sure," Puka Nacua said when asked to describe what it was like growing up in the Nacua household. "I think competitiveness came first — we were fighting … to see who was going to be the best football player, the best basketball player. And then my mom was our head coach and the general manager. She made sure there was love at the dinner table, so we had the perfect balance of both." 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!
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
UFL schedule Week 3: What games are on today? TV channel, live stream, more
USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. Two weeks into the 2025 UFL season, fans of the spring football league are starting to learn which teams are true title contenders. At present, there are three 2-0 teams in the league. All three are in the XFL conference, as the St. Louis Battlehawks, Arlington Renegades and DC Defenders are all off to hot starts. Meanwhile, the Birmingham Stallions beat the Michigan Panthers in Week 2 to even their records at 1-1 and prove Skip Holtz's squad is still the class of the USFL conference. Week 3 should further establish who the title favorites are in each conference. The Renegades and Stallions will kickstart the week with an interconference clash while the Battlehawks and Defenders will face off to close the week and determine which of them will improve to 3-0 on the season. Here's what to know about the UFL's Week 3 schedule and how to watch all four matchups. Once again, there will be one UFL game on Friday night, one on Saturday and two on Sunday. Below is a look at the spring league's full Week 3 schedule. (All times Eastern.) Arlington Renegades at Birmingham Stallions, 8 p.m., Fox Houston Roughnecks at Memphis Showboats, 2:30 p.m., ESPN/ESPN+ San Antonio Brahmas at Michigan Panthers, Noon, ABC/ESPN+ DC Defenders at St. Louis Battlehawks, 3 p.m., ABC/ESPN+ UFL SCHEDULE 2025: Dates, times, TV channel, more for every spring football game Start time: 8 p.m. ET TV channel: Fox Live stream: Fubo The Stallions are looking for back-to-back Friday night wins after their defense carried them to a 21-12 road win over the Michigan Panthers in Week 2. Birmingham will be without quarterback Alex McGough, who was injured early in its win over Michigan, so Matt Corral figures to get the start after going 18 of 29 for 198 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in relief of McGough. Meanwhile, Luis Perez – who leads the UFL in passing yards through two weeks (375) – will look to enjoy another efficient outing. Arlington has averaged 141.5 rushing yards per game thanks to the three-headed monster of Kalen Ballage, Dae Dae Hunter and De'Veon Smith, so the Renegades will look to use that trio to tire out a strong Birmingham stop unit. Start time: 2:30 p.m. ET TV channel: ESPN Live stream: Fubo, ESPN+ Two of the UFL's three winless teams will do battle in Week 3 with one poised to get its first win of the season. Houston remains the UFL's most offensively challenged team, as it has only generated 15 points through two weeks. Memphis hasn't been much better, notching 24, but both teams kept their Week 2 matchups within five points thanks to strong defensive showings. E.J. Perry (205 passing yards) and Jonathan Adams (nine receptions, 128 yards) started to show strong chemistry in Memphis' loss to the Defenders. Unless Anthony Brown or Nolan Henderson can match that feat for Houston, the Showboats will probably have the advantage in this one. UFL CONTRACTS: Players to open season without CBA, appeal to 'The Rock' for help Start time: Noon ET TV channel: ABC Live stream: Fubo, ESPN+ Last year, the Brahmas sported one of the best defenses in the UFL. This year, they are allowing a league-high 29.5 points per game while their offense has logged just nine points in each of their two losses. The Brahmas still have a solid running game – their 108.5 rushing yards per game ranks second in the UFL – but unless Kellen Mond can improve his efficiency, their offense figures to be inconsistent. As such, Wade Phillips will need to turn San Antonio's defense around to become a true playoff contender. As for the Panthers, they are coming off a loss to the Stallions and are dealing with a key injury to their best pass rusher, Breeland Speaks. Nonetheless, the Panthers sport a rock-solid defense that should give the Brahmas fits. If Bryce Perkins can continue to perform well at quarterback, Michigan should be able to stave off San Antonio at Ford Field. Start time: 3 p.m. ET TV channel: ABC Live stream: Fubo, ESPN+ This potential XFL conference championship preview is the marquee showdown of UFL Week 3. The Defenders shocked the UFL world by beating the Stallions in Week 1 with a stellar defensive showing and continued to perform at a high level against the Showboats. The Battlehawks have arguably been more impressive, averaging 28.5 points per game while allowing just 7.5 and seeing Manny Wilkins emerge as a quality replacement for AJ McCarron. The key to this game will be whether DC can stop St. Louis' running game. The Battlehawks have averaged a league-high 217.5 rushing yards per game behind Wilkins, Jacob Saylors and Jarveon Howard. The Defenders are allowing 112.5 rushing yards per game. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: UFL schedule Week 3: What games are on today?
USA Today
11-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
UFL schedule Week 3: What games are on today? TV channel, live stream, more
UFL schedule Week 3: What games are on today? TV channel, live stream, more Show Caption Hide Caption Packers GM Brian Gutekunst on Green Bay hosting 2025 NFL draft Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said it's "neat" Green Bay is hosting the 2025 NFL draft, but his focus is fully on the Packers' draft planning. Sports Illustrated - Green Bay Packers Two weeks into the 2025 UFL season, fans of the spring football league are starting to learn which teams are true title contenders. At present, there are three 2-0 teams in the league. All three are in the XFL conference, as the St. Louis Battlehawks, Arlington Renegades and DC Defenders are all off to hot starts. Meanwhile, the Birmingham Stallions beat the Michigan Panthers in Week 2 to even their records at 1-1 and prove Skip Holtz's squad is still the class of the USFL conference. Week 3 should further establish who the title favorites are in each conference. The Renegades and Stallions will kickstart the week with an interconference clash while the Battlehawks and Defenders will face off to close the week and determine which of them will improve to 3-0 on the season. Here's what to know about the UFL's Week 3 schedule and how to watch all four matchups. UFL schedule Week 3: What games are on today? Once again, there will be one UFL game on Friday night, one on Saturday and two on Sunday. Below is a look at the spring league's full Week 3 schedule. (All times Eastern.) Friday, April 11 Arlington Renegades at Birmingham Stallions, 8 p.m., Fox Saturday, April 12 Houston Roughnecks at Memphis Showboats, 2:30 p.m., ESPN/ESPN+ Sunday, April 13 San Antonio Brahmas at Michigan Panthers, Noon, ABC/ESPN+ DC Defenders at St. Louis Battlehawks, 3 p.m., ABC/ESPN+ UFL SCHEDULE 2025: Dates, times, TV channel, more for every spring football game Friday UFL game time, TV channel, live stream Arlington Renegades (2-0) at Birmingham Stallions (1-1) Start time : 8 p.m. ET : 8 p.m. ET TV channel : Fox : Fox Live stream: Fubo The Stallions are looking for back-to-back Friday night wins after their defense carried them to a 21-12 road win over the Michigan Panthers in Week 2. Birmingham will be without quarterback Alex McGough, who was injured early in its win over Michigan, so Matt Corral figures to get the start after going 18 of 29 for 198 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in relief of McGough. Meanwhile, Luis Perez – who leads the UFL in passing yards through two weeks (375) – will look to enjoy another efficient outing. Arlington has averaged 141.5 rushing yards per game thanks to the three-headed monster of Kalen Ballage, Dae Dae Hunter and De'Veon Smith, so the Renegades will look to use that trio to tire out a strong Birmingham stop unit. Saturday UFL game time, TV channel, live stream Houston Roughnecks (0-2) at Memphis Showboats (0-2) Start time : 2:30 p.m. ET : 2:30 p.m. ET TV channel : ESPN : ESPN Live stream: Fubo, ESPN+ Two of the UFL's three winless teams will do battle in Week 3 with one poised to get its first win of the season. Houston remains the UFL's most offensively challenged team, as it has only generated 15 points through two weeks. Memphis hasn't been much better, notching 24, but both teams kept their Week 2 matchups within five points thanks to strong defensive showings. E.J. Perry (205 passing yards) and Jonathan Adams (nine receptions, 128 yards) started to show strong chemistry in Memphis' loss to the Defenders. Unless Anthony Brown or Nolan Henderson can match that feat for Houston, the Showboats will probably have the advantage in this one. UFL CONTRACTS: Players to open season without CBA, appeal to 'The Rock' for help Sunday UFL game times, TV channels, live streams San Antonio Brahmas (0-2) at Michigan Panthers (1-1) Start time : Noon ET : Noon ET TV channel : ABC : ABC Live stream: Fubo, ESPN+ Last year, the Brahmas sported one of the best defenses in the UFL. This year, they are allowing a league-high 29.5 points per game while their offense has logged just nine points in each of their two losses. The Brahmas still have a solid running game – their 108.5 rushing yards per game ranks second in the UFL – but unless Kellen Mond can improve his efficiency, their offense figures to be inconsistent. As such, Wade Phillips will need to turn San Antonio's defense around to become a true playoff contender. As for the Panthers, they are coming off a loss to the Stallions and are dealing with a key injury to their best pass rusher, Breeland Speaks. Nonetheless, the Panthers sport a rock-solid defense that should give the Brahmas fits. If Bryce Perkins can continue to perform well at quarterback, Michigan should be able to stave off San Antonio at Ford Field. DC Defenders (2-0) at St. Louis Battlehawks (2-0) Start time : 3 p.m. ET : 3 p.m. ET TV channel : ABC : ABC Live stream: Fubo, ESPN+ This potential XFL conference championship preview is the marquee showdown of UFL Week 3. The Defenders shocked the UFL world by beating the Stallions in Week 1 with a stellar defensive showing and continued to perform at a high level against the Showboats. The Battlehawks have arguably been more impressive, averaging 28.5 points per game while allowing just 7.5 and seeing Manny Wilkins emerge as a quality replacement for AJ McCarron. The key to this game will be whether DC can stop St. Louis' running game. The Battlehawks have averaged a league-high 217.5 rushing yards per game behind Wilkins, Jacob Saylors and Jarveon Howard. The Defenders are allowing 112.5 rushing yards per game.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Michigan Panthers schedule 2025: Time, TV channel, streaming for every game
The Michigan Panthers were one of the UFL's best teams during its first season as a unified spring league in 2024. Mike Nolan's squad posted a 7-3 regular-season record and made it to the postseason for a second consecutive year. Once again, the Panthers failed to win a playoff game. They will be looking to change that in 2025. Michigan ranks just fifth in championship odds for the 2025 UFL season but the Panthers are expected to be the USFL conference's top challenger to the Birmingham Stallions. Skip Holtz's squad has won three consecutive spring-league championships, so beating them will be no easy task. Advertisement That said, Nolan's squad has plenty of returning players, the most notable of which are quarterbacks Danny Etling and Bryce Perkins. That continuity should give Michigan a chance to battle for the UFL title. Here's what to know about the Michigan Panthers schedule for 2025, including the time and TV information for all 10 of their regular season games. UFL'S NEW KICKOFF: Why Jake Bates timed rise to Lions stardom perfectly Michigan Panthers schedule 2025 All times Eastern. Week 1 Date : Sunday, March 30 Opponent : at Memphis Showboats Time : Noon TV channel : ESPN Live stream: Fubo, ESPN+ Week 2 Date : Friday, April 4 Opponent : vs. Birmingham Stallions Time : 8 p.m. TV channel : Fox Live stream: Fubo Week 3 Date : Sunday, April 13 Opponent : vs. San Antonio Brahmas Time : Noon TV channel : ABC Live stream: Fubo, ESPN+ Week 4 Date : Friday, April 18 Opponent : vs. Memphis Showboats Time : 8 p.m. TV channel : Fox Live stream: Fubo UFL EXPANSION TIMELINE: Why spring league is exploring new cities, teams Week 5 Date : Saturday, April 26 Opponent : at St. Louis Battlehawks Time : 7 p.m. TV channel : ESPN Live stream: Fubo, ESPN+ Week 6 Date : Sunday, May 4 Opponent : vs. DC Defenders Time : Noon TV channel : ESPN2 Live stream: Fubo, ESPN+ Week 7 Date : Saturday, May 10 Opponent : at Arlington Renegades, 1 p.m., Fox Time : 1 p.m. TV channel : Fox Live stream: Fubo Week 8 Date : Saturday, May 17 Opponent : at Houston Roughnecks Time : 1 p.m. TV channel : Fox Live stream: Fubo Week 9 Date : Saturday, May 24 Opponent : at Birmingham Stallions Time : 3 p.m. TV channel : ABC Live stream: Fubo, ESPN+ Week 10 Date : Saturday, May 31 Opponent : vs. Houston Roughnecks Time : 3 p.m. TV channel : ESPN Live stream: Fubo, ESPN+ Advertisement If the Panthers make the UFL postseason, they would play in the USFL conference championship game on Sunday, June 8. They would play for the right to go to the UFL championship game, which will be contested on Sunday, June 14. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Panthers schedule 2025: Time, TV channel for every game
