So far, the Orlando Storm have been the first UFL team to clinch a playoff berth for the 2026 season in Week 8, and with a 27-19 win against DC Defenders, the Storm have become the first UFL team to clinch a home playoff game. While there is still one week left in the UFL regular season in 2026, the Orlando Storm needs to begin focusing on winning in the postseason. In Week 10, the Storm go on the road to face the DC Defenders once again, and like the Storm, the Defenders have clinched a playoff spot, although they clinched it despite losing.
So, with the Storm's path to the UFL championship game already running through Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando needs to make a few key decisions about how they will approach their game against the Defenders. The biggest of those decisions involves how they will manage their quarterback position this week. Regardless of whether the Storm win or lose this week against the DC Defenders, there will not be any significant changes to their postseason pathway to a UFL championship. However, if Storm starting quarterback Jack Plummer were to get injured in a game that is essentially meaningless for Orlando, that would be the worst-case scenario for Orlando.
This week is a great opportunity for backup quarterback Hank Bachmeier to demonstrate his ability to lead the Storm offense. The team also has former Stallions starting quarterback Matt Corral, who has not yet had a chance to show what he can do with Anthony Becht's offense. Beyond quarterbacks, the Storm would benefit from giving more depth players opportunities to play and be evaluated in live game situations.
Storm QB Jack Plummer is the Top of the Class for 2026 UFL Quarterbacks
So far this season, Orlando Storm quarterback Jack Plummer has raised the UFL standard. He has started all nine games, completing 66.4% of his passes for a league-leading 1,985 yards. Plummer has thrown 15 touchdowns with only one interception. Additionally, he has shown underrated running ability: 170 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and just one fumble. If the intention of naming a UFL MVP is to reward the top player in the league, then that conversation starts and ends with Jack Plummer in 2026.
WR Chris Rowland Is Growing into the Role of the Storm's Top Target
Another factor in Plummer's success this season has been the rise of Storm wide receiver Chris Rowland as Orlando's chief offensive asset. This year, Rowland has caught 57 passes for 601 yards and 5 touchdowns. He has also contributed to the running game and been a consistent kick and punt returner. After nine games, Rowland has amassed 1,158 all-purpose yards, consistently advancing the chains for the efficient Storm offense.
Orlando has a Dominant Defensive Line Yet There is Room for Improvement
The Orlando Storm's defense has consistently been the top unit in the UFL this season, allowing only 18.1 points/game. Much of Orlando's defensive success has been due to the aggressive play of the Storm's defensive line, led by Keshawn Banks. In Week 9, Isaiah Bugg also established himself as a complementary threat to Banks, and both players have helped the Storm be one of the top units in the UFL when it comes to stopping running games across the league. However, due to the aggression and high-motor play of the Storm's defensive line, they have struggled to keep opposing quarterbacks contained, leaving opponents opportunities to exploit matchups against the Storm's secondary.
The Storm Must Capitalize on Big Opportunities to Seal Victory
While the Orlando Storm have been the most consistent team in the UFL this season, dangerous bad habits loom. The Storm defense's failure to secure easy interceptions and fumble recoveries continues to keep opponents alive. In the postseason, those missed plays could very well decide the outcome. Offensively, the Storm must find the end zone more often in the red zone; if they don't capitalize, their championship hopes could vanish.
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