The 2026 UFL season is officially here. Week 1 is packed with fresh storylines after a massive offseason of change. Three brand-new franchises (Louisville Kings, Columbus Aviators, and Orlando Storm), nearly every team has a new head coach, and major roster turnover has reshaped the entire landscape. The defending champion DC Defenders enter as the current Crown Holder, while the Orlando Storm begin the year as the Court Jester. Our writers have locked in their picks for all four games as the Crown Holder / Court Jester rules, and the playoff race gets underway on opening weekend.
This article is NOT gambling advice. If you do place bets, please do so responsibly and seek help if you have a gambling problem.
UFL Power Rankings Week 0: DC Aims to Defend Top Spot
BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS @ LOUISVILLE KINGS
Friday, March 27 | 8:00 PM EDT | Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville, KY | FOX
A new era begins for the Birmingham Stallions as they travel to face the expansion Louisville Kings on Friday night. Under new head coach A.J. McCarron, the Stallions will lean on quarterback Matt Corral to rebound from last season’s injury issues and show why he has league MVP potential. Louisville inherits much of the Memphis Showboats roster and will turn to Jason Bean at quarterback in their historic first game under Chris Redman. This opener also serves as the very first test of the Crown Holder and Court Jester rules for the year.
Birmingham Stallions HC A.J. McCarron Talks Week 1 Preparation, QB Battle, and Deep WR Room
Writer's Pick: 75% Birmingham
D.C. DEFENDERS @ ST. LOUIS BATTLEHAWKS
Saturday, March 28 | 12:00 PM EDT | The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, MO | ESPN
The reigning UFL champion DC Defenders head to St. Louis as the current Crown Holder with the most continuity in the league under head coach Shannon Harris and QB Jordan Ta’amu. The Battlehawks finished 8-2 last season, return their standout edge-rushing duo, and hope new offensive leadership from Ricky Proehl can finally fix their passing game. After falling to DC in last year’s XFL Final, St. Louis will be highly motivated to open the season with a statement home win.
Built to Repeat, Jordan Ta'amu at the Center of DC's Success
Writer's Pick: 62.5% DC
HOUSTON GAMBLERS @ DALLAS RENEGADES
Saturday, March 28 | 4:00 PM EDT | Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX | FOX
The Houston Gamblers visit the newly rebranded Dallas Renegades in what should be one of the most competitive games of the weekend. Houston closed out 2025 on a high note with wins over both eventual championship teams and now has Kevin Sumlin calling plays. Dallas still boasts one of the league’s most consistent quarterbacks in Luis Perez, but must overcome significant offensive line changes after some tough offseason cuts. Both 5-5 teams from last year are eager to prove their records were no fluke.
Writer's Pick: 87.5% Dallas
COLUMBUS AVIATORS @ ORLANDO STORM
Sunday, March 29 | 8:00 PM EDT | Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, FL | ESPN
The Columbus Aviators open their franchise history on the road against the Orlando Storm. Columbus inherits a strong running back trio and defensive anchors from the Michigan Panthers, with Jalen McClendon likely starting at quarterback. Orlando will look to a big season from RB Jashuan Corbin, plus their revamped defense. Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Jack Plummer have been in competition for the starting quarterback position, but a starter has yet to be named. Will the Aviators be able to weather the storm on the road?