Despite the franchise hitting a record in regular season wins, the Arlington Renegades managed to miss the playoffs for the second consecutive season, since their magical 2023 Championship season. Despite finishing at a 5-5 record, the Renegades starting Quarterback, Luis Perez still managed to continue another year of strong play leading the league in passing yards, holding off Two potential starters in Luke Lehnen, and Holton Ahlers.
Arlington’s biggest question going forward is what they do with Luis Perez moving forward. The “Spring King” fresh off his book tour, continued to be one of the UFL’s premiere passers. Perez threw for over 2,000 yards and 9 TDs despite falling victim to the UFL’s innovative/controversial “super challenge”. Perez has proven to be extremely capable of leading this franchise, and despite a “bone headed” interception against D.C. continues to be one of the UFL’s best under center.
Even with all of Perez’s success for Arlington, the Renegades still have managed to roster Two young signal callers with plenty of upside potential. Luke Lehnen received no playing time in 2025, while Holton Ahlers was regulated to “jumbo” QB throwing 3 passes, rushing 6 times, and handing the ball off to Spring Football long-timer De’Veon Smith. While Perez has been extremely consistent, and healthy in his career at what point in the league of opportunity, is it time for someone else to get a chance in Arlington.
While Ahlers has had his cup of tea in the NFL, the former ECU QB has been extremely patient now going into 4th professional season (3rd in the UFL), waiting for the league to grant him a chance. With Bob Stoops being a creature of habit, it wouldn’t shock fans for Stoops to run it back with Perez who may be motivated to surpass Bobby Hebert’s Spring Football passing record.
Since 2023, Stoops and the Renegades have utilized Ahlers, Lindsey Scott, and Kelly Bryant as change of pace options while rostering more traditional QBs like Lehnen, Kevin Anderson, and Kyle Sloter/Drew Plitt as reserves. With the UFL granting more flexibility for players to change teams, is it reasonable for Ahlers to possibly find a new home in 2026.
QB movement in the UFL has begun already with Showboats QB Dresser Winn signing with the Rams pending a physical. With his familiarity in Sean McVey’s system it’s not unlikely for him to possibly spend 2025 on their practice squad and take the spring of 2026 off. The Battlehawks may have an open roster spot with Manny Wilkins’ injury, and Brandon Silvers not confirming his return this upcoming season. It’s also possible that Jordan Ta’amu and UFL Bryce Perkins find themselves in NFL training camps vying for a roster spot putting their next seasons in the Spring in question. With the possibility of being in a more advantageous situation, Ahlers could certainly be on the move.
Lehnen may want to stick around a bit longer in Arlington and possibly try his hand at be the Renegades 2026 change of pace QB. The former Division-III superstar has proven to be an effective athlete through his college days and even played WR during practice. Lehnen could expand the role of Ahlers, in hope of showing enough on tape to either earn some NFL interest or move the needle for the Renegades to make the switch to him in 2027.
The 2026 Renegades roster Three competent options for the team at this time. While it’s early in the offseason, it appears the room hinges on what the QB Luis Perez opts as the best move for him at this stage of his career. While the consistency and safety of returning Perez may be enticing the Renegades need to make a splash in free agency on the Offensive Line and get a bit younger on defense if they plan to “run it back” with the “Spring King”.
