It appeared the Showboats never had chance under center. Between the Preseason turmoil around Quinten Dormady, the resignation of Ken Whisenhunt, and the late hiring of Noel Mazzone all led to instability. While Dresser Winn showed promise, neither Troy Williams nor E.J. Perry delivered results. The Showboats 2025 season seemed to be one of reflection and readjustment as the teams hopes it found some key pieces for the future especially with Dresser Winn.
The Showboats started Three QBs this year just as they have in every year since their return to Memphis. In Three seasons the Showboats have had Three Head Coaches, and Three Offensive Coordinators all of which have led to a 8-22 record. While the Showboats did have some success in 2025, the sputtered success of Memphis has not only affected the overall team success but even attendance as well.
Memphis saw Dresser Winn, EJ Perry, and Troy Williams all take snaps for the team in 2025, Winn and Williams leading them to their Two wins on the season. Williams was in his second season with the Showboats after a North division championship in the 2023 USFL. Williams’ put together 230 yds 0 TD and 1 INT through the air, while adding another 75 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Williams’ output has decreased from his standing in 2023, where anemic performances in 2024 and 2025 do not inspire much confidence for a soon to be 31-year-old QB with little to know NFL window.
One of the more disappointing storylines in Memphis was the performance of EJ Perry, who like Williams was hoping to rekindle his 2023 magic after an injury riddled 2024 with the Michigan Panthers. The Showboats hoped with Perry who owns a bit of NFL experience, and spring league success that he’d be able to make them a bit more competitive this season compared to years prior. The result was the opposite unfortunately, as Perry lost all his starts and owned a stat line of 598 yards 2 TDs and 5 INTs, along with 71 rushing yards and 1 TD on the ground. Perry’s play in 2025 often was extremely erratic taking the brunt of the chaos that surround Memphis this past season. Perry’s ability may have another team want to utilize him as an option on their backup, but the question is does an Ivy-League graduate with about $600,000 in career NFL earnings plus UFL/USFL earnings want to stick it out if no NFL teams call this cycle?
The Showboats most promising prospect at QB is Dresser Winn who was the most dynamic of the Three signal callers this season. Winn’s ability to take shots down the field, move in the pocket, and take off for a first down where all evident in 2025 and even led to a victory against the Birmingham Stallions. Winn threw for 834 yards 3 TDs and 4 INTs while rushing 52 and a score in his first extended action as a professional. The UT-Martin QB seems to have all the tools to be a Top-4 QB in the UFL even revitalizing the franchise like Jalan McClendon did for the Roughnecks. While Winn will obviously need some help, the Showboats do have enough fire power, and with a bit more stability in their offensive line could provide Winn with the assistance he needs to succeed in 2026.
The 2026 Showboats have a lot of decisions to make and need to make them fast. With the UFL College Draft expected to be next July, and free agency beginning soon Memphis has a chance to make an impact soon especially if the team is all in on Jim Turner and Jim Monos moving forward. The Showboats should and could make a move to release/trade Troy Williams or EJ Perry to open the door for a rookie/2025 UDFA. While the Showboats selected Jason Bean as their 1st Overall pick in the 2024 UFL Draft, it appears that Anthony Richardson’s inability to stay healthy may keep him in the NFL for a little bit longer especially with his versatility as a Wide Receiver. For Memphis it appears that the best move may be to continue with Winn in the near future, unless a Bryce Perkins type falls in their lap. With the UFL offseason in full swing, Memphis is a team to watch for to be extremely active this signing period.
8 Comments
by Adam Simon
If there is a UFL Draft the Showboats need to take a quarterback, how about Hudson Card, Will Rogers or Matthew Downing. Also get a blast from past guy like a Chase Garbers to compete with Dresser Winn.
by Johnny the Angry Fuzzball
They did draft a quarterback. Last year. Jason Bean refused to sign.
They need to avoid that mistake this year and make sure the person they do draft actually plays.
by Adam Simon
Do you think any of those guys would play in the UFL?
by Patrick Rifino
Bean was already under contract with the Colts at that point.
He was a fringe roster spot/practice squad candidate however injuries to Richardson and a similar skillset helped him stick. That and his ability to play WR.
by Patrick Rifino
Good pull-on Downing. For what it’s worth Doug Martin (The Showboats OC) is at Elon now. Maybe a connection, a reach as well.
I think Garbers may have killed his career with that Slide in the championship game.
Hudson Card is an intriguing one, he received no RMC invites from pro teams after working out for the Colts pre-draft.
by Patrick Rifino
Good pull-on Downing. For what it’s worth Doug Martin (The Showboats OC) is at Elon now. Maybe a connection, a reach as well.
I think Garbers may have killed his career with that Slide in the championship game.
Hudson Card is an intriguing one, he received no RMC invites from pro teams after working out for the Colts pre-draft.
by Adam Simon
Do we have any ideas about a UFL Draft? If there is one should teams go after players they know will sign?
by Patrick Rifino
https://uflnewshub.com/ufl/ten-players-at-nfl-rookie-mini-camps-that-should-be-on-the-ufl-radar/
I highlighted some players.