The Arlington Renegades wrapped up their joint practice with the St. Louis Battlehawks as they prepare for their second UFL season. The Renegades were part of the XFL in 2020 and 2023. Winning the XFL Championship in 2023.
Head coach Bob Stoops and quarterback Luis Perez shared thoughts on roster decisions, team improvements, and season expectations during media interviews. The UFL season kicks off March 28th, with the Renegades starting their campaign against San Antonio on March 29th.
Training Camp Challenges
Coach Stoops discussed the difficult roster decisions facing the team as camp concludes.
“It’s going to be really difficult for us to let go of 14 players. I think right now we’re 64, and we have to get to 50. The sad part is, and I’m sure we’re not the only ones, there’s some really good football players that may not end up making the team. We’ll be the first ones to speak up for them. If other teams are interested or have positions available, we want to be able to help these guys.”
This highlights the competitive nature of UFL rosters, with quality players facing cuts despite strong performances. Stoops’ comments show his commitment to helping players find opportunities elsewhere in the league. There are plenty of good players in the league and plenty room to expand in 2026 and 2027.
Defensive Improvements
Stoops identified defense as a key focus area for improvement this season.
“Defensively, we weren’t up to par a year ago. So I really feel so far, watching our team, I really believe we’re going to be much better defensively. That’ll give us a big step towards being a better team. And I believe overall, our offensive line is stronger and better than a year ago, which hopefully protects the quarterback as well as you’re able to run the ball.”
The Renegades’ championship aspirations hinge on these defensive upgrades. Stoops sees defensive improvement as the foundation for overall team success, complemented by offensive line enhancements. Quarterback Luis Perez lead the league in passing in 2024 but the team finished the season at 3 -7. They team finished the season giving up the third most points.
Offensive Balance
Luis Perez addressed plans to develop a more balanced offensive attack this season.
“Ultimately, you never want to be one-dimensional as an offense. So I think we are making an emphasis to run the ball a little bit more, make ourselves two-dimensional and be able to just make more plays on the field offensively and get more explosive runs as well. So I think we’re doing a good thing and we’re on the right track.”
This shift toward offensive balance represents a strategic evolution for the Renegades. Despite Perez’s strong passing stats last season, the team recognizes the need for a more diversified approach. The question is who will be the teams top back. De’Veon Smith was their leading rusher last season and he is no longer with the team.
Experience Advantage
Perez discussed how his extensive professional experience benefits his performance.
“I have a lot of experience playing, and I think that my play can back that up just with being able to adapt on the fly, learn a playbook. If you go back in my career, you watch from back in 2019, and you look at all the lists I’ve been on of teams till now, it’s been a lot. And the majority of the team has all been, ‘Hey, you have two weeks to learn a playbook, learn it, and then go play.'”
His journey through multiple teams and leagues has developed his adaptability. This experience provides stability at quarterback for a Renegades team looking to return to championship form. Perez is releasing a new book soon called Spring King.
Joint Practice Benefits
Both Stoops and Perez praised the value of joint practices with other UFL teams.
“Some players have a switch. Whenever you’re going against somebody else and it’s not… If, to me, it’s practice, but you’re going against another opponent, you see those guys elevate,” Perez explained. “That’s not my place, but general managers and coaches, they see that. They see, ‘Okay, this guy’s elevated.’ Whenever we play another team, he elevates his game to another level.”
These sessions provide coaches with evaluation opportunities while giving players fresh competition. The practice against St. Louis was the third joint session for the Renegades, providing key preparation as they approach their season opener.
The Renegades begin their 2025 UFL campaign at Choctaw Stadium against San Antonio on March 29th at 4:00 PM ET.
