Week 1 of the 2026 UFL saw the reigning Champions dethroned in the opening game as the Battlehawks defeated the DC Defenders 16-10, taking back the Dome that the Defenders previously began calling Audi West.
Crown Holder š: St. Louis Battlehawks
The St. Louis Battlehawks became the Crown Holder with a 16-10 win over the reigning UFL Champions, the DC Defenders, in week 1. The Battlehawks will travel to Dallas to take on the Renegades Tuesday night.Court Jester š: Columbus Aviators
The Orlando Storm bestowed the unwanted title of Court Jester upon the Columbus Aviators by defeating them 23-16 at home in week 1. Columbus will host the DC Defenders on Friday night.
If a team defeats the Crown Holder, they steal the Crown and become the new Crown Holder. If a team loses to the Court Jester, they become the new Court Jester, freeing the previous holder.
1. St. Louis Battlehawks (1-0, 2025 record: 8-2)š
Previous Rank: #2
Week 1 Result: 16-10 Win vs. DC Defenders
Week 2 Opponent: at Dallas Renegades Tuesday night
Brandon Silvers and the Battlehawks' defense enforced the Law of Kaw, forcing two interceptions and constantly harassing Jordan Taāamu in the backfield. Pita Taumoepenu, Travis Feeney, and Demone Harris led a relentless pass rush that frequently. The Battlehawks have taken perch atop the power rankings with their victory over the reigning champions.
2. Birmingham Stallions (1-0, 2025 record: 7-3)
Previous Rank: #3
Week 1 Result: 15-13 Win at Louisville Kings
Week 2 Opponent: vs Houston Gamblers Sunday night
Matt Corral and the offense grinded out a tough road win, with Snoop Conner and Anthony McFarland Jr. leading a steady rushing attack. Defensively, the Stallions had a lot of success against the run, limiting the Kings' running backs to just 19 rushing yards on 11 carries. The Stallions still look like a top UFL team under new head coach A. J. McCarron.
3. DC Defenders (0-1, 2025 record: 6-3, Reigning UFL Champion)
Previous Rank: #1
Week 1 Result: 10-16 Loss at St. Louis Battlehawks
Week 2 Opponent: at Columbus Aviators Friday night
The defending champs started the 2026 campaign off with a loss in St. Louis. Jordan Taāamu was under constant pressure, and the offense struggled to find a rhythm after the early lead slipped away. While the score was close, the Defenders only had 153 yards of offense. The Defenders have some things to tighten up if they are to look to repeat their championship, let alone make the playoffs.
4. Dallas Renegades (1-0, 2025 record: 5-5)
Previous Rank: #4
Week 1 Result: 36-17 Win vs. Houston Gamblers
Week 2 Opponent: vs St. Louis Battlehawks Tuesday night.
The Dallas Renegades had the largest margin of victory as they trounced their state rivals, the Houston Gamblers, 36-17 at home. Quarterback Austin Reed was surprisingly named the starter ahead of Luis Perez, and then demonstrated aspects of why the team started him as he passed for 376 yards and 3 touchdowns, setting a UFL record for passing yards in a single game. The Renegades also dominated the game from a total yards perspective, with 427 yards of offense to Houstonās 284.
5. Orlando Storm (1-0, 2025 record: 1-9)
Previous Rank: #7
Week 1 Result: 23-16 Win vs. Columbus Aviators
Week 2 Opponent: vs Louisville Kings Saturday night
The Orlando Storm started their inaugural season with a win a 23-16 win at home over the Columbus Aviators. Jack Plummer was efficient completed a league best, 77.3% of his passes for 240 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Jashaun Corbin rushed 15 times for 66 yards and 2 touchdowns with 4 missed tackles forced on the way. Strong defensive play helped the Storm enter the 4th quarter with a 23-6 lead, leading the way in offensive yards, 353 to 201. The Storm are off to a good start this season and need to be taken seriously.
6. Louisville Kings (0-1, 2025 record: 2-8)
Previous Rank: #8
Week 1 Result: 13-15 Loss vs. Birmingham Stallions
Week 2 Opponent: at Orlando Storm Saturday night
Louisville struggled to get its offense rolling consistently, as the offense had both the 2nd fewest rushing yards in week 1 at 46 and the lowest completion percentage at 51.9%. There was a problem with how early the opponents' defenders were able to get the first point of contact against the Kingsā running back on rushing plays. The pass protection was solid despite the struggles in run blocking. A great positive on defense was how frequently defensive ends Cam Gill and Xavier Carlton were able to generate pressure on the quarterback. DT Travis Bell also stood out in his run defense.
7. Columbus Aviators (0-1, 2025 record: 6-4)š
Previous Rank: #5
Week 1 Result: 16-23 Loss at Orlando Storm
Week 2 Opponent: vs DC Defenders Friday night
The Columbus Aviators have some work to do. The final score was close, but much of this game was well within Orlandoās control right from the start after a fumble caused a turnover on the kickoff. Through the first 3 quarters, Columbus was heavily outpaced offensively and really struggled to slow down Orlandoās edge rushers. Columbus is going to need to do better moving forward if it is going to aim for a playoff run.
8. Houston Gamblers (0-1, 2025 record: 5-5)
Previous Rank: #6
Week 1 Result: 17-36 Loss at Dallas Renegades
Week 2 Opponent: vs Birmingham Stallions Sunday night
Houston was on the receiving end of a record-setting night in passing yards from their opponent as they fell 17-36 and allowed 376 passing yards. The Gamblers had some struggles passing, which scored the first touchdown of the game, but to the wrong team. Hunter Dekkers replaced Nolan Henderson early in the game and went on to complete 19 of his 29 passes. On the ground, the Gamblers only handed the ball off 9 times, which resulted in a measly 14 yards. In a short 10-game season, the Gamblers are going to need to find their mojo quickly.
