The final week of the UFL regular season kicks off with a heavyweight clash as the St. Louis Battlehawks visit the DC Defenders in what serves as a preview of next week’s XFL Conference Championship Game. This Friday night matchup under the lights at Audi Field features the top two teams in the XFL Conference battling for playoff positioning and momentum heading into the postseason.
Game Overview:
UFL games on May 30th, 2025:
St. Louis Battlehawks vs DC Defenders
Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC
Date: Friday, May 30th, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV: FOX UFL Friday
Stream: FOX Sports App, Fubo
Game Previews:
St. Louis Battlehawks vs DC Defenders: Key Players:
- Max Duggan (Battlehawks): QB – Leads St. Louis with 696 passing yards and 300 rushing yards with 9 total touchdowns (4 passing, 5 rushing) in just five starts
- Jacob Saylors (Battlehawks): RB – League-leading 499 rushing yards with 5 touchdowns, also contributing 245 receiving yards on 22 receptions
- Mike DiLiello (Defenders): QB – Making his first UFL start after completing 18 of 30 passes for 217 yards and a touchdown in relief appearances
- Chris Rowland (Defenders): WR – Second in the UFL with 510 receiving yards on 40 catches with 3 touchdowns, also contributes as a dynamic return specialist
- Rodrigo Blankenship (Battlehawks): K – League’s most reliable kicker with 19 made field goals at a 95% accuracy rate, including 5 from beyond 50 yards
UFL Betting Odds:
Spread: Battlehawks -2
Over/Under: 43
Moneyline: Battlehawks -130, Defenders +110
UFL Standings:
XFL Conference:
St. Louis Battlehawks: 7-2 (3-2 in conference)
DC Defenders: 6-3 (4-1 in conference)
Arlington Renegades: 4-5
San Antonio Brahmas: 1-8
USFL Conference:
Michigan Panthers: 6-3
Birmingham Stallions: 6-3
Houston Roughnecks: 4-5
Memphis Showboats: 2-7
UFL News:
The Defenders have decided to rest starting quarterback Jordan Ta’amu, the UFL’s passing leader with 2,156 yards and 17 touchdowns, giving backup Mike DiLiello his first career start. Despite this being the regular season finale, both teams have plenty to play for as the winner secures the top seed in the XFL Conference playoffs. Their previous meeting in Week 3 saw the Defenders travel to St. Louis and secure a 27-15 victory, but the Battlehawks enter Friday night riding a five-game winning streak. Due to scheduling conflicts in DC, the XFL Championship Game is already set to be played at The Dome in St. Louis regardless of which team advances.
As the UFL regular season concludes this weekend, fans will be closely monitoring the UFL scores and final UFL standings before the playoff matchups are officially set. With the UFL betting odds slightly favoring the Battlehawks on the road, this conference championship preview could go either way as both teams look to establish momentum. Will the Battlehawks extend their winning streak, or can the Defenders’ backup quarterback make a statement? Share your predictions in the comments below!
