The 1-3 Louisville Kings travel to Texas in Week 5 to take on the 3-1 Dallas Renegades. However, Louisville is a much better team than its record indicates. Despite the loss, at least two of those games reflect the Kings' statistical superiority. As coach Chris Redman pointed out, had it not been for one or two plays that were the difference maker in those games, Louisville might be looking at a 3-1 record.
Now, fresh off a 24-22 overtime win in Houston, their first win of the season, the Kings are preparing to go head-to-head with the Renegades.
Week 5 Preview: Louisville Kings v Dallas Renegades
One of the strongest UFL teams, coach Rick Neuheisel’s team has been on a tear this season, racking up 109 points against the opposition. They are second only to the D.C. Defenders for total points scored, with the Defenders ahead by 18 points.
Dallas Quarterback Austin Reed
The Renegades entered Week 4 as one of two undefeated teams. However, a 28-14 upset at the hands of the 0-3 Columbus Aviators led to the Renegades first loss. The loss was due in part to a rare off-night for Renegades quarterback Austin Reed, who completed only 48.1% of his passes for 144 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.
In the first three weeks, the 6’4” 221 lb. UFL newcomer played exceptionally well, showcasing his strong football IQ, uncanny accuracy, and impressive mobility. To date, Reed has completed 79 of 133 passes for 907 yards, with 11 touchdowns and two interceptions. He is a dual threat to defenses with 10 rushes for 51 yards. One of those plays accounted for a 41-yard dash that set up a receiving touchdown to Emmanuel Butler in Week 4.
Reed impressed his coaching staff enough in the preseason to be named the Week 1 starter over perennial fan favorite and “Spring King” standout Luis Perez. Reed's strong performance over the past four weeks prompted the coaching staff to part ways with Perez, trading him to the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Reed is arguably one of the top quarterbacks in the UFL. However, the Kings' defense has already faced the league's number-one quarterback, Jack Plummer, in back-to-back games and almost pulled off an overtime victory in Week 3.
Louisville Quarterback Chandler Rogers
Following the surprise trade of Jason Bean to the D. C. Defenders for quarterback Mike DiLiello, Chandler Rogers was named the Kings' starting quarterback. After his UFL debut in Week 2, where he completed 13/20 passes for 161 yards, Rogers has continued to work hard, impressing the coaching staff with his dedication and strong leadership. In his debut performance, he demonstrated a solid rapport with receivers Kaden Prather, TE Tre’ McKitty, and UFL veteran JaVonta Payton. Rogers was also the team’s lead rusher with one heads-up scramble that gained 12 yards.
At the time the trade was announced, Redman said of Rogers, "We are really excited to see Chandler get an opportunity to lead our team. He is a team-first player who is ready for this challenge put before him.”
The Louisville Offense
Almost halfway through the season, Louisville’s offense is getting a makeover. The quarterback trade was not the only roster change made this past week. With the emergence of James Robinson as a backfield scoring threat and Benny Snell's release due to injury, the Kings’ ground game will benefit from the healthy return of Jaden Shirden and Ian Wheeler.
In addition, several changes were made to the offensive line to allow for a stronger ground game. Announcing the release of starting left tackle Leroy Watson and left guard Nash Jenson, the Kings signed offensive lineman Dohnovan West. He brings starting experience at both center and guard. Earlier this month, former Michigan Panthers offensive lineman Chim Okorafor was signed. Another recent addition was offensive lineman Kellen Diesch.
The Dallas Offense
In addition to Butler (four receptions for 56 yards with two touchdowns), the Renegades offense is stacked with veteran UFL talent. Arlington's premier receiver over the past two seasons, Tyler Vaughns, is picking up right where he left off with 28 catches for 390 yards and four touchdowns.
Veteran wide receiver Deontay Burnett joined the Renegades in 2024 after spending the 2023 season with the XFL Houston Roughnecks. In his two seasons in Arlington, Burnett recorded 63 catches for 655 yards and five touchdowns, including a 63-yard score. This season, he has four catches for 29 yards, with one touchdown and two carries for five yards.
Former San Antonio Brahmas WR Greg Ward has two touchdowns on six receptions for 123 yards. He has also seen limited success in the ground game and punt returns.
Dallas Ground Game
Another UFL Renegades veteran talent is running back Dae Dae Hunter, who has been with the team since the 2024 season. A year ago, Hunter recorded 113 carries for 453 yards with two touchdowns. He already has 185 yards on 27 carries with one touchdown plus four receptions for 23 yards. Hunter has also handled kick return duties in the past.
UFL newcomer Ellis Merriweather logged 27 carries for 73 yards in three games. Former Houston running back Lorenzo Lingard has 10 rushes for 48 yards and two catches for 14 yards.
The Louisville Kings Defense
Jamie Sharper's defense continues to shine each week as one of the UFL's premier units. If the defense continues to play this well, they are on pace for ALL-UFL Team status. Outside linebacker Cam Gill leads the league with 5.5 sacks in four games. Gill has 21 tackles (12 solo) and a forced fumble to his credit. The Kings' rookie linebacker Jaheim Thomas leads the team with 32 tackles (26 solo) and two pass defenses. Safety Keaton Ellis is next with 26 tackles (16 solo) and one PBU.
Other standout performers include cornerbacks Cam Dantzler and Eric Garror, and EDGE Jaylon Allen and DT DeVere Levelston. Earlier in the season, UFL newcomer Deantre Prince snagged a stunning endzone interception and ran it back 47 yards.
The Dallas Renegades Defense
The Dallas defense took a big hit this past week when the team lost standout OLB Andrew Dowell to injured reserve. One of the stars of the Memphis Showboats' defense in 2025, Dowell will be out of the Dallas lineup for five weeks, essentially ending his season.
JT Tyler with 27 tackles (15 solo) and UFL veteran linebacker Donald Payne, with 26 tackles (12 solo), lead the Renegades. Qwynnterrio Cole has 21 tackles (11 solo), an interception, two PBUs, and one forced fumble. The Dallas defense is particularly strong when disrupting the passing game. Cornerback Shaun Wade leads the team with six PBUs, followed by cornerback Steven Jones Jr., who has four pass defenses, an interception, and 11 solo tackles. Safety Tra Fluellen has an interception, 18 tackles (13 solo), and a PBU.
Louisville Kings Special Teams
Place kicker Tanner Brown has been terrific for the Louisville Kings this season, converting 12 of 13 field goals with a 59-yarder as his longest. Last week, he was the UFL Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance against the Gamblers, where he converted field goals from 59, 58, 21, 48, and 52 yards. In doing so, Brown tied a UFL single-game record.
Renegades Kicker Colton Theaker has struggled this season, converting four of seven attempts for 51.7%. His longest kick was from 51 yards.
The Kings will be on the road this weekend, traveling to Dallas to take on the Dallas Renegades on Sunday, April 26th at 3:00 PM ET.
The action gets underway later this weekend on Sunday, April 26th, at 3:00 PM EDT from Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX. It's expected to be a high-scoring game with the over/under set at 47.5. The Renegades are currently listed as 7.5-point favorites.