In week 7, the Michigan Panthers pulled off one of the UFL’s most thrilling come-from-behind victories at Choctaw Stadium, outscoring the Arlington Renegades 25-24.
With mere seconds remaining on the clock, Panthers running back Toa Taua scored twice in a star-making performance, earning him the title of the “UFL News Hub Player of the Week.”
The Unlikeliest UFL Star
Taua, is perhaps this season’s unlikeliest breakout star. His only previous experience with the Panthers was a 2024 Week 10 loss against the Birmingham Stallions where he recorded eight carries for 26 yards. After he was cut in training camp ahead of the 2025 season, Taua took a job at a local golf course. Hoping to earn enough money to pay for a gym membership, the goal was to stay in shape so he could continue pursuing his dream of a professional football career.
In Week 2, when Panthers starting RB Matt Colburn was injured on a kick return, Taua was re-signed to the Panther’s roster as the backup to Nate McCrary and Jaden Shirden. However in a surprise twist, the former University of Nevada standout and 2018 Mountain West Freshman Of The Year has emerged as the number one back with 57 carries for 272 yards and five touchdowns.
An Amazing Come-From-Behind Victory
This weekend, Taua’s improbable story added another chapter when he scored twice with the clock running out to secure the Panthers fifth win. After trading back and forth leads throughout the game, Renegades quarterback Luis Perez (314 yards and two TD’s) had just thrown a 10-yard touchdown pass to TE Sal Cannella that put the Renegades ahead 24-18.
But with 2:01 left on the clock, Panthers QB Bryce Perkins went to work. He engineered an 11-play 56-yard drive that culminated with Taua scoring a one-yard rushing touchdown to tie the game at 24-24. Perkins was 15/28 passes for 231 yards, adding another 60 yards on eight carries, but he relied on his star running back to finish the job. With one-second remaining on the clock, Taua scored again, nailing the one point conversion for a 25-24 win.
Interviewed on the sidelines after his amazing double score, Taua emphasized the chance to keep chasing his dream was worth all the heard work and the career ups and downs. Taua stated. “I also have a 4-year-old son, so just being able to show him you can chase a dream no matter what it is has been an honor of mine to keep playing. I’m keeping the faith.”
Honorable Mention –UFL New Hub Player of the Week
UFL New Hub Player Of The Week Honorable Mention honors go to D.C. Defender’s quarterback Jordan Ta’amu. With a halftime score tied at 12-12, Ta’amu and the Defenders exploded with three touchdowns in the second half to beat the San Antonio Brahmas by a score of 32-24. Ta’amu completed 19/24 passes for 278 yards and three touchdowns.
Enjoying an MVP caliber season, Ta’amu leads the league with 1,750 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions. Adding another 158 yards and two touchdowns on 34 carriers, Ta’amu has been outstanding this season, leading the Defenders to a 5-2 record.
Upcoming Games
The Michigan Panthers will take on the 3-4 Houston Roughnecks at TDECU Stadium on Sunday, May 17th at 1:00 pm EDT. The game will be televised on FOX, and tickets are still available.
The D.C. Defenders will host the Arlington Renegades in Week 8 on Sunday, May 18th at 12:00 pm EDT. The game will be televised on ABC and tickets are still available.
