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Week 5 of the 2026 UFL season started with a bang, then DC Defenders (4-1) went on the road and crushed Birmingham stallion (1-4) by double digits at Protective Stadium in Alabama on FOX UFL Friday. It was the first game for both teams after the league announced a pair of massive trades involving four organizations last weekend.
Next St. Louis Battlehawks (2-2) heads to the undefeated Orlando Storm (4-0) on Saturday afternoon.
Closing things down on Sunday, we have a doubleheader. First, the Houston Gamblers (1-3) host the Columbus Aviators (1-3), followed by the Louisville Kings (1-3), who travel to face the Dallas Renegades (3-1).
Here are the results from week 5:
Key players: Defenders QB Jordan Ta’amu (15-for-22 for 275 yards, four touchdowns), WR Ty Scott (3-for-4 for 84 yards, two touchdowns), WR Erik Ezukanma (2-for-2 for 77 yards), RB Xazavian Valladay (eight carries for 50 yards); Stallions QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (28-for-43 for 313 yards, two touchdowns), WR Justyn Ross (9-for-11 for 107 yards), WR Deon Cain (5-for-10 for 57 yards, one touchdown).
Game Summary: The Defenders hit pay dirt on the game’s opening drive, taking just six plays to find the end zone after a monster 60-plus-yard kickoff return set DC up for success early. The stallions, on the other hand, did not get off to a smooth start. Freshman Birmingham quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson was picked off in the red zone on the team’s first drive, but he returned it on the Stallions’ second possession to put them on the board, 7-6. DC extended its lead with a rushing score midway through the second quarter, and a costly fumble by Birmingham gave the ball back to the defenders. Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu took advantage of the newfound possession and threw up a dazzling 45-yard touchdown to make it a 15-point game, 21-6. Thompson-Robinson was able to use his legs to get the Stallions into the end zone before halftime, narrowly closing to 21-13.
Things looked up for the Stallions early in the second half. They came out of halftime swinging and scored a touchdown to open the third quarter and pull within two points, 21-19. However, that momentum was short-lived. Turnover was Birmingham’s kryptonite. After the defenders scored again to make it 28-19 midway through the frame, the Stallions threw a pick and had a turnover on downs. DC, on the other hand, rattled off a field goal and a touchdown to close out the third quarter. Birmingham opened the fourth quarter with another turnover on downs, and DC made the most of the opportunity — firing back with another touchdown to take a 20-plus-point lead, 45-19. The Stallions were able to score once more before the end of the frame, but it was too little too late for the home team.
Although the defense won, kicker Matt McCrane had an uncharacteristically poor showing, going 1-for-3 and missing from 36 yards and 62 yards.
Next: In Week 6, the Defenders host the Renegades on Saturday afternoon, and the Stallions head to battle the Storm on Sunday night on FOX.
Key players: Battlehawks QB Brandon Silvers, OLB Pita Taumoepenu; Storm QB Jack Plummer, WR Chris Rowland, WR Elijhah Badger, WR KJ Hamler, K Michael Lantz.
Game Summary: Stay tuned for updates.
Next: In Week 6, the Battlehawks head to the Kings on Thursday night on FS1 and the Storm host the Stallions on Sunday night on FOX.
Key players: Aviators QB Jalan McClendon, RB Zaquandre White, WR Tay Martin, WR Antwane Wells; Gamblers QB Nolan Henderson, QB Taulia Tagovailoa, QB Hunter Dekkers, WR Jontre Kirklin, WR Justin Hall.
Game Summary: Stay tuned for updates.
Next: In Week 6, these two teams are back again, this time with the Aviators hosting Friday night on FOX.
Key players: Kings QB Chandler Rogers, WR Isaiah Winstead, TE Zach Davidson; Renegades QB Austin Reed, WR Tyler Vaughns, WR Greg Ward, RB Dae Dae Hunter.
Game Summary: Stay tuned for updates.
Next: In Week 6, the Kings host the Battlehawks on Thursday night on FS1, and the Renegades are on the road to take on the Defenders on Saturday afternoon.
