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Week 5 of the 2026 UFL season started with a bang, as the DC Defenders (4-1) went on the road and crushed the Birmingham Stallions (1-4) by double digits at Protective Stadium in Alabama on FOX UFL on Friday. It was the first game for both teams after the league announced a pair of massive trades involving four organizations last weekend.
On Saturday, the St. Louis Battle Falcons (3-2) went on the road to upset the previously undefeated Orlando Storm (4-1) at Inter&Co Stadium in Florida.
To close out Sunday, we have a doubleheader. First, the Houston Gamblers (1-3) will host the Columbus Aviators (1-3), followed by the Louisville Kings (1-3) who will travel to take on the Dallas Renegades (3-1).
Here are the results for Week 5:
Key players: Defensive backs QB Jordan Ta'amu (15 of 22 for 275 yards, four touchdowns), WR Ty Scott (3 of 4 for 84 yards, two touchdowns), WR Erik Ezukanma (2 of 2 for 77 yards), RB Xazavian Valladay (eight carries for 50 yards, two touchdowns); Stallions QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (28 of 43 for 313 yards, two touchdowns), WR Justyn Ross (9 of 11 for 107 yards), WR Deon Cain (5 of 10 for 57 yards, one touchdown).
Game summary: The Defenders hit the nail on the head on the game's first drive, needing just six plays to find the end zone after a monster 60-plus yard kickoff return set DC up for early success. The Stallions, on the other hand, did not get off to a good start. Birmingham's new quarterback, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, was picked off in the red zone on the team's first drive, but recovered on the Stallions' second possession to put them on the board, 7-6. DC extended its lead with a quick touchdown midway through the second quarter, and a costly Birmingham fumble gave the ball back to the Defenders. Quarterback Jordan Ta'amu took advantage of the new possession, throwing 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, narrowing the gap slightly to 21-13.
Things were looking up for the Stallions early in the second half. They came out at halftime with energy, taking advantage of a touchdown to open the third quarter and get within two points, 21-19. However, that momentum was short-lived. Turnovers were Birmingham's kryptonite. After the Defenders scored again to make the score 28-19 midway through the frame, the Stallions threw an interception and fumbled. DC, on the other hand, scored a field goal and a touchdown to close out the third quarter. Birmingham opened the fourth quarter with another turnover, and DC made the most of the opportunity, counterattacking with another touchdown to take a more than 20-point lead, 45-19. The Stallions were able to score once more before the end of the quarter, but it was too late for the home team.
Although the Defenders were victorious, kicker Matt McCrane had an unusually poor performance, going 1 for 3 and missing from 36 and 62 yards.
Next: In Week 6, the Defenders will host the Renegades on Saturday afternoon, and the Stallions will be on the road to battle the Storm on Sunday night on FOX.
Key players: Battlehawks QB Harrison Frost (20 of 31 for 185 yards, one touchdown), WR Steven McBride (4 of 5 for 53 yards), RB Jarveon Howard (12 carries for 59 yards), S Jordan Mosley (eight tackles, one pass defensed); Storm QB Jack Plummer (22 of 44 for 143 yards, one touchdown), WR Elijah Badger (4 of 7 for 37 yards, one touchdown).
Game summary: The Battlehawks took an early 7-0 lead, driving 62 yards in just eight plays on their first drive to set the tone early. The Storm, on the other hand, turned the ball over on their first attempts. Orlando appeared to catch a break on St. Louis' next drive after Battlehawks quarterback Harrison Frost was tagged out near midfield, giving the Storm the ball back with just over four minutes left in the first quarter and all the momentum. However, Orlando fumbled the ball once again. The Battlehawks opened the second quarter with another touchdown drive, taking a 12-0 lead with ease. They followed with a field goal to make the game 15-0 heading into halftime. Orlando punted twice and fumbled the ball in the second quarter, failing to score.
The Storm started the second half with another turnover, while the Battlehawks extended their lead with another touchdown drive. However, things looked up for Orlando after that, with the Storm repeating consecutive scores to end the shutout and keep things competitive. The first came after a long, 10-play, 82-yard drive, and the second came after a blocked punt that put the Storm back at the 1-yard line. St. Louis stumbled again later in the quarter, turning the ball over late in the third quarter. The Storm missed a field goal early in the fourth quarter and could never find a rhythm despite being within eight after trailing by as many as 25.
Next: In Week 6, the Battlehawks are on the road to take on the Kings on Thursday night on FS1, and the Storm will host the Stallions on Sunday night on FOX.
Key players: Flyers QB Jalan McClendon, RB Zaquandre White, WR Tay Martin, WR Antwane Wells; Players 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 at it 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 will host the Battlehawks on Thursday night on FS1, and the Renegades will be on the road to take on the Defenders on Saturday afternoon.
