Week 6 of the 2025 United Football League (UFL) delivered contrasting outcomes, with the Michigan Panthers asserting their dominance in a commanding win over the DC Defenders, while the Houston Roughnecks escaped with a razor-thin victory over the Memphis Showboats in one of the season’s most thrilling contests.
Panthers Crush Defenders 38-14 at Ford Field
The Michigan Panthers put on a clinical display at Ford Field, dismantling the DC Defenders with a decisive 38-14 victory. From the first snap, the Panthers looked sharper, faster, and better prepared on both sides of the ball.
Quarterback EJ Perry delivered his best performance of the season, throwing for 245 yards and 3 touchdowns with no interceptions. His connection with wide receiver Lance McCutcheon proved lethal, as the duo combined for two scores in the first half alone.
Defensively, Michigan was relentless. The front seven dominated the line of scrimmage, registering five sacks and forcing two turnovers. Linebacker Jared Fernandez was everywhere, contributing 9 tackles and a key fourth-quarter interception that sealed the rout.
The win improves Michigan’s record to 4-2, keeping them firmly in playoff contention and elevating them to second place in the Northern Division standings. The Defenders, meanwhile, fall to 2-4, now facing an uphill battle in the second half of the season.
Roughnecks Escape with 21-20 Win Over Showboats
In a game defined by momentum swings and late-game drama, the Houston Roughnecks narrowly defeated the Memphis Showboats 21-20, maintaining their unbeaten record at home in the 2025 UFL season.
Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano led a composed game-winning drive in the final minutes, capped off by a clutch touchdown pass to tight end Nick Muse with just 57 seconds left on the clock. The Roughnecks opted for a PAT to go up by one, trusting their defense to close out the game.
Memphis had an opportunity to answer, but a missed 49-yard field goal attempt as time expired dashed their hopes. It was a tough end for a Showboats side that had led for most of the contest, powered by a 130-yard rushing effort from Brandon Radcliff and a defensive unit that had limited Houston to just 14 points through three quarters.
The Roughnecks now sit atop the Southern Division at 5-1, while Memphis drops to 3-3, still in contention but needing to convert close games into wins down the stretch.
Key Takeaways from UFL Week 6
- EJ Perry’s resurgence gives Michigan playoff credibility.
- Houston’s resilience under pressure reinforces their title credentials.
- Memphis and DC must bounce back quickly with key divisional matchups looming.
- Turnovers and special teams continue to be decisive in the UFL’s tight standings.
What’s Next
- Week 7 Matchups Include:
- Michigan Panthers vs. Memphis Showboats
- Houston Roughnecks vs. Birmingham Stallions
- DC Defenders vs. Arlington Renegades
As the UFL regular season reaches its midpoint, the competition is intensifying. Teams like Michigan and Houston are emerging as serious title contenders, while others are entering must-win territory. Expect more drama, more upsets, and more playoff-shaping football in the weeks ahead.
