The United Football League has concluded its final week before the the UFL playoffs on June 7. Despite not having a successful year, both Texas-representing UFL teams, the Dallas Renegades and the Houston Gamblers finished their season on a high note with two massive upsets over their opponents.

Last Friday shown signs of massive offensive and defensive improvements from the Dallas Renegades (4-6) as they stood strong against one of their historic rivals, the St. Louis Battlehawks (6-4), in a close contest winning 20-16. Though Renegades quarterback Austin Reed’s passing statistics (162 yards) were much smaller compared to Battlehawks and former Renegades quarterback Luis Perez (272 yards), Reed was much more productive with the football than the UFL veteran. Reed threw three touchdowns, two to receiver Emmanuel Butler, and the other to receiver Tyler Vaughns on a four-yard fade route.

The biggest difference maker for the Renegades by far was their defense. The Dallas front four sacked Perez seven times, with defensive ends DaMarcus Mitchell and Kevin Strong each tying each other with two sacks. Cornerbacks Kalen DeLoach and Ajene Harris caused troubles in St. Louis’ passing game with each player intercepting Perez.

Despite this loss, St. Louis still holds home-field advantage in the UFL Playoffs.

Last Saturday held massive playoff stakes for the Birmingham Stallions (5-5). If they win against the Houston Gamblers (4-6) and the Louisville Kings (6-4) fall to the Columbus Aviators, Birmingham would punch their ticket to the postseason. Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed as the Houston Gamblers shocked the UFL fanbase when they defeated the Stallions, 26-13.

The reason was simple: The Gamblers’ running attack led by halfbacks Marcus Major, Kirk Merritt, Jalen White and quarterback John Rhys Plumlee, was something that the Stallions couldn’t overcome. All four players combined with a total 277 rushing yards on 38 attempts, breaking the UFL single-game rushing record. The biggest play of the game for the Gamblers was a 72-yard touchdown dash by Marcus Major and what sealed the Stallion’s fate. Stallions quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson attempted to comeback from behind with a touchdown to receiver Kyric McGowan, but it wasn’t enough.

Sunday, June 7 will mark the beginning of the UFL Playoffs. Starting at 2:00 p.m. CT on ABC with the DC Defenders defending their UFL title reign against the rising Orlando Storm, and finishing the semifinals off at 5:00 p.m. CT on FOX, are the Louisville Kings and the St. Louis Battlehawks fighting for a spot in the 2026 United Bowl.