UFL 2026 Week 5 Results: Defenders Crush New-Look Stallions, More

Week 5 of the 2026 UFL season started off with a bang, as the DC Defenders (4-1) hit the road and crushed the Birmingham Stallions (1-4) by double digits at Protective Stadium in Alabama on FOX UFL Friday. This was the first game for both teams after the league announced two massive trades involving four organizations last weekend. Next, the St. Louis Battlehawks (2-2) are on their way to face the undefeated Orlando Storm (4-0) on Saturday afternoon. Wrapping things up 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 will travel to face the Dallas Renegades (3-1). Here are the Week 5 results: DC Defenders 45, Birmingham Stallions 28 Key Players: Defenders QB Jordan Ta’amu (15-for-22 for 275 yards, four TDs), WR Ty Scott (3-for-4 for 84 yards, two TDs), WR Erik Ezukanma (2-for-2 for 77 yards), RB Xazavian Valladay (eight carries for 50 yards, two TDs); 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 Recap: The Defenders hit the mark on the first play of the game, taking just six plays to find the end zone after a monster 60+ yard kickoff return that gave DC an early success. The Stallions, on the other hand, did not get off to a smooth start. New Birmingham quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson was picked off in the red zone on the team’s first drive, but he rebounded on the Stallions’ second possession to put them on the board, 7-6. DC extended their lead with a rushing score midway through the second quarter, and a costly Birmingham fumble gave the ball back to the Defenders. Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu capitalized on the newfound possession, throwing a dazzling 45-yard touchdown run 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 at the start of the second half. They came out at the break, conceding a touchdown to open the third quarter and get within two points, 21-19. This momentum, however, was short-lived. Turnovers were Birmingham’s kryptonite. After the Defenders scored again to make it 28-19 at the halfway point, the Stallions threw a pick and had a turnover on downs. DC, for its part, scored a field goal and a touchdown to close the third quarter. Birmingham opened the fourth quarter with another turnover on downs, and DC took advantage of the opportunity by answering back with another touchdown to take a lead of over 20 points, 45-19. The Stallions managed to score one more time before the game ended, but it was too little, 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 for 36 yards and 62 yards. Next up: In Week 6, the Defenders host the Renegades on Saturday afternoon, and the Stallions are on their way to face the Storm on Sunday night on FOX. St. Louis Battlehawks at Orlando Storm (Saturday at 7 p.m. ET) 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 up: In Week 6, the Battlehawks are on their way to face the Kings Thursday night on FS1, and the Storm will host the Stallions Sunday night on FOX. Columbus Aviators at Houston Gamblers (Sunday at noon ET) Key players: Aviators 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 up: In Week 6, these two teams are back, this time with the Aviators hosting Friday night on FOX. Louisville Kings at Dallas Renegades (Sunday at 3 p.m. ET) 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 up: In Week 6, the Kings host the Battlehawks Thursday night on FS1, and the Renegades are on the road to face the Defenders Saturday afternoon.