Perfect Storm Meets Home Debut: Stallions Host Unbeaten Orlando
by Ethan Berch
ARLINGTON, TX – April 16, 2026 – The Stallions are set for their home opener this weekend at Protective Stadium. Birmingham will look to get back on track after back-to-back losses, but the task will not be easy with the unbeaten Storm coming to town.
Storylines to watch:
Orlando Storm
The Storm enter the weekend with a perfect 3-0 record on the season. Most recently, they won an overtime thriller over the Kings, 29-27, and have proven to be a battle-tested group early in the year.
The team’s success begins with Jack Plummer under center. Statistically, Plummer has been one of the UFL’s top quarterbacks this season and is fresh off a three-touchdown performance. He ranks third in the league, averaging 223 passing yards per game, and is surrounded by playmakers Birmingham will have to keep a close eye on.
Whether in the receiving corps or the backfield, the Storm have weapons everywhere. Orlando has been the most explosive offense in the league, producing more plays of 15-plus yards than any other team.
Chris Rowland leads the league in receptions, Elijhah Badger ranks second in receiving yards, and KJ Hamler ranks tenth in all-purpose yards thanks to his impact as both a receiver and return man. All three are dynamic and versatile threats who will look to make an impact once again this weekend.
Jashaun Corbin ranks second in the UFL in rushing yards and has added three rushing touchdowns. Across the board, the Storm offense is legitimate, a gameplanning nightmare for opposing defenses.
Defensively, Orlando’s pass rush has been disruptive all season. Keshawn Banks and Chris Garrett both rank among the league leaders in sacks and tackles for loss. If the Storm can pressure Matt Corral and live in the backfield, they could force him into mistakes, something that has plagued Birmingham throughout the season.
Birmingham Stallions
The Stallions are looking to get back on track this weekend after dropping two straight games. In both losses, Birmingham held fourth-quarter leads within the final minutes before letting them slip away.
Quarterback Matt Corral has quietly been one of the UFL’s most efficient quarterbacks through three weeks. Corral ranks second in the UFL in passing yards and is tied for second with five passing touchdowns.
Corral’s biggest flaw so far has been turnovers, as he has thrown four interceptions. He must limit mistakes against one of the top teams in the league. Ball security has to be the top priority for Birmingham across the board.
Corral’s top target this season has been Deon Cain. Cain has hauled in three touchdowns this year, including a 67-yard bomb last week, and has totaled 170 receiving yards through three weeks. In a room full of stars, no player has shined brighter than Cain, who will look to be a major factor on Saturday.
The Stallions also boast a well-rounded offense with Anthony McFarland leading the backfield. McFarland has been one of the league’s most productive backs with 132 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Last week, Birmingham’s defense played an excellent three quarters of football. The Stallions allowed just six offensive points through three quarters and added a pick-six from Mario Goodrich.
However, they surrendered 21 points in the fourth quarter and collapsed late. Playing a complete game on both sides of the football will be critical this week, especially against an explosive Orlando passing attack.
There are stars all over Birmingham’s defense, led by its linebacker corps. Kyahva Tezino and Tae Crowder make up arguably the best linebacker duo in the UFL. Both rank top six in the league in tackles and have created multiple turnovers this season.
Lastly, the Stallions will finally make their 2026 home debut, looking to feed off the home crowd with Gucci Mane set to perform at halftime and a strong spring atmosphere expected at Protective Stadium.
X-Factor:
Both Orlando and Birmingham feature explosive offenses, but whichever defense creates takeaways could control the game. In what projects to be a high-level matchup, winning the turnover battle may ultimately decide who leaves victorious.