Red Hot Defenders Take On New Look Stallions on Friday Night Football
by Ethan Berch
ARLINGTON, TX – April 21, 2026 – DC enters the weekend on a three-game win streak, while Birmingham has dropped three straight. The reigning champions are heating up at the right time, while the three-time champs hit reset after a blockbuster trade brings a new face to the quarterback room.
Storylines to watch:
DC Defenders
The Defenders roll into Week Five as one of the hottest teams in the UFL. After their Week One loss to St. Louis, they’ve rattled off three straight wins, including a revenge win over their rival.
DC took down St. Louis 28-22 last week behind Jordan Ta’amu’s best performance of the season. He threw for 204 yards and two touchdowns, but the difference was what he did with his legs.
After being sacked seven times in their first meeting with the Battlehawks, Ta’amu made it a point to stay upright. He escaped pressure, extended plays, and led the team with 61 rushing yards.
After a slow start, the 2025 UFL Championship MVP is finding his rhythm again, and that’s a problem for the rest of the league. He now faces a Birmingham defense allowing 205 passing yards per game, third most in the UFL.
And as Ta’amu heats up, DC becomes even more dangerous when paired with what they do defensively.
Up front, they’ve been the best unit in the league. DC leads the UFL with 12 sacks, they don’t just stop drives, they wreck them.
Derick Roberson has been at the center of it, ranking second in the league with 4.0 sacks and continuing his All-UFL level play.
But it’s not just the front. This is the most complete defense in the UFL.
Blake Williams’ unit leads the league in total defense, forces turnovers, and closes windows in the secondary. They’ve already recorded seven takeaways, with Sam Kidd sitting near the top of the league with two interceptions.
That’s what makes DC so dangerous. A quarterback finding his stride, a dominant front, and a defense that suffocates opponents, this is as complete a team as there is in the UFL right now.
Birmingham Stallions
All eyes for Birmingham are on the quarterback position.
The Stallions were shut out in their home opener last week, the first shutout in the UFL since 2024, and it led to a major move. Birmingham dealt Matt Corral and brought in Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
DTR arrives after backing up in Orlando through the first four weeks. He brings NFL experience from his time with the Cleveland Browns, where he made five starts across 2023 and 2024. He hasn’t started in two years, but there’s a real chance that changes this week.
If Birmingham goes another direction, Michael Hiers is the likely option after seeing extended action last week. He finished with 60 yards and a 47% completion rate in relief.
Either way, change was needed. The Stallions sit on a three-game skid with the halfway point approaching, and they’re searching for a spark. Whoever is under center will have help.
This is still a talented offensive group with a strong run game. Anthony McFarland has been productive, averaging 40.5 yards per game, and should be a focal point, especially with a new quarterback stepping in. Establishing the run early will be key.
But just as important: giving the offense a chance to operate. Birmingham has leaned heavily on the pass this season. If that continues, the protection has to hold up against DC’s front. If it doesn’t, it could be another long night.
X-Factor:
If DC’s defense lives in the backfield like it has during this win streak, they’ll control the game. On the other side, Birmingham’s defense has been solid in key moments, especially in scoring situations, but this is a different challenge against the league’s top rushing attack.
And then there’s the biggest question of all, quarterback. Who starts for Birmingham, and how ready will they be on a short week? That answer could decide everything.