By Michael Bell
The much anticipated UFL schedule release has arrived! The UFL will deploy a 10 week season for the 8 teams in the league. Opening week will start off with a bang as we will have a clash between former XFL teams & former USFL teams. Let’s take a dive into the Michigan Panthers Schedule!
WEEK 1 – Home vs. St. Louis Battlehawks, Saturday March 30th, 4 p.m. (FOX)
The Panthers, coached by Mike Nolan, will open up their first of four inter-conference matchups against former XFL St. Louis Battlehawks at Ford Field on March 30th. The Battlehawks will have Anthony Becht back at Head Coach. While rosters remain unofficial, fans are hoping to see QB favorites E.J. Perry & A.J. McCarron suited up for a second season under each team.
WEEK 2 – Home vs. Birmingham Stallions, Sunday April 7th, 4 p.m. (FOX)
In the second game of the Panthers 3 game home stand, the Panthers will battle the back to back USFL champions. The Stallions MVP QB Alex McGough has moved up and the Stallions will be moving forward with a new QB this season. Birmingham will still have Skip Holtz returning for his third season with the championship team. Former Stallions defensive back Nate Brooks will be suiting up for the Panthers this season as he was selected in the 5th round of the Super Draft.
WEEK 3 – Home vs. Houston Roughnecks, Sunday April 14th, Noon (ABC)
The last home game in the homestand will be against the XFL named Roughnecks but will be considered a part of the USFL team conference to replace the Gamblers in the same market. Head Coach Curtis Johnson will lead the way with experience coaching from Tulane University.
WEEK 4 – Away @ San Antonio Brahmas, Saturday April 20th, 7 p.m. (FOX)
The Panthers first away game will have them traveling to Texas to face “The Rock” inspired Brahmas for the only night game on the calendar. Former NFL coach Wade Phillips takes over and is already making headlines by giving famous YouTuber “Deestroying”, Donald De La Haye, a shot at kicker. This will be the Panthers second inter-conference matchup.
WEEK 5 – Away @ Memphis Showboats, Sunday April 28th, 3 p.m. (FOX)
John DeFilippo will have his squad ready to host the Panthers after spending last season on the New Orleans Breakers. DeFilippo has a long history on the offensive side of the ball. DeFilippo most recently worked with Justin Fields in the NFL in helping develop his game and will take these strengths to Memphis.
WEEK 6 – Home vs. Arlington Renegades, Sunday May 5th, 1 p.m. (FOX)
The 2023 XFL champions make their way to Ford Field with coach Bob Stoops returning for another season. In the 3rd inter-conference matchup for the Panthers, Mike Nolan will be looking to make a statement against last year’s champions.
WEEK 7 – Away @ D.C. Defenders, Sunday May 12th, Noon (ESPN)
The last inter-conference game of the schedule has the Panthers traveling to D.C. to face the Defenders and coach Reggie Barlow. The Defenders looked strong in the XFL last year and look to build upon the championship DNA the organization wants to achieve.
WEEK 8 – Home vs. Memphis Showboats, Saturday May 18th, 4 p.m. (FOX)
The second game in the series with the Panthers and Showboats will be the last regular season home game of the year. Memphis will call Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium home for this Matchup.
WEEK 9 – Away @ Houston Roughnecks, Sunday May 26th, 2:30 p.m. (FOX)
Michigan will travel to Houston to finish the series. Houston is currently playing at legendary Rice Stadium. The Roughnecks will boast a formidable defense on paper as they will be bringing back Gamblers DPOY Chris Odom and former NFL first round pick Reuben Foster.
WEEK 10 – Away @ Birmingham Stallions, Sunday June 1st, Noon (ESPN)
The last week of the season will put the Panthers in a fight with the 2022 & 2023 Stallions at Birmingham. This will be a crucial game for both teams as they fight to make the Conference Championship.
Conference Championships will be held the weekend of June 8th & 9th on ABC and FOX respectively. The UFL Championship will be held June 16th on FOX at the BattleDome in St. Louis.