By: RJ Reid (SA) and Drew Wells (ARL)
Our weekly breakdowns associated with UFL games will follow the format of both correspondents providing a brief write-up of who they think holds the advantage at each position group on the field. This will be followed up with a brief prediction of how the game will turn out, followed by a score prediction. Las Vegas betting odds will be provided, along with how the correspondents would play their money when evaluating the match-up.
The United Football League (UFL) is finally here and its Game Day at last! To kick off the 2nd day of this 2025 UFL season, we at Alternative Football Network bring you a quick look inside at who may have the advantage at each position group in this weekend’s game.
Let’s dive into the new season!
Quarterbacks
RJ Reid (SA)
Luis Perez, dubbed the “King of Spring”, has consistently been one of the top quarterbacks in spring football leagues, including the UFL. In 2024, he led the league in passing yards (1,626) and was tied for second in touchdown passes (10), showcasing his ability to move the ball effectively. His experience and proven track record give Arlington a strong edge here. For San Antonio, Kellen Mond is a new addition with NFL experience (drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2021) and athletic upside, but he’s untested in the UFL and lacks Perez’ spring football pedigree. While Mond has potential in A.J. Smith’s offensive system, Perez’s reliability tips the scales.
Advantage: Arlington Renegades
Drew Wells (ARL)
Arlington has a very clear advantage here. Luis Perez basically willed a flailing Renegades squad to an XFL Championship win after a bad start that season. His performance at the end of last year was stellar, and he leads an offensive squad with play-makers and potential. San Antonio comes into this season with newcomer Kellen Mond (Texas A&M) at the helm. The A.J. Smith offensive style really fits his game, so it will be interesting to see his progress. Watch out if he has any semblance of a supporting run game; his potential as a dual threat QB is sky high.
Advantage: Arlington Renegades
Running Backs
RJ Reid (SA)
The Brahmas return John Lovett, who finished fourth in the UFL in rushing yards (421) in 2024, and Anthony McFarland Jr., a speedy 4-year NFL veteran with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lovett dominated the Renegades in past matchups, including a 95-yard, 2-TD performance on April 27, 2024. This duo’s explosiveness and versatility are tough to match. Arlington’s running game, led by De’Veon Smith (451 yards, 3 TD in 2024) and former Brahma Kalen Ballage, who would love to punish his former team, has been less consistent and lacks the same punch. San Antonio’s backfield is a clear strength.
Advantage: San Antonio Brahmas
Drew Wells (ARL)
In terms of talent, these backfields are fairly similar. The Brahmas return a run game that blooms as the game goes on, and is a large part of their offense. Play-makers out wide make room for this to happen, as long as the pass protection holds up. San Antonio has had problems with that in the past. These two teams are very similar in terms of the run game being important as the game goes on, but early in the season Arlington will need to rely on it more than their opponents. Neither passing game is exactly prolific, but there is potential on both sides. It’s hard to give an advantage to either squad.
Advantage: Push
Wide Receivers / Tight Ends
RJ Reid (SA)
San Antonio boasts Jontre Kirklin, a dynamic play-maker who was a key target in 2024, contributing significantly to the Brahmas’ passing game. With AJ Smith’s creative play calling, Kirklin could exploit mismatches. The Brahmas also have depth with players like Marquez Stevenson, a veteran with NFL experience (5 games with the Buffalo Bills). Arlington counters with Tyler Vaughns, who had a solid 2024 (45 catches, 503 yards, 4 TD), and Sal Cannella, a tight end who led the UFL in receiving touchdowns in 2024. The Renegades’ passing attack, fueled by Perez, relies heavily on this group, and Cannella’s red-zone prowess gives them an edge in clutch situations. It’s close, but Arlington’s proven production slightly outweighs San Antonio’s potential.
Advantage: Arlington Renegades
Drew Wells (ARL)
Despite these offenses not being truly consistent, this is the position that the talent and big play potential really shows up in. San Antonio has arguably the best receiver in the league in Jontre Kirklin (LSU). His season with the Roughnecks had a flashy highlight reel, and their offense crashed when he was injured. Sal Canella (AUB) is a hugely talented tight end with great hands and mobility. He tends to show up in clutch situations. Overall, the Brahmas have better depth. That said, the Renegades have the better starting talent across the two positions. Look for former USC duo Deontay Burnett and Tyler Vaughns to have an impact, as it is hard to cover multiple threats all game.
Advantage: Arlington Renegades
Offensive Line
RJ Reid (SA)
San Antonio’s offensive line was a backbone of their 2024 success, paving the way for Lovett’s rushing prowess and giving their quarterbacks time to operate. Despite losing Alex Mollette, aka “Thick Six” to retirement, returning players like Sam Tecklenburg maintain continuity. Arlington’s line struggled in 2024, with Perez sacked seven times in four games, indicating protection issues. While the Renegades have talent, their inconsistency and San Antonio’s proven run-blocking ability suggest a slight edge for the Brahmas. It’s not a landslide, but San Antonio’s cohesion wins out.
Advantage: San Antonio Brahmas
Drew Wells (ARL)
Offensive line is tough to evaluate with these two teams. On the one hand, you have San Antonio’s spread system under AJ Smith (OC) focusing more on pass protection and zone blocking schemes. On the other, there is Coach Stoops’ more run-focused, pro-style offense that will try to grind opponents down. Both offenses are very reliant on their pass protection working, so I’ll have to give the edge to the Brahmas here.
Advantage: San Antonio Brahmas
Defensive Line
RJ Reid (SA)
The Brahmas bring back Jordan Williams and Tavante Beckett (though Beckett is more of a linebacker, often credited for his pass-rushing), who were disruptive in 2024. San Antonio’s defensive front contributed to their league-leading sack total, pressuring quarterbacks like Perez effectively. Arlington’s defensive line, featuring players like Chris Odom (an All-UFL performer in 2024), has talent but hasn’t consistently dominated. The Brahmas’ track record and returning pieces give them the nod here.
Advantage: San Antonio Brahmas
Drew Wells (ARL)
Arlington’s defensive line is a bit of a question mark coming into this season. They return exactly one sack from last year’s defensive line, although that one is DT LaRon Stokes (OU). Stokes had 29 tackles in ten games as a standout defensive tackle. San Antonio returns their entire starting three here, and has Rashard Lawrence (LSU) as a ready backup. The Brahmas have the strength here, hands-down.
Advantage: San Antonio Brahmas
Linebackers
RJ Reid (SA)
San Antonio’s linebacker corps, including players like Tavante Beckett, was integral to their 2024 sack-happy defense, which led the UFL with a relentless pass rush. Their ability to blitz and cover makes them a versatile unit. Arlington’s linebackers, including Storey Jackson, have potential but haven’t shown the same impact as a group. The Brahmas’ proven production and schematic fit under Wade Phillips give them a clear advantage.
Advantage: San Antonio Brahmas
Drew Wells (ARL)
The LB corps for the Renegades flexes some real individual talent. Veterans like Will Clarke and Donald Payne give that defense flexibility to show many different looks. The Brahmas have a bonafide star in Tavante Beckett, however. He is an established, dynamic defender in both the pass and the run. Teams have to account for him, and that opens alleys for the other linebackers to run. I believe San Antonio has the upper hand in this department.
Advantage: San Antonio Brahmas
Defensive Backs
RJ Reid (SA)
San Antonio may have lost Delonte Scott but added Greedy Williams, a former NFL second-round pick with ball skills and speed. Their secondary remains solid with depth and play-making ability. Arlington’s defensive backs, including players like Steven Jones Jr. (who had a key interception in 2024), have shown flashes of brilliance, and their pass-heavy opponents (like the Brahmas) play into their strengths. The Renegades’ secondary has been tested more due to their 3-7 record in 2024, giving them experience that could pay off. This one’s tight, but Arlington’s resilience edges out San Antonio’s untested new addition.
Advantage: Arlington Renegades
Drew Wells (ARL)
The Renegades defensive backfield is one of the best in the league. Safety Joe Powell absolutely dominates games at times, and the corners can both cover and support in the run game. The Brahmas made a key acquisition in CB Greedy Williams (LSU). He has size, speed, and length, making him a dangerous player to throw against. The fact that he came into a new team and is immediately starting should send up red flags to Arlington’s offense. Arlington has the edge as a unit, but San Antonio’s defensive backfield is nothing to sneeze at.
Advantage: Arlington Renegades
Win and Score Predictions
RJ Reid (SA)
Advantage Count: San Antonio Brahmas (4), Arlington Renegades (3), Push (0)
San Antonio enters this game with momentum from their 2024 XFL Conference title run and a stronger overall roster. They’ve won the last three meetings against Arlington, including a 25-15 victory in April 2024 and a 20-15 playoff-clinching win in May 2024. The Brahmas’ running game and defense should control the tempo, while Kellen Mond’s debut could keep Arlington’s secondary guessing. However, Luis Perez’s passing ability keeps the Renegades competitive. I see San Antonio pulling away late with their superior depth. San Antonio, 24-13.
Drew Wells (ARL)
Advantage Count: Arlington Renegades (3), San Antonio Brahmas (3), Push (1)
This looks be a close, low-scoring game. Can Kellen Mond come in and light a fire under the Brahmas’ passing game? In the same vein, can Arlington’s offense finally start a fire early in the season for once? Can an all-new defensive line at Arlington stand up to the zone-run game that their opponent likes to run? Ultimately, San Antonio has more defensive flexibility and depth along the front seven. I do think that Arlington will pull off the win, but I doubt that this game will be any kind of offensive clinic. Alas, I’ve been wrong plenty of times before… Arlington, 18-16.
Betting Predictions
Line: Brahmas (-3) O/U: 37
RJ Reid (SA)
Take San Antonio to cover the spread (-3), and take the over (37). The Brahmas’ offense, led by Lovett and Mond, should score enough to push the total over, while Perez keeps Arlington in range for a backdoor cover possibility. San Antonio’s dominance in key areas makes them the safer bet.
Drew Wells (DC)
Arlington are known for having alarmingly slow starts and losing streaks to open the season. Maybe Coach Stoops has figured it out, but I don’t know that until I see it. In games like these where a young new QB is coming in, I tend to side with the experienced QB being on the winning side of things. Arlington wins outright, and the under hits.