By Zane Miller

With it now being five weeks into the 2026 United Football League season, it’s time to take a look at some standout players who could be leading their team to a trip to the nation’s capital for the United Bowl.

While there will not be any teams pulling off the undefeated season this year, both the DC Defenders and Orlando Storm are in command of the standings with each holding a 4-1 record. With the #1-ranked offense in the league at an impressive 34.4 points per game, the Defenders are poised to have home-field advantage throughout the postseason, as it was announced on Friday that the United Bowl will be held at the Defenders’ home stadium of Audi Field. While quarterback Jordan Ta’amu has an alright stat line of four touchdowns and 873 passing yards, the driving force of the DC offense thus far is running back Deon Jackson. Jackson currently leads the UFL in both rushing touchdowns (five) and rushing yards (267) as a possible early pick for MVP.

As for the Storm, their less than stellar offense has been bailed out by a fantastic defense which has only allowed 77 total points on the year, for 15.4 points allowed per game. Defensive end Keyshawn Banks has already four sacks this season, while safety Josh Minkins leads the team in tackles with 32.

Amongst the teams in the middle of the pack vying for the other two playoff spots, the Dallas Renegades look to have the strongest passing game, as the combination of quarterback Austin Reed and wide receiver Tyler Vaughns has already proven lethal. Out of Reed’s six touchdown passes and 1,102 passing yards, Vaughns has accounted for four TDs and 399 yards.

On the special teams side, Louisville Kings kicker Tanner Brown is a solid 14-for-15 on his field goal attempts with a long of 59 yards this season. While the Columbus Aviators have faced their struggles as they are tied with the Birmingham Stallions for last in the standings at 1-4, it has provided punter and former Cincinnati Bengal Brad Robbins the opportunity to prove he very well may still have what it takes to make it back to the NFL. On his nine punts, Robbins has averaged 50.6 yards per punt, significantly above the next highest average of 46.5, posted by Mike Rivers of the Houston Gamblers.

That being said, there’s obviously more than enough room for a major shakeup in the standings to occur, so we’ll just have to wait and see what’s in store for the final five games of the regular season.

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