The St. Louis Battlehawks and Houston Roughnecks are set to kick off the 2025 UFL season in an exciting Week 1 matchup at TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas. The game is scheduled for Friday, March 28, 2025, with an 8:00 PM ET kickoff.
Team Overview
St. Louis Battlehawks (0-0): The Battlehawks enter the season as defending XFL Conference Champions, boasting a 7-3 record in 2024. They were dominant at home last season, going a perfect 5-0, and are looking to carry that momentum into the new UFL campaign. With key players like running back Jacob Saylors returning, St. Louis aims to establish themselves as early favorites in the league.
Houston Roughnecks (0-0): The Roughnecks are coming off a challenging 2024 season, finishing with a 1-9 record. They struggled to find consistency on both offense and defense but are hoping for a fresh start under new leadership and a revamped roster. Houston will rely on young talent and a renewed focus on their rushing attack to turn things around.
Key Players to Watch
St. Louis Battlehawks:
Jacob Saylors: The standout running back led the team in rushing last season with 473 yards and five touchdowns. His ability to break through defenses will be crucial.
Manny Wilkins: Slated to start at quarterback, Wilkins has shown promise in limited appearances, though his 1:3 TD-to-INT ratio highlights areas for improvement.
Houston Roughnecks:
Anthony Brown: The veteran quarterback brings NFL experience to the Roughnecks and will be tasked with leading the offense.
T.J. Pledger: Returning as the team’s leading rusher, Pledger will look to improve upon his 3.3 yards per carry from last season.
Matchup Analysis
Offense: The Battlehawks averaged 272.1 yards per game last season, while the Roughnecks managed 254.5. St. Louis has a more balanced attack, with Saylors and Wilkins providing versatility.
Defense: Houston allowed 23.3 points per game last year, slightly more than the 20.2 points conceded by St. Louis. The Battlehawks’ defense, led by their edge rushers, will aim to exploit Houston’s offensive line weaknesses.
Rushing Game: St. Louis averaged 97.6 rushing yards per game last season, compared to Houston’s 74.2. The Battlehawks’ ground game could be a decisive factor.
