2025 UFL Michigan Panthers Season Summary

This is the seventh part of an eight-part look at each UFL team’s 2025 season

Part One: San Antonio Brahmas

Part Two: Memphis Showboats

Part Three: Houston Roughnecks

Part Four: Arlington Renegades

Part Five: Birmingham Stallions

Part Six: St. Louis Battlehawks

What went right

The Panthers were finally able to solve the Birmingham Stallions riddle that had haunted them for the past few years. After failing to beat Birmingham in all seven tries dating back to 2022, the Panthers bested Skip Holtz’s crew in the USFL Conference Championship, in doing so qualifying for the UFL Championship game. QB Bryce Perkins was named league MVP and dazzled onlookers with his play throughout the season. RB Toa Taua, a preseason cut, was re-signed early in the year and took the reins of the lead back job, finishing first in the UFL in rushing touchdowns. Despite being an All-UFL snub, WR Siaosi Mariner paced all pass-catchers in receiving yardage and Michigan also got production from its tight ends. On the other side of the ball, a stout run defense was their hallmark, allowing the fewest rushing yards per game. Michigan was number one in kick return average. The fanbase reacted positively to Michigan’s title run, as they were the only franchise to see an uptick in attendance from 2024.

What went wrong

Michigan got their doors blown off in the UFL Championship by the D.C. Defenders, losing 58-34. The Defenders took advantage of the Panthers’ worst-in-the-league pass defense and threw the ball all over the field with little resistance. It’s the kind of loss that can linger. With just 10 takeaways on the season, Michigan ended with a -2 turnover margin, tied for sixth in the league. Another season-ending injury to their defensive leader, LB Frank Ginda, did not help, and it’s fair to wonder if he’ll come back for another season. The kicking game was shaky with B.T. Potter making under 70% of his field goals, good for last in the UFL. Despite the increase in fan interest, Michigan is one of the teams on the list to potentially relocate in 2026.

Stat to note

Michigan’s success defensively came in making their opponents one-dimensional. The Panthers were sensational against the run, limiting their opposition to just 3.4 yards per carry, more than a half yard better than second place and the only team to hold rushers to under 4.0 yards per carry on average. Teams averaged only 81 rushing yards per game against Michigan, also best in the league. Forcing teams to pass the ball more could explain, in part, Michigan finding themselves at the bottom of the UFL in many pass defense categories.

Offensive MVP

I don’t think I’m allowed to give this to anyone but the league MVP. In this case, it was QB Bryce Perkins, but not without controversy – many believe Defenders QB Jordan Ta’amu should’ve won the award. Perkins completed nearly 70% of his passes with nine touchdowns and just two interceptions. He ran offensive coordinator Marcel Bellefeuille’s system incredibly well and teams often failed to contain Perkins on the read option plays. Perkins averaged 5.7 yards per carry and scored another five TDs on the ground. If he returns to Michigan next year, no matter what the Panthers do with the rest of the roster, they should immediately be considered a contender due to Perkins’s presence.

Defensive MVP

The pass rush was more ferocious when DE Kenny Willekes was in there, which he wasn’t very often toward the end of the season due to injuries and wear-and-tear. Willekes, the former Michigan State Spartan, led the team with six tackles for loss and tied for the lead with 3.5 sacks. He has the capability of taking over the game by rushing the passer, which he did at times in 2025. Willekes also forced a fumble and led the defensive line in total tackles with 31, indicating his solid play went beyond just getting to the quarterback.

Special Teams MVP

Just like it would be silly to name someone other than the UFL MVP as team offensive MVP, it wouldn’t make sense to omit the UFL Special Teams Player of the Year from the Michigan Special Teams MVP conversation. Therefore, S Kedrick Whitehead, Jr. gets this recognition, too. Whitehead was a core four special teamer for the Panthers, playing on punt coverage and return as well as kick coverage and return. Pro Football Focus charted him at 113 special teams snaps, sixth-most on the team, in addition to 636 defensive snaps, second among Panthers defenders. Whitehead tied for the UFL lead in special teams tackles with 12.

Most likely to succeed (in getting NFL opportunities)

Michigan has once again had several players sign on the NFL dotted line as of early August. Yet, there are nearly a dozen other players one could make an argument deserve to be on training camp rosters with the chance to at least make a practice squad. QB Bryce Perkins hasn’t even worked out for a team, though he may still be recovering from injuries he battled during the UFL season. Offensive linemen like Cohl Cabral were in camps last year and could be again this year. Names on defense who should be in NFL discussions include Willekes, Breeland Speaks, Whitehead, Ron Stone, Jr. and many more.

QB concern level for 2026 (1-5)

This number rises and falls on the availability of Perkins. That said, his backup, Danny Etling, can do a lot of the things Perkins can do, just not with the level of dynamic play that Perkins brings. Rocky Lombardi sat and learned as the number three with a chance to play in week 10, though he ended up getting pulled after throwing two interceptions. He has already re-signed for 2026. Marcel Bellefuille’s offense is very QB friendly, so even if they have to replace Perkins and/or Etling, they should be able to plug someone in there and have success, especially if they maintain a strong run game. Given the uncertainty surrounding Perkins’s health, NFL prospects and return status, we’ll label this situation a 2.5.

Head coach hot seat rating (1-5)

Mike Nolan has proven to be the Steady Eddie of the UFL. His NFL coaching tenure has been a benefit as he has transitioned to spring football. While there is value in having first-time head coaches like Anthony Becht or other less experienced coaches learning on the job in this relatively low-pressure environment, Nolan has brought a calming hand to his team, always seeming to push the right buttons at the right time. Finally beating Birmingham was a big step for Michigan and a confidence boost heading into 2026. The thrashing the team took in the UFL Championship can’t be overlooked, however. Nevertheless, Nolan I imagine is pretty safe. In my view, this is a 1.

Offseason needs for 2026

As mentioned, Michigan has lost a few players already to the NFL. How many stick will determine what positions they need to seriously replenish. To begin with, the Panthers could use some more talent at the offensive tackle spot, something they tried to solve with the in-season trade of OT Cam Carter from Houston. The retirement of starting guard Jake Burton leaves a hole there as well. The Panthers are pretty solid at most spots on offense. Because they like to run the ball, their tight ends are often block-first; they could vary their looks by acquiring someone who is primarily a pass-catcher. They might need to replace Frank Ginda in the middle of the second level of defense; that won’t be an easy task. Corner and safety, multiple at each position, should be at the top of Michigan’s to-do list.