Highlights:
* Panthers defense forced two interceptions and limited Showboats to just 12 points
* Bryce Perkins completed 16 of 19 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown
* Panthers start the 2025 UFL season 1-0 in the USFL Conference
Results
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MICH | 3 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 26 |
| MEM | 0 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 12 |
Game Recap:
The Michigan Panthers opened their 2025 UFL campaign with a convincing 26-12 victory over the Memphis Showboats on Sunday. The Panthers’ stifling defense created turnovers while quarterback Bryce Perkins delivered an efficient performance to secure the win. With the victory, Michigan begins the season 1-0, while Memphis falls to 0-1 in USFL Conference play.
Game Highlights Video:
Watch the full game highlights above to catch all the key plays from Panthers vs Showboats.
Panthers Performance:
The Panthers dominated on both sides of the ball, with their defense forcing two critical interceptions while their offense executed efficiently throughout the contest. Bryce Perkins’ precision passing and the team’s balanced attack proved too much for Memphis to handle.
Top Offensive Players:
* Bryce Perkins: QB – 16/19, 163 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT; 6 rushes, 14 yards, 1 TD
* Marcus Simms: WR – 4 receptions, 53 yards
* Malik Turner: WR – 5 receptions, 40 yards
* Nate McCrary: RB – 14 carries, 34 yards
* Samson Nacua: WR – 2 receptions, 35 yards, 1 TD
Top Defensive Players:
* Frank Ginda: LB – 6 tackles
* Kenny Willekes: DE – 5 tackles, 1 sack
* Adonis Alexander: DB – 4 tackles
* Kai Nacua: S – 2 tackles, 1 interception
* Mika Tafua: DE – 2 tackles, 1 sack
Showboats Performance:
Memphis struggled to establish offensive consistency, generating just 12 points despite some flashes from quarterback Troy Williams and receiver Jonathan Adams. The Showboats’ defense couldn’t contain the Panthers’ balanced attack, particularly in the second half.
Top Offensive Players:
* Jonathan Adams: WR – 6 receptions, 93 yards, 1 TD
* Troy Williams: QB – 8/11, 104 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
* E.J. Perry: QB – 10/17, 93 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
* Deneric Prince: RB – 10 carries, 38 yards; 2 receptions, 27 yards
* Jalen Jackson: RB – 11 carries, 24 yards; 2 receptions, 21 yards
Top Defensive Players:
* Steele Chambers: LB – 5 tackles
* Keaton Ellis: DB – 4 tackles
* Eli Walker: S – 4 tackles
* Zeke Vandenburgh: LB – 3 tackles
* Eric Garror: CB – 3 tackles
In the current UFL standings, the Panthers join the Arlington Renegades and St. Louis Battlehawks as the only teams with 1-0 records after the opening weekend. The Showboats fall to the bottom of the USFL Conference alongside the Houston Roughnecks at 0-1, while the Birmingham Stallions and D.C. Defenders have yet to play their season openers.
The Panthers established control early with a field goal in the first quarter and steadily built their lead throughout the game. Their balanced offensive attack tallied 288 total yards while their defense limited the Showboats to just 266 yards and forced two critical turnovers that shifted momentum in Michigan’s favor.
Will the Panthers establish themselves as the team to beat in the USFL Conference after this impressive season-opening performance? Can the Showboats bounce back and correct their offensive struggles before next week’s matchup? What are