The United Football League (UFL) is heating up as it enters Week 5 of the 2025 season, with intriguing matchups on the horizon. The Birmingham Stallions, who have won three consecutive games, find themselves in a familiar position, holding a 3-1 record and currently sitting atop the UFL Conference standings. However, their performance has not quite met the lofty expectations set at the season's beginning. Head coach Skip Holtz is actively working to rectify the team's lack of offensive production, which has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads.

In 2024, the Stallions were a powerhouse, averaging an impressive 26.5 points per game, but this season has seen a significant drop in scoring, as they now average only 16.2 points per game. A notable decline has also occurred in their rushing attack; last year, Birmingham led the league with an average of 136.0 rushing yards per game, while this year they are struggling to find their footing, averaging just 93.4 rushing yards. Coach Holtz reflected on the teams struggles, saying, Weve shown flashes of who we can be, and I think weve shown flashes of who we are.

The Stallions will have an opportunity to showcase their potential when they host the Memphis Showboats, who are currently struggling at a dismal 0-4 record, in the opening game of Week 5 at Protective Stadium on Friday night at 8 p.m. ET, a game that will be broadcast on FOX and the FOX Sports app. Following that, the Michigan Panthers, who hold a 3-1 record, will travel to face the St. Louis Battlehawks (2-2) on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. ET.

Sunday features a doubleheader with the Arlington Renegades (3-1) taking on the DC Defenders (3-1) at Choctaw Stadium at noon ET, and the San Antonio Brahmas (1-3) facing off against the Houston Roughnecks (1-3) at the Alamodome at 3 p.m. ET. As the league heats up, here are five key storylines to watch for in Week 5:

1. New Quarterback for Stallions: Case Cookus Steps Up

In a significant turn of events, Birmingham's starting quarterback Matt Corral has suffered a midsection injury late in last weeks game and will be sidelined, now serving as the emergency No. 3 quarterback. This paves the way for Case Cookus, the former Northern Arizona standout, to make his first start of the season against his old team, the Memphis Showboats. Last season, Cookus struggled with the Showboats, finishing with a 1-5 record as a starter while throwing for 989 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions, but he was also sacked 20 times.

Cookus prior experience includes two successful seasons with the Philadelphia Stars in the legacy USFL, where he amassed 3,629 passing yards and 27 touchdown passes while leading the Stars to the championship game in 2022. Coach Holtz expressed confidence in Cookuss abilities, stating, I feel really good. I think hes got a really good grasp on the offense and what were doing. Adding a personal note, Cookus is expecting a baby boy with his wife in July, which adds another layer of excitement to his upcoming start. Andrew Peasley will fill the role of backup quarterback.

2. Battlehawks' Setback: Manny Wilkins Out for the Season

St. Louis Battlehawks are facing adversity as starting quarterback Manny Wilkins has been confirmed to have suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in his right leg. This unfortunate news was confirmed by the teams medical staff this week, leading to Wilkins being placed on injured reserve. The Battlehawks will now rely on backup QB Max Duggan, who will make his first start of the season. Wilkins had previously earned UFL Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 2, completing 65.2% of his passes for 498 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions over four games.

As a silver lining, the Battlehawks are set to welcome back their star receiver and reigning UFL Offensive Player of the Year, Hakeem Butler, who has been sidelined for the past three games due to a lingering hamstring injury. Despite their recent struggles, including two consecutive losses and eight turnovers in their last two outings, St. Louis will aim to turn their fortunes around against the Panthers.

3. Showboats Shake-Up: Dresser Winn Gets the Nod

In another significant change, the Memphis Showboats are making a quarterback switch as interim head coach Jim Turner will give the starting role to Dresser Winn against the Stallions. E.J. Perry will serve as the backup, while Troy Williams will take on the emergency third-string role. Winn, 26, has a brief history with the NFL's Los Angeles Rams, where he spent time in training camp and on their practice squad during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. During his college career at UT Martin, Winn showcased promise, throwing for 5,800 yards and 37 touchdowns.

Turner has also revamped the Showboats offense this week following the appointment of Noel Mazzone as the teams new offensive coordinator, succeeding Ken Whisenhunt. The Showboats have struggled offensively this season, averaging the lowest in the league with just 12.5 points per game and a meager 78.3 rushing yards per contest.

4. Hometown Hero: Kellen Mond in San Antonio

Kellen Mond, a Texas A&M product, is set to play in his hometown of San Antonio for the first time as a professional player. The quarterback led the Brahmas to their first win of the season last week, and now he will experience the excitement of competing on home turf against the Roughnecks in Week 5. This will be the Brahmas first home opener of the season, marking a significant moment for the team and Mond.

Throughout the season, Mond has completed 57.8% of his passes for 562 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception, while also demonstrating his mobility with 82 rushing yards. Reflecting on his growth since his college days, Mond stated, To come out here and be able to go full games and have to execute drives, end-of-half and end-of-game situations I think is the best thing. Its a quarterback-driven league, and I think its extremely beneficial, and Ive grown.

5. Clash for Conference Supremacy: Defenders vs. Renegades

This weekends matchup between the Arlington Renegades and the DC Defenders is particularly notable as both teams vie for the top spot in the XFL Conference. The Renegades, undefeated at home this season, are holding opposing teams to an impressive league-low average of just 10.8 points per game. Meanwhile, the Defenders are looking to bounce back after suffering their first loss of the season at home last week. With a troubling tally of 13 accepted penalties for 121 yards in their previous game, the Defenders will need to maintain discipline moving forward.

You cant overcome games like that with so many penalties, said Defenders interim head coach Shannon Harris, emphasizing the need for improvement. This pivotal clash has the potential to shift the balance of power in the XFL Conference as both teams aim to solidify their position moving forward.

As the UFL season progresses, each game carries significant weight, and fans can expect an exciting Week 5 full of drama, skill, and surprises. Stay tuned for all the action!