The United Football League has unveiled its Players of the Week for Week Six of the 2025 regular season, spotlighting standout efforts across all phases of the game. Michigan Panthers quarterback Bryce Perkins continues his stellar campaign, earning his third Pizza Hut Offensive Player of the Week award. On the defensive side, St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Pita Taumoepenu claims Ortho® Defensive Player of the Week honors for his impactful play. Rounding out the accolades, Battlehawks kicker Rodrigo Blankenship secures Special Teams Player of the Week recognition after a clutch performance.
OFFENSE: QB, Bryce Perkins, Michigan Panthers
Perkins has firmly established himself as one of the league’s premier signal-callers after another standout performance this past weekend. The Virginia alum completed 13-of-18 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding 90 rushing yards, as he powered Michigan to its fourth win of the season to keep the Panthers in the thick of the playoff race. Through six weeks, Perkins ranks second in passing touchdowns with eight and is tied for a league best with four rushing touchdowns.
Next Game: at Arlington, Saturday, May 10, 1 p.m. ET on FOX
DEFENSE: LB, Pita Taumoepenu, St. Louis Battlehawks
Taumoepenu delivered one of his most dominant defensive performances of the season last Friday, racking up game-highs with two sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery to power the St. Louis Battlehawks to a crucial win12-6 over the Arlington Renegades. The victory vaulted St. Louis into second place in the XFL Conference standings. A native of Euless, Texas, Taumoepenu has picked up right where he left off last season, continuing to anchor the Battlehawks’ defense as a disruptive force. He currently leads the league in sacks with 5.5 and ranks among the top players in forced fumbles with two, further solidifying his reputation as one of the UFL’s premier defenders.
Next Game: at Memphis, Sunday, May 11, 3 p.m. ET on ESPN
SPECIAL TEAMS: K, Rodrigo Blankenship, St. Louis Battlehawks
Blankenship continues to show why he’s the league’s most reliable kicker. He is the only kicker in the UFL who has not missed a field goal. Last Friday, he remained perfect, going 2-for-2. His 14 successful field goals is also the top mark in the UFL this season. Both kicks against Arlington last week came at pivotal moments, helping lift the Battlehawks to a key victory 12-6 that kept their playoff hopes alive. His first field goal, just before halftime, extended St. Louis’s lead to 9-0. In the fourth quarter, with 6:23 remaining, head coach Anthony Becht once again trusted Blankenship, who delivered once again to put the Battlehawks up by six, 12-6, and ultimately seal the victory.
Next Game: vs Memphis, Sunday, May 11, 3 p.m. ET on ESPN
About Ortho®
Recognized for defending homes against insects and keeping lawns and landscapes clear of weeds and pests, Ortho® is now taking its defensive game to the gridiron as the official sponsor of the UFL Defensive Player of the Week Award.
The Ortho® brand is under the umbrella of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, the world’s largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The brand has a longtime reputation of aligning with key players within the sports and entertainment industry, which has included sponsorships with NASCAR and Biffle’s Roush Fenway.
About Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., was founded in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas and since then has earned a reputation as a trailblazer in innovation with the creation of icons like Original® Pan and Original® Stuffed Crust pizzas. In 1994, Pizza Hut pizza was the very first online food order. Today, Pizza Hut continues leading the way in the digital and technology space with over half of transactions worldwide coming from digital orders. A global leader in the pizza category, Pizza Hut operates more than 19,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries. Through its enormous presence, Pizza Hut works to unlock opportunity for its team members and communities around the world.
About the UFL
The United Football League (UFL) is the professional spring football league, born from the groundbreaking 2024 merger of the XFL and USFL. With the visionary backing of RedBird Capital Partners, FOX, Dany Garcia and Dwayne Johnson, the UFL is redefining the football landscape. Built on tradition and positioned to innovate and expand fan engagement and player opportunities, the league is poised for growth with its eight teams in key markets: Arlington (TX), Birmingham (AL), Detroit (MI), Houston (TX), San Antonio (TX), Memphis (TN), St. Louis (MO), and Washington D.C. The UFL is committed to pushing the boundaries of the game and delivering an elevated experience for players, fans, and partners alike.
Sources/UFL Media Contacts:
Mike Wade, Senior Vice President of Communications
Bianca Gamez, Director of Communications
