The Michigan Panthers (1-0) visited Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on Sunday afternoon to kick off the 2025 UFL season against the Memphis Showboats (0-1). Both teams utilized the two-quarterback system which was not necessarily for this game.
Michigan’s offense had 281 total yards led by quarterback Bryce Perkins completing 16 of 19 passes (84.2%) for 163 yards, one touchdown, six carries for 14 yards, and one touchdown leading the Panthers to a 26-12 win. Backup quarterback Danny Etling completed 4 of 6 passes (66.7%) for 30 yards, and two carries for 15 yards.
Running back Nate McCrary led the rushers with 14 carries for 34 yards, and Matt Colburn II had 10 carries for 32 yards. Wide receiver Marcus Simms led the receivers with four catches for 53 yards, and Samson Nacua made two catches for 35 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown.
Kicker B.T. Potter made 2 of 4 field goals with a long of 43 yards. The defense made 60 tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks, four pass breakups, and two interceptions with defensive back Kai Nacua sealing the game with a pick-six 80-yard touchdown.
Memphis had 241 yards in total offense. Quarterback E.J. Perry completed 10 of 17 passes (58.3%) for 93 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and three carries for seven yards. Backup quarterback Troy Williams completed 8 of 11 passes (72.7%) for 104 yards, and one interception.
Running back Deneric Prince led the rushers with 10 carries for 38 yards. Wide receiver Jonathan Jones led the receivers making six catches for 93 yards, including a six-yard touchdown. Kicker Matt Coghlin was a perfect 2 for 2 field goals with a long of 50 yards. The defense finished the afternoon making 79 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and one pass breakup.
Next week, the Michigan Panthers host the Birmingham Stallions in last year’s USFL Conference championship rematch on Friday at 8 pm on Fox. The Memphis Showboats visit the D.C. Defenders on Saturday at 8 pm on ABC. Purchase UFL tickets today on StubHub and Viagogo.
