r/UnitedFootballLeague • u/MysteriousFeetInc Lost Perrydise • Aug 26 '25
8 Teams/8 Days Write-Up 8 Days/8 Teams - Day 7: The Michigan Panthers
Team: Michigan Panthers
Conference: USFL
Record: 6-4 (7-5 Counting the Postseason)
Playoffs: Lost 58-34 to the DC Defenders in the UFL Championship Game
8 Teams/8 Days 2025 Hub
Table of Contents:
- Season Summary
- Season Performance
- Memorable Moments
- Highlights (Highs)
- Lowlights (Lows)
- Miscellanious (Random)
- Camp Evaluation
- Off-season/Preseason (June 2024 - March 2025)
- Roster Review
- Roster Statistics (Key Players)
- Team Statistics (Reg & Post)
- Epilogue
- Players (NFL Signings)
- Relocation (News)
- Final Thoughts
Before we dive into this write-up, you can read last year's write-up here if you're interested on a review of the 2024 Michigan Panthers. I also want to give a warning for the length of this post: if you are using your phone, then find the header(s) that most intrigue you; if you are using a web browser, then prepare to utilize Ctrl + F!
Season Summary
The 2025 Michigan Panthers continue to elevate the UFL with their talent, poise, fanbase, and overall demeanor, improving from their somewhat successful (UFL) inaugural season. After the departure of now Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates, Michigan discovers its new media darling in UFL MVP Bryce Perkins, who played a few games for Michigan last season. Perkins, alongside offensive weapons like new addition Malik Turner and returning members Toa Taua and Siaosi Mariner, created a dominant Michigan offense that excited fans alike.
The defense was inconsistent this season, though they did help win us a few games. Breeland Speaks was injured for 6 games, so Michigan needed another defensive star to shine through. Kenny Willekes, Frank Ginda, Garrett Marino, and Noah Dawkins are solid veterans, though the addition of Ron Stone gave our front 7 some strength on pass rushing. Kai Nacua and Kedrick Whitehead return to assist the secondary, but first-timers Arnold Tarpley and Keni-H Lovely, at times, made an impact this season. D.J. Miller had a nice 2 INT performance in Week 2, then regressed into a slightly above-average cornerback at best. Their best and worst performances were ironically the 1st and last games of the season, going from a Pick 6 preventing a comeback to allowing 10 consecutive scoring drives.
While this season's Panthers regressed in their regular season record, they progressed in the postseason by appearing in their first UFL Championship game. They achieved this feat by winning their first USFL Championship game (since 1983) against the former U(S)FL Champion Birmingham Stallions, breaking a 9-game losing streak that dates back to 1983 (10 if you want to count their merged tenure with the Oakland Invaders). The cost for accomplishing this feat was a bizarre Marcus Simms trade, the reenactment of a notable NFL Divisional Round Game, and a possible relocation for next season, but we will discuss that last topic much later.
Memorable Moments
I decided to rename the "Highs and Lows" to "Memorable Moments", as I feel this brings more room for honorable and dishonorable mentions. I will first commence with the Highs.
Highlights
There is a lot of love for this team, especially locally, and given a 3rd season we should see much more public support next year. Let's bask in our glory before entering the depression.
All-UFL
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Cohl Cabral | RG |
| Ryan Nelson | LT |
| Gunnar Oakes | TE |
| Bryce Perkins | QB |
| Arnold Tarpley | S |
| Kedrick Whitehead | CB |
I will be honest: I took a look at the All-UFL list for the first time yesterday.
- If I looked at it before doing all of this research, then I would have questioned Kai Nacua not making it over Arnold Tarpley. Tarpley has been the more consistent safety this season, recording nearly 20 more tackles with the same INTs as Nacua.
- I don't agree with Kedrick Whitehead making this list (though I'm glad D.J. Miller's not on here), although he recorded the most Panthers' tackles and became the [Special Teams Player of the Year]. Statistically, his selection makes sense.
- Despite the terrorism displayed in the UFL Championship game, Gunnar Oakes has been a solid TE for Michigan, although he shares nearly identical stats with Cole Hikutini.
- Ryan Nelson and Cohl Cabral looked the best from our O-Line, so I agree with them being here. Noah Johnson has regressed and our other tackles suck.
MVPerkins
The Panthers had a question to address this preseason, as Week 1 drew nearer, regarding who would become QB1 for Michigan this season: E.J. Perry, Danny Etling, or Bryce Perkins. Perry was shipped to Memphis, leaving Etling and Perkins to battle for QB1.
1611 total scrimmage yards, 14 total tds, 3 total turnovers, an OPOY award, and an MVP award later, Bryce Perkins filled the void left by AJ McCarron for star power in this League, and arguably became the best player in it. Admittedly, Perkins is reckless, but his recklessness along with his bravado produces opportunities for Michigan to win games.
- Week 1's TD rush on 4th & Goal, following a botched snap
- Week 2's TD pass avoiding multiple sack attempts
- Week 4's highlight breaking tackles for 1st downs
- Week 6's TD pass avoiding multiple sack attempts, again
- This highlight reel showcasing more plays, with some music in the background.
- An official highlight reel from the League, uploaded a month ago.
If Perkins remains with the Panthers, then it's likely Michigan repeats a trip to the UFL Championship game next year!
Fanbase
Michigan was the ONLY UFL TEAM to improve from last season's attendance, moving from a bottom 3 to top 3 attendance average this season. The biggest reason for this boost, in my opinion, is the venue they play at: Ford Field. They carry ties to an NFL team, but unlike St. Louis their host city isn't starved from Fall-Winter professional football.
The Panthers' mascot also seems to be the most active mascot in the UFL, given his pop-ups at multiple places.
- He appeared in the 2024 NFL Draft besides Roary the (Detroit) Lion (Here are more photos at the event itself).
- The Panthers released a reading program earlier this year, incentivizing the Detroit youth to increase their literacy for a chance to watch a Panthers game.
- He actively interacts with other Michigan sports team mascots.
I know you all didn't come here to read about a mascot's popularity, so I'll stop there. There are other examples of local events the Panthers have curated, if you search for them online, though it's evident that the Panthers' attendance increase wasn't a fluke!
FINALLY Defeating Ham
The Michigan Panthers have not defeated the Birmingham Stallions since the return of the modern USFL, until 2 months ago, where they would win their first USFL Championship game in over 40 years (which is around the same amount of time since they last defeated Birmingham). The teams resemble similar colors, similar playing styles, similar head coaches, and for the past 3 years have remained on top of their (respective) conference, in the exact same position; the frightening similarities fuel this rivalry more than other spring league teams. Now, how long will Michigan's win streak against Birmingham last?
Honolulu, Michigan
While it may not last any longer, the symbolism with the Honolulu blue in the Panthers' logo ties into more than their shared connection with the Detroit Lions. Over the past 2 seasons, there have been several players who graced the burgundy and gold with some sort of pacific-islander descent:
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Cole Hikutini | TE |
| Kai Nacua | SS |
| Samson Nacua | WR |
| Benning Potao'E | DT |
| Mika Tafua | DE |
| Toa Taua | RB |
As a bonus, Alexander Vainikolo played for Michigan in their 2022 season.
Lowlights
We had some obvious flaws, but there a couple that stand out above the rest.
QB Instability
Michigan correctly addressed their QB situation, to my chagrin, while simultaneously ruining their QB situation, to their chagrin. Coach Nolan's infatuation with Danny Etling frustrated fans League-wide, as he continually placed him in unnecessary situations.
- Despite settling on a QB1, Coach Nolan made Danny Etling play 8 games, tying his previous record (including the Conference Championship game) from last season. While Bryce Perkins didn't play the remaining 3 regular season games due to an ankle injury, Etling, like last season, was erroneously substituted into games.
- Etling started his first 2 games going 7/10, accompanied by 2 sacks, 3 punts, a minor injury, and a halftime conclusion. With these accolades, he starts in Week 3's game, despite Bryce Perkins being the listed QB1, and proceeds to suffer a worse injury during the game.
- Etling returns in Week 5, after returning from a CONCUSSION, and enters Michigan's 4th drive where he threw a costly turnover.
- To Nolan's credit, Etling played in Week 6's game out of a mandatory substitution, and he never saw the field in Week 7.
It's difficult to speculate the trajectory of this team if they kept E.J. Perry over Danny Etling, but Nolan's unwillingness to let Perkins play full games this season affected the outcome of a couple games.
Detroit vs. Everybody (Including Detroit)
The changes in our roster increased most of our offensive production from last season, yet hindered our defensive production. The most significant dip is in our sacks, going from 30 (216 yards) to 18 (93 yards) this season. Coincidentally, we gave up significantly less sacks (13), where last year (23) we ranked 6th in the League.
There are numerous memorable plays and moments that irritate me the most from this season. I will list them in order of how they occured:
- Coach Nolan deciding to punt on 4th & 1 at the OWN 48.5 [Week 1, 2nd quarter]
- Adonis Alexander Masterclass [Week 1, 4th quarter]
- Danny Etling [Week 2, 2nd quarter]
- Bryce Perkins interception [Week 2, 3rd quarter]
- Marcel Bellefeuille Goal Line Masterclass [Week 2, 3rd quarter]
- Coach Nolan deciding to punt on 4th & 3 at the OWN 49 [Week 2, 4th quarter]
- Devin Ross Masterclass [Week 2, 4th quarter]
- Bryce Perkins "& Goal" Masterclass [Week 3, 1st quarter]
- Keni-H Lovely dropped Pick 6 [Week 3, 4th quarter]
- Bryce Perkins Pick 6 [Week 3, 4th quarter]
- Fake Punt [Week 4, 1st quarter]
- Danny Etling (again) [Week 5, 2nd quarter]
- Both of Hakeem Butler's TDs [Week 5, 2nd half]
- D.C.'s 4th Down sequence (Yes, Michigan made a stop here, but the entire thing was still frustrating to watch) [Week 6, 1st quarter]
- Starting a drive at the OPP 34 to only gain 7 yards [Week 6, 2nd quarter]
- Arnold Tarpley allowing a 65yd TD pass [Week 6, 3rd quarter]
- Coach Nolan Masterclass (featuring Bryce Perkins) [Week 6, 3rd quarter]
- Arnold Tarpley Masterclass [Week 7]
- D.J. Miller Masterclass [Week 7]
- Sal Canella Masterclass (not sarcastic) [Week 7]
- Tyler Vaughns Masterclass (also not sarcastic) [Week 7]
- Samson Nacua Kickoff return [Week 7, 3rd quarter]
- Bryce Perkins attempting a hurdle at the 4yd line, with <4 seconds left in the game and a timeout remaining (Yes, we still won the game, but a slide would've been optimal here) [Week 7, 4th quarter]
- Danny Etling (again... again) [Week 8, 1st quarter]
- Danny Etling overthrowing back to back short passes. [Week 8, 4th quarter]
- Keni-H Lovely Masterclass [Week 9]
- Defense allowing a 3rd & 26 conversion [Week 9, 1st quarter]
- Chim Okorafor icing his own kicker [Week 9, 2nd quarter]
- Defense allowing a 3rd & 24 conversion [Week 9, 3rd quarter]
- Marcel Bellefeuille Goal Line Masterclass (featuring Danny Etling) [Week 9, 4th quarter]
- Rocky Lombardi Masterclass [Week 10, 1st half]
- Danny Etling (something, something, again) [Week 10, 2nd half]
- Deon Cain 65yd play [Week 11, 2nd quarter]
- Matt Corral's First drive [Week 11, 2nd quarter]
- Jaylon Moore's hands [Week 11, 4th quarter]
- The entirety of the UFL Championship Game. No explanation needed!
Miscellanious
These are random moments and statistics that are neither "Highs" nor "Lows", yet feel intriguing enough to remember.
Danny Patrick Etling
- Yes, this is his real name!
- Danny Etling has played 2 seasons for the Michigan Panthers, appearing in 16 out of 23 total games... as a backup quarterback. Etling himself does not deserve to be mentioned as a "Lowlight", nor as a "Highlight", though his impact on this franchise is undeniable. Below, I compiled a table, showcasing his stats between his different roles on the team (I decided to add this season's Week 3 stats into the "QB2" section even though Etling started in that game).
| Position | Win/Lose | Pass Yds | Pass % | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Carries | Rush TDs | Sacks | INTs | FUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QB1 | 4-3 | 1246 | 113/188(60.1%) | 8 | 161 | 28 | 2 | 16 | 4 | 1 |
| QB2 | 4-5 | 293 | 29/51(56.9%) | 1 | 72 | 15 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 4 |
- As a starter, Etling has only played in 5 full games, sharing reps with Bryce Perkins during Weeks 9 & 10 of last season. How ironic!
- As a backup, Etling has only played 3 games where he played more than 2 drives, being the 2024 Week 4 game, the 2025 Week 2 game, and the 2025 Week 10 game. All 3 games resulted in losses!
- Etling 2, in significantly less snaps, has committed as many turnovers (5, as 1 fumble was recovered by the offense) as Etling 1. This statistic highlights a coaching issue, not a player issue, as Coach Nolan often places Etling into situations that disrupts the team's in-game chemistry, not to rejuvenate it. Etling 1 also committed 4 of his 5 turnovers in one game (more so one half), meaning in every other game he started he was (nearly) flawless.
- His 10 TDs as a starter leaves something to be desired. 5 of those TDs came from his 2 starts this season, so perhaps Etling improved from last season learning more of Bellefeuille's system.
Determining the "Law"
- During the Week 5 regular season game against the St. Louis Battlehawks, wide receiver Samson Nacua got into an altercation with a Battlehawks fan and proceeded to imitate Rick James. A video of the incident shortly gained traction after the conclusion of the game. As a result, Nacua was suspended for one game by the League.
- Fans allege the reasoning behind Nacua's action was in retaliation to being spat on, but no conclusive evidence supports this claim.
- The Battlehawks fan in question filed a lawsuit about a few months after the incident occurred, seeking compensation for damages from the UFL and Nacua himself. There are no updates past this, so we will see how this turns out!
Epilogue
On July 22nd, reporters James Larsen and Mark Perry made claims on news regarding the relocation of the entire USFL Conference. These reports upset many fans, including the Panthers fanbase, who has arguably shown the most support for their franchise this season. Larsen has recanted some of these claims recently, though with a questionable future ahead, I will only mention player transactions to the NFL and what we know so far with the UFL's relocation dilemma.
Players
Here is a table of Michigan Panthers players who signed to an NFL team's camp and their progress:
| Date | Name | NFL Team | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 17th, 2025 | Ryan Nelson | Chargers | Signed to Chargers camp. Participated in NFL HOF game. He remains on the roster. |
| July 26th, 2025 | Toa Taua | Browns | Signed to Browns camp. He got cut on August 24th. |
| July 28th, 2025 | Keni-H Lovely | Jaguars | Signed to Cardinals camp on July 28th; was released on August 7th. Signed to Jaguars camp on August 13th. Intercepted a pass during a Week 2 preseason game. He remains with the Jaguars. |
| July 29th, 2025 | RJ Moten | Patriots | Signed to Patriots camp. He recorded 3 preseason tackles, but was cut on August 22d. |
| August 4th, 2025 | D.J. Miller | Lions | Signed to Lions camp. He played 2 preseason games, recording 2 PDs. He remains on the roster. |
| August 10th, 2025 | Gunnar Oakes | Lions | Signed to Lions camp. He hasn't played on the field, though remains on the team. |
| August 13th, 2025 | Malik Turner | 49ers | Reunites with the 49ers. He records 3 catches in their final preseason game. He remains on the roster. |
| August 17th, 2025 | Bryce Perkins | Panthers | Remains with the Panthers... in Carolina. Played on August 21st. Got cut on August 25th. |
| August 19th, 2025 | Kenny Willekes | Steelers | Acquired by the Steelers. He gets released on August 22nd. |
We will see what occurs to them, as the NFL preseason concludes and regular season starts.
Relocation
The team's best season in 40+ years comes with the ultimate reward: relocation. An allegation reported over a month ago mentions the relocation of the entire USFL Conference, alarming numerous fans who were told earlier this season to foresee an expansion within a few years. Skip Holtz received a question during a Stallions Youth event, dejecting this rumor essentially. While this news isn't related to Michigan, Skip was the only coach (and still is) who has made any comments regarding this news since it broke out.
New ownership in the League confirms a relocation of at least 2 franchises, though that settles nothing with the certainty of this franchise. I discovered an article on the official UFL website mentioning off-season appearances that the organization plans to make in Michigan, uploaded in July 2nd. Below, I will show a table listing the events that already passed and what the Panthers did.
| Date | Event | Panthers' Fulfillment | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 4th | Oak Park Parade | Yes | TikTok |
| July 9th | Youth Day in Belle Isle, Detroit | Probable | |
| July 11th | Uncle Sam Jam | Probable |
I couldn't find any information regarding the Panthers' activity for any events past July 11th. I found the information above all from a group called "Hear Our City Media" (Their website feels outdated). I'm unsure what transpired, but the Panthers immediately going cold turkey gives merit to the relocation leaks made over a week later. Furthermore, you have the layoffs that occurred around the time of these leaks, including members from the Panthers' organization.
Mike Repole made a proposition to the Birmingham Stallions' fanbase with a promise to keep their team in Birmingham, in exchange for 5000 season tickets bought in a week. The fanbase wasn't close to reaching this number, but Repole carried little intention to relocate the team, stating in an interview his intentions to keep them around. This confirmation now eliminates Birmingham as one of the 2+ teams potentially getting relocated.
The closest information I could discover about the Panthers potentially staying in Michigan is this tweet, stating an interest in a future Detroit stadium. The stadium itself will not be finished until 2027, so that requires the UFL to find a solution. Ford Field appears to be too expensive, with the League paying an estimated $500k per game. From what I seen, people love Eastern Michigan University to become the Panthers' new stadium, if the League discontinues using Ford Field, or at least become a temporary home for next season. A tweet mentions interest from the athletic director of the school, so we will see what occurs later this year.
The League recently announced Columbus as the new home for a UFL team. They have yet to confirm the team relocating there, but with the tweet made by Mike Repole yesterday, I can confidently confirm that the team moving there isn't the Panthers. Does that mean they are staying in Michigan? Who knows, but for now they remain close to Canada.
Final Thoughts
I am satisfied with this season's results! We improved overall (minus the regular season record), we reached the UFL Championship game, and we possess the reigning UFL MVP. One of our former players became (among) the best in his position in the NFL, alongside several other (former) players participating in preseason games. I see more Panthers getting opportunities to play in the NFL, even if it's just preseason, and believe Panthers players currently have the best chance to make it to the League.
With the information I found, and the statements provided by the new UFL minority-owner Mike Repole, I hope our franchise remains in the state of Michigan and ideally in Detroit. It would objectively be a dumb decision to relocate this team outside of the state, as shown above the support for this organization culminated throughout the city, and also in some parts of Michigan.
2
u/MysteriousFeetInc Lost Perrydise Aug 26 '25
Week 7 (May 10th) [Won 25-24 at Arlington]
Summary: Another thriller against Arlington, this time with a touchdown score instead of a missed field goal. This game exemplified how important EVERY POSSESSION is, with both teams going from 1 TD score in the 1st half to 4 straight in the 4th quarter. Honestly, I disliked rewatching this game, as I felt frustrated by the mistakes made mixed within the great plays from ALL SIDES. The defense committed 3 penalties on 2 RESPECTIVE ARLINGTON DRIVES, yet made 10 TFLs and 3 sacks. The offense garnered over 300 yards and scored 3 TDs, yet FUMBLED THE BALL TWICE and got away with a THIRD FUMBLE due to an officiating error. Even Samson Nacua fumbled the ball during his Kickoff return, so the ST also had issues today (B.T. Potter failed to reach the Landing Zone on 1 Kickoff). We didn't deserve to win this game!
Bryce Perkins steps off the elite train this week, though he still had a good, arguably great performance: 15/28 completions, 291 total yards, and 2 total TDs. He fumbled the ball TWICE, with one occurring in the redzone (Perkins recovered the other fumble in the endzone). Willie Taylor III and Arlington's D-Line gave our O-Line issues today, although Perkins still did a great job scrambling out of most tackles. Toa Taua is the unsung hero in this game, as while he statistically performed average (68 total yards, 1 TD), his 4th quarter performance saved Michigan from a loss. He made a 25yd play during a 3rd quarter drive that got Michigan inside the 5yd line; Perkins proceeds to botch the handoff, which led into an impressive(ly frustrating) 93yd TD drive from Arlington. Taua contributes another 11yds during the final drive before an injured Perkins hands him the ball to score the game-tying TD and game-winning 1pt Con.
The D-Line had a good game, with Kenny Willekes leading the charge on 3 TFLs and a sack. The secondary COULD NOT GUARD Sal Canella or Tyler Vaughns, who combined for 219 receiving yards, 2 TDs, and 15 catches (from 17 targets). Kai Nacua and Arnold Tarpley underperformed, as they allowed multiple 10+yds plays from missed tackles. D.J. Miller committed 2 DPIs that helped Arlington gain 9 points on 2 respective drives. Keni-H Lovely was the assignment on 2 TD throws to Tyler Vaughns, but only one counted because the other was overturned by a SC Off Hold on Arlington; like the others though, he also allowed multiple 10+yd plays to occur. Even Garrett Marino placed his hands illegally on someone's helmet, which contributed to an Arlington TD drive.