As the 2026 UFL regular season enters its final three weeks, the playoff picture is becoming clearer with three teams tied for the league lead. But one squad has risen above the pack in the latest power rankings, sparked by a key quarterback change.
Here’s the updated UFL power rankings for the season:
**#8 Columbus Aviators**
Previous rank: 7 | Record: 2-5
Week 7 result: Lost to St. Louis, 31-20
Title odds: +12000
The Aviators showed strong rushing (5.7 yards per carry) and perfect red-zone efficiency (3-for-3), but costly penalties—matching their first downs with 14 flags—undermined their comeback hopes against a top-tier opponent.
**#7 Houston Gamblers**
Previous rank: 8 | Record: 2-5
Week 7 result: Lost to Orlando, 24-23
Title odds: +18000
Houston came within a field goal of stunning the Storm. If John Hoyland had nailed a 63-yard kick, the Gamblers would have stolen the win. Hunter Dekkers passed for 268 yards, and the offensive line didn’t allow a single sack. A tough loss for a team that deserved more.
**#6 Dallas Renegades**
Previous rank: 5 | Record: 3-4
Week 7 result: Lost to Birmingham, 21-17
Title odds: +2000
The Renegades are in a downward spiral. After a 3-0 start, Dallas has dropped four straight. For the first time this season, they look like a team that could miss the playoffs entirely.
**#5 Birmingham Stallions**
Previous rank: 4 | Record: 3-4
Week 7 result: Defeated Dallas, 21-17
Title odds: +1000
Birmingham is a transformed team with Dorian Thompson-Robinson at quarterback. That was evident in their overtime win against what was once the UFL’s best squad. The defense made a critical stop in OT, and Robinson sealed it with a two-point conversion pass to Jaydon Mickens.
**#4 Louisville Kings**
Previous rank: 6 | Record: 3-4
Week 7 result: Defeated DC, 30-13
Title odds: +1500
In a huge bounce-back from a Week 6 loss, the Kings erased a two-score deficit and scored 27 unanswered points against the league’s hottest team. Louisville’s defense recorded two interceptions and four takeaways. The win keeps them firmly in the playoff race and alive for a United Bowl berth.
**#3 DC Defenders**
Previous rank: 1 | Record: 5-2
Week 7 result: Lost to Louisville, 30-13
Title odds: +110
DC’s five-game winning streak ended, along with its hold on the top power ranking spot. The Defenders’ offense turned sloppy, with Jordan Ta’amu throwing for 353 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. They were shut out in three of four quarters against a resurgent Kings defense.
**#2 Orlando Storm**
Record: 5-2
Week 7 result: Defeated Houston, 24-23
Title odds: +450
The Storm escaped with a win at Shell Energy Stadium despite managing only 185 total yards and converting just 2 of 10 third-down attempts. Orlando’s defense tightened in the red zone, allowing only one touchdown when Houston drove inside the 20.
**#1 St. Louis Battlehawks**
Previous rank: 3 | Record: 5-2
Week 7 result: Defeated Columbus, 31-20
Title odds: +250
St. Louis maintained its defensive dominance, consistently pressuring opposing quarterbacks and limiting offensive production. Columbus converted just one-third of their third downs, took three sacks, and gave up six tackles for loss. With Luis Perez making his first start at QB, the Battlehawks scored 24 first downs and seized the No. 1 spot.
