Five things to watch for in Week 7 of the 2025 UFL season

The DC Defenders have the UFL’s leading passer in quarterback Jordan Ta’amu. 

But Ta’amu needs a consistent pass catcher to throw the ball to, and this year that has been Chris Rowland. The Tennessee State product leads the league in receiving yards (395) and is tied for the league lead in receiving touchdowns (three). Rowland is also the UFL’s leader in all-purpose yards (836).

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At 5-foot-8 and 179 pounds, Rowland doesn’t overwhelm opponents with his size or speed. Instead, he’s always exactly where he needs to be on the field, serving as a security blanket for Ta’amu. Rowland finished with nine receptions for 144 receiving yards and a touchdown in the Defenders' loss to the Michigan Panthers last week. 

"He prepares every week the right way," Defenders interim head coach Shannon Harris said about Rowland.

"He prepares his body the right way. That’s why he’s able to be out there and sustain a lot of playing time. When he comes out to work for practice, he understands the scheme, week in and week out. He’s really good at talking back with the quarterback, Jordan, in what he’s seeing, so he over communicates. He’s a pro’s pro."

Rowland will need to be at his best this weekend as the Defenders (4-2) push towards the playoffs, hitting the road to face the San Antonio Brahmas (1-5) on Friday night (8 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app). 

Then, the Arlington Renegades (3-3) host the Panthers (4-2) on Saturday (1 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app).

Closing things out with a doubleheader, with the Houston Roughnecks (3-3) facing the Birmingham Stallions (4-2) — the defending champions' their third game in a row at Protective