Birmingham Stallions defeat Arlington Renegades 27-14 in UFL opener

Rookie QB Matt Corral leads Stallions to victory in Week 1 matchup

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:24pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting breaking down a football game into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in navy, red, silver, and white, expressing the energy and movement of the players on the field.A cubist interpretation of the opening week clash between the Birmingham Stallions and Arlington Renegades, capturing the dynamic action and competitive spirit of the new UFL league.Arlington Today

The Birmingham Stallions defeated the Arlington Renegades 27-14 in the opening week of the United Football League (UFL) season. Rookie quarterback Matt Corral had a strong debut, leading the Stallions to the win with his passing and rushing abilities.

Why it matters

The UFL is a new professional football league that launched this year, aiming to provide an alternative pathway for players who didn't make NFL rosters. The opening week matchup between the Stallions and Renegades showcased some of the league's top young talent and gave fans a preview of the competitive balance expected in the inaugural UFL season.

The details

Corral, a second-round draft pick out of Ole Miss, threw for 210 yards and 2 touchdowns while also rushing for 45 yards and another score to power the Stallions' offense. The Renegades kept the game close in the first half, but Birmingham pulled away in the second half behind Corral's playmaking. The Stallions defense also had a strong showing, limiting the Renegades to just 14 points.

  • The UFL season kicked off on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • The Stallions vs. Renegades game was played in Arlington, Texas.

The players

Matt Corral

Rookie quarterback for the Birmingham Stallions, drafted in the second round out of the University of Mississippi.

Birmingham Stallions

One of the eight teams in the new United Football League, based in Birmingham, Alabama.

Arlington Renegades

One of the eight teams in the new United Football League, based in Arlington, Texas.

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What they’re saying

“Matt Corral really showed why we drafted him in the second round. He's a special talent and we're excited to see what he can do this season.”

— Jim Harbaugh, Head Coach, Birmingham Stallions

What’s next

The Stallions and Renegades will both play their second games of the UFL season next weekend. The Stallions will host the Las Vegas Fury, while the Renegades will travel to face the Portland Progress.

The takeaway

The opening week of the UFL provided an exciting glimpse of the league's young talent, with rookie quarterback Matt Corral leading the Birmingham Stallions to a convincing win over the Arlington Renegades. As the inaugural season progresses, fans will be eager to see if the Stallions and other top teams can sustain their early success.