Michigan: A UFL Blueprint for Success in the Market
Image via X @USFLPanthers
The 2025 Michigan Panthers concluded their regular season with a 6-4 record, capped by a loss to the Houston Roughnecks. Despite the loss, the team has secured its third consecutive playoff berth and is now preparing for another USFL Conference Championship game against the Birmingham Stallions. While much attention has been given to the Panthers' on-field performance, their growing brand presence in Michigan is equally noteworthy. In contrast to teams like the Memphis Showboats and Houston Roughnecks, which have faced challenges in attendance, the Panthers' success off the field raises the question: What have they done differently to build a strong local fan base?
Props to the Local Team:
First and foremost, whatever the “street teams” are doing in Michigan and the Detroit area is obviously working and while it’s a bland statement the reality of the situation is that the Panthers have been in the market since 2023 allowing fans to be exposed to the brand for about 3 years.
The “street team” has also done a decent job of community outreach, with players being in the community, “watch parties” for away games, along with the location of Ford Field being across the street from Comerica Park most likely increasing organic traction of baseball fans to the Panthers. The Panthers could do a bit better with some cross-engagement with the Tigers as the Defenders, and Battlehawks have done with their local baseball teams, as the franchise had “Pablo the Panther” at Tigers games multiple times throughout the years.
Michigan Ties:
Since their return in 2022, the Michigan Panthers have actively recruited talent from local colleges, strengthening their ties to the Michigan football community. Notably, their first overall pick in the 2022 USFL Draft was former Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson. Since then, the Panthers have signed 11 other players with connections to Michigan colleges.
Current Panthers with Michigan College Ties (2025 Season)
Brian Dooley (OT) – Eastern Michigan University
Gunnar Oakes (TE) – Eastern Michigan University
Kenny Willekes (DE) – Michigan State University (Rockford, MI native)
Nate McCrary (RB) – Saginaw Valley State University (Muskegon, MI native)
Keni-H Lovely (DB) – Western Michigan University
Rocky Lombardi (QB) – Michigan State University
Former Panthers with Michigan College Ties
The Panthers have also rostered several players with Michigan college backgrounds in recent seasons:
Brian Lewerke (QB) – Michigan State University (2023–2024)
Jarrett Horst (OL) – Michigan State University (2023–2024)
Terry Myrick (LB) – Eastern Michigan University (2022–2023)
Josh Butler (CB) – Michigan State University (2023)
DeLano Hill (S) – University of Michigan (2023)
Kyshonn Tyson (DT) – Grand Valley State University (Detroit, MI native; joined via JUCO/2022 USFL Draft)
Drafted Players Not Yet Rostered
The Panthers have also selected players with Michigan college ties in the USFL Draft:
Sidy Sow (OL) – Eastern Michigan University (2023 Draft; has not appeared on regular-season roster)
J.D. Duplain (OL) – Michigan State University (2024 Draft; has not appeared on regular-season roster)
These strategic selections reflect the Panthers' commitment to developing local talent and fostering a strong connection with Michigan's football community.
The Jake Bates Connection:
Bates gained national attention in 2024 with the Michigan Panthers by making a UFL-record 64-yard field goal in the season opener. He followed that with additional impressive kicks, including a 62-yard field goal, showcasing his powerful leg and earning All-UFL honors.His standout performances led to a two-year, $1.98 million contract with the Detroit Lions in June 2024. Bates quickly made an impact in the NFL, earning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after a game-winning 52-yard field goal against the Houston Texans.
Bates' success has also positively influenced the Panthers' fan engagement. During the 2025 home finale at Ford Field, the team drew its largest crowd since reporting attendance, with over 16,000 fans in attendance. The event featured a "Jake Bates Bobblehead Night," further connecting the Panthers' legacy to Bates' journey. Bates is among several former Panthers players who have joined the Lions since 2022, including Kaden Davis, Trey Quinn, and Jake Burton. This trend reflects a growing pipeline between the UFL and the NFL, with the Lions recognizing the talent developed in the UFL.
Just Win Baby:
Since relocating to Michigan in 2023, the Panthers have taken care of business on the field, earning three playoff berths and compiling a 17-15 overall record (including postseason play). They've been especially competitive at home, posting an 8-7 record with seven of those wins coming in the past two seasons.
With momentum continuing to build, the prospect of the Panthers hosting a playoff game in Michigan is becoming increasingly realistic. With proper marketing and community engagement, such an event could draw a crowd of up to 20,000 fans, highlighting the growth and progress surrounding the franchise.
Final Thoughts:
As the Michigan Panthers gear up for another playoff run, their success extends well beyond the gridiron. Through smart community outreach, strong local recruiting, and the emergence of stars like Jake Bates, the franchise has carved out a unique identity in a competitive football landscape. The Panthers saw an increase of almost 18,000 fans in their second season (third overall) in Michigan with no signs of slowing down. With growing fan support and a clear connection to Michigan’s football culture, the Panthers are not just building a team they're building a brand that hopefully leads to a market at Ford Field that could not only host a playoff game but also a championship with the Michigan Panthers hoisting the championship trophy.
