June 4, 2025
By Adam Ruffner
We're at the midway point of the 2025 regular season, and you could take these standings and jumble them around by next week and I'd nod my head in approval. It's been week-after-week of upheaval, and it feels like we're only scratching the surface for potential playoff pressure going into the back half of the schedule.
24. Detroit Mechanix (-)
Record: 0-2
Last result: 21-18 (L) at Indianapolis
Next game: June 7 vs Indianapolis
The Mechanix all-time franchise record currently stands at 17-133, with just two of those wins coming since the 2016 season; it’s been nearly 365 days since Detroit broke their seven-year losing streak last June 22 against Pittsburgh. This Saturday offers a good opportunity at home for the Mechanix, who held tight with the AlleyCats almost two weeks ago before fading down the stretch in their first meeting of the season. Of note: Joe Cubitt is just seven scores shy of 200 for his career.
23. Vegas Bighorns (-)
Record: 0-4
Last result: 14-13 (L) vs Oregon
Next game: June 6 at Seattle
As the calendar flips to June, the association’s newest team ranks dead last in both scoring (12.8 goals per game) and offensive success rate (29.4 percent). If the second number holds for the season, it would be the second lowest rate in UFA history, sitting slightly above the 2014 one-and-done Salt Lake Lions. Only five Vegas players are averaging more than one goal per game currently, with Joel Clutton the only player averaging multiple goals.
22. Indianapolis AlleyCats (-)
Record: 1-3
Last result: 22-11 (L) at Madison
Next game: June 7 at Detroit
The Radicals swarming defense forced Indy into a season-high 34 turnovers last Friday night, including a dozen drops and 10 red zone failures for the AlleyCats. Seth Gudeman can push the tempo in a ‘Cats offense that favors the fastbreak, but as a whole Indianapolis is still figuring out how to reliably get the disc out of the backfield with a completely new handler lineup in 2025. And despite 11 different Alleycats completing 10 or more throws in Madison, no player finished with more than 181 passing yards, which emphasizes the lack of explosive plays.
21. Pittsburgh Thunderbirds (-)
Record: 2-3
Last result: 24-12 (L) vs Carolina
Next game: June 7 at Minnesota
The T-Birds are in a bit of a free fall, having lost their last three games by a combined 35 goals. Pittsburgh’s offense hasn’t been able to get off the field against playoff-caliber defense, and the result has been Thunderbirds opponents scoring the fourth most breaks this season, collecting over nine per contest. And since connecting on 62 percent of their huck attempts in their season opening win against Indianapolis, the Thunderbirds are just 42 percent from deep over their last five games.
20. Seattle Cascades (-1)
Record: 1-6
Last result: 25-20 (L) vs Salt Lake
Next game: June 6 vs Vegas
From May 2024 through the final May day of this year, the Cascades endured the craziest record reversal in recent memory, if not ever. Seattle was a blistering 9-1 in their 10 games leading up to last season’s semifinal matchup with Carolina. Since? 1-7, and virtually eliminated from the West Division playoff race by early June. There are many culprits for the falloff, but the main one continues to be the plummet in break scores; the hard math is that Seattle averaged three more breaks per game in 2024 compared to this season, and they’ve lost three one-goal games in 2025. Christian Foster leads the league in completed hucks (23), and has an absurd 92 percent completion rate on his bombs; Foster is just one of three players with 10-plus completed hucks at a 90 percent clip so far in 2025.
19. Oregon Steel (-1)
Record: 2-3
Last result: 21-17 (L) vs Salt Lake
Next game: June 7 vs Vegas
Even with a career completion mark that hovers around 83 percent, Ben Thoennes is a certifiable game-changer whenever he’s in the lineup. Equally prone to backflip celebrations and backhand throws that look like RPG’s, Thoennes is averaging over three assists and a whopping three huck completions per game, the latter number putting him second all-time in UFA history behind Detroit’s Jake Felton*. The huck–happy approach is fitting for a Steel team that still surrenders the second most turns per game, yet is undeniably punchy for a quarter or two at a time against good competition.
* Among throwers with at least five starts since 2021, the year huck data began
18. Houston Havoc (-2)
Record: 1-5
Last result: 25-17 (L) at San Diego
Next game: June 14 at Austin
The Havoc were neck-and-neck with both the Aviators and Growlers at halftime last weekend before ill-fated second halves got the better of the boys from Lone Star state. University of Texas product Xavier Fuzat popped in his season debut, looking equally smooth operating with and away from the disc. But Houston once again struggled with situational execution, losing multiple end-of-quarter battles in both losses, and converting on just 21-of-32 (66 percent) of their red zone chances.
17. Los Angeles Aviators (+3)
Record: 1-4
Last result: 20-19 (W, 2OT) vs Houston
Next game: June 6 vs Austin
After struggling to find their rhythm in the first half against the Havoc, the Aviators offense blew the roof off in the second half and overtime frames with their unstoppable barrage of big throws. LA finished the game 12-of-14 (86 percent) on deep looks, with James Franklin, Jonathan Lyle, and Sean McDougall all taking flight as throwers and receivers on the field-turned-tarmac. McDougall is moving into some truly rarefied air on the all-time league leaderboards. The 10-year Aviators vet is now fifth all-time in goals (335), 17th in blocks (139), and 16th in games played (120), and is one of just five players ever to accumulate 500 scores* and 130 blocks.
* Scores = assists plus goals
16. Madison Radicals (-3)
Record: 3-1
Last Result: 22-11 (W) vs Indianapolis
Next game: June 8 at Chicago
Formal apologies to the Radicals for dropping three spots despite an 11-goal win, but the chaos of the East Division—and the floor of the Central—has had unforeseen consequences on these here rankings. And despite their top defender Sterling Knoche sidelined with an injury for the beginning part of this season, the Madison defense is more talented and deep than any Radicals roster since their title run in 2018. Luke Marks and Anthony Gutowsky have become true hunters in the flat for this system, and Kainoa Chun-Moy has had a seamless integration in his first year with the team; Chun-Moy’s point-of-attack coverage on opposing handlers fits in perfectly for the way Madison likes to overwhelm opponents on the first few throws of any given possession. But until the Radicals O-line can convert above 50 percent of their possessions, the ceiling for this team will remain relatively low.
15. New York Empire (-8)
Record: 3-4
Last result: 22-20 (L) at Toronto
Next game: June 6 at DC (Friday Night Frisbee)
Ben Jagt, Calvin Brown, and the Empire offense are fourth in success rate this season, New York as a team lead the league in red zone efficiency (88 percent), and they still equaled last year’s regular season total loss count by their seventh game of the season, and now sit outside the East DIvision playoff race for the first time since 2017. The once imposing Empire D-line that produced three championships, disrupted opposing stars, and constructed break trains seemingly at will has softened greatly in 2025. And removing their 19-break performance against the expansion Bighorns, New York is averaging just four breaks per game in their other six matchups this season, putting them on par with the Mechanix for 20th in the UFA.
14. Toronto Rush (-)
Record: 1-4
Last result: 22-20 (W) vs New York
Next game: June 7 vs Montreal
All five of the Rush games this season have been decided by three goals or fewer, and now that Toronto has a W on the board, it feels like the game is finally starting to come to this uber talented roster. Tom Blasman leads the team in most passing categories, and has virtually every throw available from the half field stripe, favoring a devastatingly effective hammer. Arvids Karklins has been as advertised in space as a receiver, dominating most single coverage matchups with his size and maneuverability; Karklins puts so much pressure over the top that speedsters Martin Gallant and Ty Barbieri can feed underneath and on fill cuts. If the Rush defense can continue to catch up to the O-line, this team has the look of a true out-from-under contender.
13. Montreal Royal (+2)
Record: 2-3
Last result: 22-17 (W) vs DC
Next game: June 6 vs Philadelphia
With 46 goals, just 30 combined turnovers, and back-to-back wins against New York and DC in their last two outings, the Royal have raced back into the playoff picture in an exceedingly crowded East Division after an 0-3 start. Quentin Bonnaud and Christophe Tremblay-Joncas are both playing like top 10 players in the division, with Bonnaud tallying at least four goals and 300 receiving yards in each of his last four starts. But the not-so-secret reason for Montreal’s resurgent success has been the defense. The Royal D-line has 14 break scores and 18 blocks combined over their two-game sprint, with Thomas Lalonde-Landry, Charles Guay, and Ywan Cohonner clamping down on throwers in the backfield.
12. Philadelphia Phoenix (-4)
Record: 3-2
Last result: 18-15 (L) vs Carolina
Next game: June 6 at Montreal
The Phoenix have just 31 total scores during their two-game skid, and the primary reason for the power outage has been the mistakes inside the red zone. Philly has the third worst efficiency rate (67 percent) inside the 20 yard line this season, and with their two losses coming by just four goals total, the 15 failed red zone chances over their last two matches is a big area to address. Scott Heyman and Sean Mott are playing like one of the best offensive duos in the league, and will need to continue their torrid stretch of production if Philly wants to stay in possession of a playoff spot.
11. Carolina Flyers (+1)
Record: 2-4
Last result: 24-12 (W) at Pittsburgh
Next game: June 7 vs Atlanta (Game Of The Week)
Don’t look now, but the Flyers are starting to get their swagger back with two big road wins in Week 6. Nobody has thrown more assists since the start of 2024 than Allan Laviolette, the UFA’s best continuation thrower. The 36-year-old continues to build and improve on last year’s career-best season, and his potency in both long range—he’s completed 18 hucks, second most in the UFA this season, at a crisp 85 percent rate—and short field situations makes him one of the six most valuable offensive players in the league at the moment. Add in his chemistry with fellow All-UFA selection Jacob Fairfax, and Carolina is still a formidable contender as they try to emerge from their 0-4 beginnings. Bonus: Rutledge Smith might run more land miles during a game than anyone else in the league. An absolutely indefatiguable runner, especially near the goal line.
10. Colorado Summit (+7)
Record: 3-2
Last result: 24-21 (W) vs Oakland
Next game: June 20 vs Vegas
The mostly fully formed Summit—sans Alex Atkins—certainly were a sight to behold last Friday night against the then-undefeated Spiders. Tobias Brooks, Zeke Thoreson, and Elliot Hawkins were a nitro boost coming off their collegiate seasons, amplifying an already dangerous Colorado offense. And while the Summit D-line can still struggle at times containing the longball—Oakland was 8-of-10 on hucks—they’re very opportunistic in transition off of turnovers. Now with a firm grip on third place in the division, and a nearly three-week bye ahead of them, Colorado can sit back and assess the chaos of the rest of the West until late June with a feeder game against the Bighorns.
9. DC Breeze (+1)
Record: 3-3
Last result: 22-17 (L) at Montreal
Next game: June 6 vs New York (Friday Night Frisbee)
DC clung to a one-goal, last second win against the Rush before dropping a dud in Montreal last Saturday, leaving the Breeze in perilous possession of third place in the East, AND with an upcoming battle against their archnemesis. Cole Jurek and Jacques Nissen are All-UFA caliber anchors for the DC attack, and even with just one good arm Miles Grovic is one of the most impactful defenders in the league. The nice thing about the Breeze’s troubles in 2025 is that they’re easily identifiable: DC is 0-3 when they commit 20 or more turnovers, and 3-0 when they don’t. Simple.
8. San Diego Growlers (+4)
Record: 5-2
Last result: 25-17 (W) vs Houston
Next game: June 7 vs Austin
The Growlers had trouble creating separation on the scoreboard in the first half against a Havoc team playing their second game in as many days. But once San Diego found their stride—and Khalif El-Salaam cruising all alone in deep space repeatedly—they showed once again they have one of the best scoring punches in the UFA. Marcel Osborne and Matt Miller are two of the most active O-line players in the league, the whole O-line plays excellent coverage following a turn, and there is not a weak link on the offensive rotation. Their upcoming matchup with the Sol is absolutely critical for both teams’ playoff seeding in the newly reformatted South Division. Austin took the last meeting 21-17 in 2023, so San Diego will have revenge as an added element in trying to unseat the Sol from atop the divisional standings.
7. Salt Lake Shred (-1)
Record: 4-1
Last result: 21-17 (W) at Oregon
Next game: June 6 at Oakland
Even with former D-line leader and perennial All Defense selection Chad Yorgason flipped to offense, the Shred defense—one of the youngest lineups in the UFA—is playing like an elite force during the team’s four-game winning streak. Their size, athleticism, and next-man-up mentality make for an overwhelming, four-quarter slog for opponents, with Salt Lake’s torrential energy creating defensive runs in every game. The Shred rank second in defensive efficiency and are converting the sixth most breaks per game in 2025. A win this Friday against Oakland would catapult Salt Lake back into first place for the first time since Seattle unseated them in the divisional championship game last August.
6. Oakland Spiders (-2)
Record: 5-1
Last result: 24-21 (L) at Colorado
Next game: June 6 vs Salt Lake
Down a few starters on both sides of the disc, the Spiders couldn’t keep up with the Summit’s onslaught of offense and dropped their first game of the season. But even in the loss, Adam Rees continues to shine as the “Rookie Of The Year” frontrunner owing to his unbelievable acumen for creating separation anywhere on the field. Oakland remains second in offensive success rate, and they present like the fastest tempo team in the UFA, able to exert pressure from any area on the field. Execution will be the biggest question mark for this contender going forward, particularly on defense where they rank in the bottom half of the league in D-line efficiency.
5. Minnesota Wind Chill (+4)
Record: 3-1
Last result: 17-15 (W) vs Atlanta
Next game: June 7 vs Pittsburgh
The reigning champs had the right response following their home opener loss, getting back to their defensive roots and rearranging the league’s best offense from Atlanta. The Wind Chill were impressive in coverage at all three levels—short/backfield, mid/lane, and deep—but especially in deep space. Minnesota held the elite Hustle attack to just 3-of-9 (33 percent) from deep, Atlanta’s worst huck performance since the stat began in 2021. Justin Burnett and James Pollard lead the team in takeaways, and have already met and exceeded the hype of their signings. The Wind Chill have three games between now and their next meeting with the Union on July 4, and they must avoid the trap game pitfalls of prior seasons.
4. Austin Sol (+1)
Record: 4-0
Last Result: 18-16 (W) vs Colorado
Next game: June 6 at Los Angeles
With the Hustle dropping both games on their interdivisional road trip, the suddenly division-leading Sol have a chance to really separate themselves in the South if they can pick up two wins in SoCal this coming weekend. Austin has looked like one of the five fastest teams in the league, but can their depth hold up to the rigors of their schedule?Jackson Potts and Kyle Henke have headlined the O-line, but Dallas transfer Myles Armstrong could be the x-factor as the team looks to clinch a playoff spot. The third-year striker has length and speed, but is most valuable as a continuation thrower, which can allow Potts and Henke to roam freely. Armstrong has had big games against Houston in 2025, and now needs to show his skills against playoff competition.
3. Atlanta Hustle (-2)
Record: 6-2
Last result: 19-18 (L, 2OT) at Chicago
Next game: June 7 at Carolina (Game Of The Week)
Two losses by a combined three goals on the road against two of the five best defenses in the league is a tough but important pill for the Hustle to swallow at the midway point of their schedule. And yet, after coasting on offense through the first six games of the season, Atlanta was absolutely thwarted in their continuation looks by double teams and good defensive scheming by Minnesota and Chicago. The result was a Hustle O-line that couldn’t push downfield when it wanted to, and got exposed in the backfield and in transition without their normal field-stretching explosives. “The growth that we received this weekend will be a big determining factor in how we do in the postseason,” said Head Coach Tuba Benson-Jaja in this week’s terrific Tuesday Toss. The big question is: Could a third straight loss this coming Saturday against Carolina tip the learning lesson into legit panic time?
2. Chicago Union (+1)
Record: 2-0
Last Result: 19-18 (W, 2OT) vs Atlanta
Next game: June 8 vs Madison
It took six-ish quarters of play, but the Union dug out the home opener win in sudden death against a league titan and now they have full downhill momentum towards a potential undefeated season. Brandon Van Deusen, Nate Goff, Xavier Payne, and Pawel Janas all had showstopper moments, but it was two of the smallest players on the roster in Wilson Matthews and Jace Bruner that gave Chicago that extra pop. Matthews has been one of the best pure receivers since joining the team in 2024, and scored a game-high five goals including the closer; Matthews is second in Chicago franchise history with 3.6 goals per start. And including his last stint in 2023 with the Union, Bruner now has registered at least one block in eight of his last nine starts with this team.
1. Boston Glory (+1)
Record: 4-0
Last Result: 14-11 (W) vs DC
Next game: June 7 vs Philadelphia
Boston has bettered every competitor it's faced so far, but they could use a convincing win or two to really solidify their spot atop this ladder. Glory may roster four of the top 20 players in the division in Jeff Babbitt, Tobe Decraene, Orion Cable, and Calvin Stoughton—and it can expand to five with Tannor Johnson-Go when he’s feeling it. Their size and speed are, on paper and through the first four games on film, the best in the association, and their brute power functions like a pneumatic press on opponents. Boston foes have the fifth lowest offensive success rate, and the fourth lowest defensive success rate, making them the only team this season to register in the top five on both sides of the disc.
