Michigan Panthers finalize 50-man roster for spring season

The Michigan Panthers have announced their final roster for the upcoming spring football season. The team, part of the United Football League, confirmed a 50-man roster on Thursday. About 68% of these players were part of last season's successful team, which finished 7-3 and reached the USFL Championship game. There are six players on the roster with connections to Michigan schools. They include quarterback Rocky Lombardi from Michigan State, offensive lineman Brian Dooley from Eastern Michigan, and running back Nate McCrary from Saginaw Valley State. Other notable players are tight end Gunnar Oakes and defensive end Kenny Willekes, both from Eastern Michigan, along with defensive back Keni-H Lovely from Western Michigan. Some players, including former Michigan cornerback Gemon Green and former Michigan State offensive lineman J.D. Duplain, have been placed on waivers. The Panthers are one of eight teams in the spring professional league, which was created after the merger of the rebooted United States Football League and the XFL. The Panthers will begin their 2025 season on the road against the Memphis Showboats on Sunday, March 30. The game starts at 12 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN. Home games will take place at Ford Field in Detroit. Fans can check the full schedule for more details.