One of the UFL’s most dynamic and exciting players, Michigan Panthers star Marcus Simms is returning this season. An explosive talent as both a wide receiver and kick return specialist, Simms was named to the league’s All-UFL team last season.  

Is Marcus Simms The UFL’s Next Big Offensive Threat

Simms quickly became a standout player last year handling the dual responsibilities. Despite appearing in only eight games, Simms was the designated go-to wide receiver for the Panthers with 23 receptions for 426 receiving yards and three touchdowns. A deep ball threat, Simms made the most of every catch with an average of 18.5 YPR. In week three against the Houston Roughnecks, Simms put the UFL on notice when he broke free of five different defenders to score a 66-yard touchdown.

However, that wasn’t even his longest touchdown reception of the season. A week earlier against the two-time champion Birmingham Stallions, Simms caught a downfield pass from E.J. Perry, and turning on the afterburners, he torched the Stallions for a 76-yard score.  Included among the top 10 list of UFL receivers last season, Simms was the only one who played fewer than 10 games.  

Simms- An Impact Player in College 

Following the 2019 draft, Simms signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent. Despite his UDFA status, Simms impressed Jacksonville enough that they signed him to a three-year contract for more than $1.7 million. However, Simms’ promising NFL career was cut short after suffering a concussion in the pre-season that led to an injury settlement waiver.   

Finding Success in the UFL

Simms, a third-year spring football veteran, began making an impact in his first year with the USFL Michigan Panthers.  Closing out a strong first year, Simms quickly earned the respect of his teammates and coaches. Simms was poised for a breakout year when he returned to the Panthers as part of the UFL’s inaugural season. When the Panthers’ innovative offensive coordinator Marcel Bellefeuille saw what Simms was capable of he gave him an even bigger role.  

In a game against the Arlington Renegades, Simms returned the kickoff 45 yards, putting the Panthers in position for a Jake Bates field goal. Bates delivered a stunning 42-yard kick that sealed the victory for the Panthers with a score of 28-27. 

Simms Premature Exit From the Seattle Seahawks

Following the UFL’s successful inaugural season, Simms was quickly signed to an NFL contract with the Seattle Seahawks on July 16, 2024. However, just a few weeks later, Simms was released from Seattle with an injury designation. Simms missed the entire NFL season.

But now, healthy and fully recovered, Simms is back for another UFL season. If Simms stays healthy, he could become the UFL’s next superstar. One area where Simms could improve upon his performance from last year is his target-to-catch ratio. Securing only 23 out of 40 targets for 57.5 %, Simms needs to improve upon that figure this season.  However, in his defense, part of the problem stemmed from the fact that the Panthers employed three different quarterbacks over the 10-week regular season.  As a result of injuries, the Panthers rotated from week to week between E.J. Perry, Bryce Perkins, and Danny Etling. But with more stability at the quarterback position this season, Simms should have no trouble raising that statistic.    

Hopefully, as an added incentive, we’ll get another glimpse of one of last season’s most memorable personalities. On Mother’s Day last year, ESPN sideline reporter Kayla Burton introduced us to Simms’ mother Molly, the UFL’s answer to Donna Kelce. Holding aloft a large sign that read, “I breastfed Marcus Simms,” Molly explained, “That’s why he’s so fast!”