Michigan Panthers Re-Sign DB KiAnte Hardin For 2025
NewsUFLUSFL

Michigan Panthers Cut Down Roster For 2025 Season

·

With the impressive balance of new talent, alongside returning faces, it was tough to predict exactly how the Michigan Panthers roster would shake out. With UFL cutdowns happening yesterday, Michigan has officially solidified their team’s makeup for the 2025 season.

Most of Michigan’s cuts ended up being new additions, but some mainstays were also let go in the process.

Let’s break it all down.

Offense

RB Toa Taua
WR Gavin Holmes
WR Phazione McClurge
OL Chidi Okeke
OL J.D. Duplain
OL James Walker III

Offensively, the Panthers didn’t make any major shockwaves with their cuts. RB Toa Taua already seemed like he was on the outside looking in, after hearing how well Jaden Shirden was performing in camp. Michigan also is loaded at WR, so Gavin Holmes and Phazione McClurge landing on the chopping block isn’t a surprise. Holmes spent some time with the Panthers a year ago, but was cut during the season.

On the offensive line, Michigan made some changes. They brought in several new faces, with Brian Dooley, Victor Curne, and Keith Russell ultimately making the roster. Chidi Okeke and J.D. Duplain – two new signings – end up lost in the fray. James Walker, who’s been a reserve player in Michigan the last couple of years, is also let go. It’s a shame we didn’t see J.D. Duplain get more flight in Michigan, considering his youth and past collegiate success.

Defense

DL Keonte Schad
LB Ralen Goforth
CB Gemon Green
DB KiAnte Hardin
S Corrion Ballard

Up front, the Panthers released DT Keonte Schad, who was an offseason waiver claim from Houston. Schad has been in the spring scene the last couple of years, but with Levi Bell moving into more of an interior role, there wasn’t enough room for Keonte. The same goes for Ralen Goforth – who impressed the coaching staff – but couldn’t find a way to fit in with the team and the talent they already have. With Frank Ginda, Noah Dawkins, and Javin White all returning to action, there wasn’t much space left for Ralen.

See also

Both KiAnte Hardin and Corrion Ballard were also let go. Ballard has been with the Panthers since 2022, as one of the few “OG’s” left on the team. KiAnte has also been with Michigan the past two seasons – but injuries have kept him off of the field most of the time. In Ballard’s case, with the addition of Arnold Tarpley III and Tyree Gillespie to the safety unit, it made it difficult for Corrion to maintain his spot. Finally, former Wolverine CB Gemon Green was let go.

Special Teams

P Simon Laryea
K Chris Blewitt

The special teams competition in Michigan is finally over. Simon Laryea, who was brought in long before Seth Vernon, has been let go. Michigan will roll into the season with Vernon as their starter. Additionally, kicker Chris Blewitt – who was brought in late to compete with B.T. Potter – was released. If Chris had more time in camp against B.T., it wouldn’t have been surprising to see a different outcome.

Final Thoughts

The Panthers made it clear this offseason: they wanted to run it back with largely the same group of guys. After going 7-3 and coming so close to Championship success, this isn’t too surprising. Michigan will roll into the 2025 season with 64% of their 2024 roster returning to action.

Michigan will kick off their UFL season on the road, taking on the Memphis Showboats on March 30th.

What are your thoughts on these cuts from the Michigan Panthers? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!

XFL, USFL, UFL, CFL Retro Jerseys, Shirts, Hats & more