IFL WEEK 5 PREVIEW: ALL 14 TEAMS TAKE THE TURF IN MASSIVE SEVEN GAME SLATE

The IFL season has reached the quarter-way point of the regular season as week five plans to bring non-stop action with a massive seven game schedule this weekend. As every franchise will appear on the turf for the first time this season, this is the perfect moment where fans can have a chance to watch their favorite squads either continue their winning ways or get back into the groove of success. 

Since the release of the coaches poll earlier in the week, this upcoming IFL slate will include: one top-5 matchup, two teams who continue their ascension and three high powered offenses that have their eyes set on maintaining dominance. Here's what to look out for in this jam-packed IFL Week Five.

Saturday: Northern Arizona Wranglers  at New Mexico Chupacabras

Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET

Venue: Tingley Coliseum, Albuquerque, N.M.

Watch on: Overnght

The action opens with the Wranglers traveling to Albuquerque for a desert clash with the Chupacabras. After an 0–2 start, the Wranglers are in hope that their bye week sparked a turnaround, but they'll face a Chupacabras squad desperate for a win after losing their first two contests by just four points on average.

The Wranglers led offensively by quarterback Ramone Atkins looks to bounce back after a disheartening 107 yards passing, one touchdown and two interception display against Jacksonville in week three. Keep an eye out on running back Nolan Susel who was able to find the end zone twice in the Wranglers last matchup and wide receiver Marlon Cook Jr who has been a bright spot for Northern Arizona as he sits Top-10 in receptions per game this season with 4.5. 

Defensively, Northern Arizona look towards the defensive back duo of Dayvia Gbor and Dywan Griffin that produced nine tackles, three PBU's and an interception in their last outing. The Wranglers have their eyes set on improving their defensive numbers as they currently sit in the bottom half of the IFL in points allowed and yards allowed.

For New Mexico, despite the loss in a gallant effort against Tucson, the Chupacabras have been one of the strongest offensive units in the IFL averaging nearly 40 points a game. Primarily due to the play of Chupacabras quarterback Ja'rome Johnson, as over his first two games he has thrown for 296 yards and 9 touchdowns, second best in the IFL. The Chupacabras also have a one-two punch of Damon Street and CJ Jefferson at receiver as both pass catchers have found the endzone in every game so far this season.

Defensively the Chupracabras want to keep the momentum from their week four matchup rolling as they held Tucson to only ten points in the second half. This unit has caused three turnovers in two games thanks to the play of defensive back Greg Dent Jr, edge rusher Luke Kelley, and defensive tackle Keiondre Hall who had one sack and two TFL's against the Sugar Skulls.

Saturday: Iowa Barnstormers at Fishers Freight

Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

Venue: Fishers Event Center, Fishers, I.N.

Watch on: Yahoo! Sports

The Freight  are at home again this week after their 63-42 beatdown on the Arizona Rattlers last weekend and look to reach 3-1 against the winless Iowa Barnstormers with their eyes set on pulling off the upset. 

Fishers came into the week at third in the coaches poll, making the highest leap this season so far, going up five spots since week three. The Freight led by quarterback Felix Harper who had an efficient 66 yards and 3 touchdowns on 6 of 8 passing. Harper also has been one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks this season as he is currently Top-3 in rushing yards. CJ Windham has been the top target this season for the Freight in their first three games, racking up nine receptions for 94 yards and three touchdowns. Fishers has been the best scoring offense this season with a league leading 50 points per contest.

Iowa quarterback Harry Roubidoux was a one-man show for the Barnstormers in their last game against Green Bay, throwing for 194 yards and six touchdowns. Donald Mckinney has been the main focus offensively for Iowa last time out as the 6 '3 receiver had seven receptions for 66 yards and 2 touchdowns against a tough Blizzards defense. 

The Freight defensively were able to respond from week two against Green Bay with how they shut down an Arizona Rattlers offense that looked unstoppable. Being the first team to make reigning MVP Max Meylor uncomfortable for stretches at a time. 

This was due to linebacker pairing of Cornelius Montgomery and Marcus Gray flying all over the field with 17 tackles combined and safety Jaiden Roe nabbing his third interception of the season, leading the IFL in that category and putting his name in the mix of defensive player of the year talks in this early part of the season.

The Barnstormers have Jakharious Smith anchoring the defense with 9 tackles and 4 TFL's which currently has the defensive lineman at 3rd in the IFL. Iowa also has Austin Edmonds in the trenches as well, he secured his first sack of the season last week.

Green Bay Blizzard at Quad City Steamwheelers

Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET

Venue: Vibrant Arena at The Mark, Moline, Ill.

Watch on: Overnght

The Blizzard heads to Moline as the best team in the IFL with plans of staying undefeated in this matchup against a Quad City team that looks to get back to .500. Look  for some fireworks in this game as both teams have tantalizing offenses full of playmakers.

Green Bay enters Week Five with an offensive core led by quarterback Liam Thompson, who had another strong performance of 140 yards and four total touchdowns against the Barnstormers. Thompson has shown poise in the pocket while distributing the ball to receivers  Draysean Hudson,Trevon Alexander and Issac Ross. Hudson has been a threat on the outside as he currently sits at 2nd in receiving yards with 169 and 3 touchdowns have him at 4th in the IFL.

Running back Demilon Brown provides a physical presence in the backfield to the Blizzard's fast-paced offense; he reached the endzone last week against Iowa, giving the Blizzard a key option in short‑yardage situations.

The Steamwheelers return home after their heartbreaking 49-46 loss to the Orlando Pirates. Quarterback Daquan Neal has been lighting up the skies with passing as the IFL leader in passing yards and touchdowns. The Steamwheelers feature an elite receiver as well in Quian Williams, leading the IFL in receptions, yards and touchdowns with six, showcasing how he's been one of the top red-zone options in the league.  While running back Jarrod Ware offers versatility both on the ground and in the receiving game with 139 all-purpose yards over three games.

Green Bay leans on a strong defensive front anchored by defensive lineman Johnathan Ross, who had  3 TFL's in the win against Iowa. Trenton McGhee and Giovanni Waller provide a boost in the secondary as both defensive backs are in the Top-3 of the IFL in tackles. 

Quad City's defense has been a no fly zone this season with a league leading seven interceptions. The Steamwheelers secondary, led by Camron Harrell and Jamon Williams, will look to be the first team this season to knock Thompson off his rhythm. 

San Antonio Gunslingers at Arizona Rattlers

Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET 

Venue: Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale, Ariz.

Watch on: Overnght

Arizona Rattlers return home after a demoralizing 63–42 loss to Fishers Freight in week 4. Quarterback Max Meylor led the offense with 198 passing yards and 4 touchdowns in that contest. 

The reigning MVP Meylor currently ranks in the top 5 for passing touchdowns in the IFL this season. He is supported by wide receiver Arland Bruce and running back Kymani Clarke, who recorded 2 rushing touchdowns last week and currently ranks in the Top-5 for rushing touchdowns this season. 

Defensively, the Rattlers look to tighten up behind the play of lineman Jahkari Larmond and defensive backs Kenneth Gallop and Yahsyn McKee Sr. Kenneth Gallop currently ranks in the top 5 for total tackles in the IFL for the 2026 season.  

San Antonio Gunslingers enter week 5 rested from a week 4 bye. In their last outing, San Antonio fell in a 29–22 defensive battle against the Tulsa Oilers. 

The Gunslingers offense is led by quarterback Joaquin Collazo, who is currently in the Top-5 for passing efficiency this season. The attack also features wide receiver Deon Cook and running back Glen Gibbons. 

On the defensive side, San Antonio rely on a physical core including lineman Terry Beckner Jr and defensive backs Matt Elam and Larry Brooks. Beckner Jr currently ranks in the top 5 for sacks in the IFL for the 2026 season.

San Diego Strike Force at Tucson Sugar Skulls

Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET 

Venue: Tucson Arena, Tucson, Ariz.

Watch on: Overnght

Tucson Sugar Skulls returns to Tucson Arena with momentum after securing their first win of the season, surviving a 45–40 thriller over the New Mexico Chupacabras. 

Quarterback Draylen Ellis has been a standout, currently ranking in the Top-5 for passing yards per game this season. His top targets include wide receiver Jaivian Lofton and running back Brandon Mackey, who provided a steady presence on the ground to seal the win in the final minutes. 

Tucson's defense is led by lineman Djimon Brooks and defensive backs Bri'On Murray and Zachariah Twardosky. Murray currently ranks in the Top-5 for interceptions in the IFL this season following his game-sealing pick last week.  

San Diego Strike Force enters this West-region showdown after a bye in week 4. In their last appearance, Nate Davis led the charge for the offense with 160 yards passing, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Despite the tough outing, Nate Davis currently ranks in the top 5 for completion percentage this season at 62.9%.

He is supported by wide receiver Cole Blackman and running back Tyrell Greene Jr. 

Defensively, San Diego leans on a strong front anchored by lineman Adam Anderson and a secondary featuring William Barber and Elijah Reed. Elijah Reed currently ranks in the Top-5 for PBU's this season.

Tulsa Oilers at Orlando Pirates

Kickoff: 4 p.m. ET | Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026

Venue: Kia Center, Orlando, Fla.

Watch on: Yahoo! Sports

Orlando Pirates look to defend home turf at the Kia Center riding the highs of an emotional inaugural 49-46 victory last week. 

The offense is led by quarterback Paxton DeLaurent, who currently ranks in the top 5 for passing yards per game (193.0) and passing efficiency (76.6%) for the 2026 season. He is supported by wide receiver Teo Redding and running back Pooka Williams. 

Defensively, the Pirates rely on the interior presence of lineman Randy Charlton and the coverage skills of defensive backs Latavious Brini and DJ Daniel. Latavious Brini currently ranks in the top 5 for tackles for loss (5.5) and sacks (1.5) in the IFL for the 2026 season.

Tulsa arrive in Orlando seeking to maintain their momentum in the Eastern Conference. In his last appearance, quarterback TJ Edwards II threw for 155 yards and 2 touchdowns on 15-of-23 passing. Edwards II currently ranks in the Top-5 in completion percentage this season. His primary offensive targets include wide receiver Spencer Tears and running back Jamaal Bell. 

On the defensive side, the Oilers are anchored by linebacker Mark Shepherd Jr. and defensive backs Fredrick Mallay and Malik Sonnier. Nusi Malani currently ranks in the Top-5 for sacks in the IFL this season.

Jacksonville Sharks at Vegas Knight Hawks

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET 

Venue: Lee's Family Forum, Henderson, Nev.

Watch on: Yahoo! Sports

The Knight Hawks continue their title defense at home in a late-night Sunday clash. The offense is led by quarterback Jayden DeLaura, the reigning championship MVP who currently ranks in the Top-5 for passing touchdowns (8) and passing efficiency (75.0%) this season. He is joined by  offensive weapons Joshua Tomas and Taurean Taylor. 

Defensively, Vegas is led by a fierce front featuring lineman Kivon Bennett and a secondary anchored by defensive back Keyshawn Cobb. 

Jacksonville Sharks head west looking to pull off a primetime win. Last time out, Sharks quarterback James Cahoon completed 12 of 21 passes for 152 yards and 2 touchdowns. Cahoon currently ranks in the Top-5 for passing yards per game (175.0) this season. The offense is supported by wide receiver Lowell Patron and running back Ta'Ron Keith. 

On defense, Jacksonville leans on lineman Chris Rice and defensive backs Jakorey Hawkins. The sharks will be without one of their star secondary players Larry Elder. Elder currently ranks Top-5 in tackles per game (8.0) in the IFL this season.

With every team hitting the turf this weekend, it's the first real look at the full landscape of the league. Whether it's the undefeated squads trying to keep the momentum or the winless teams just looking to get that first "W" on the board, this weekend looks to set the tone for the months to come.