Five weeks into the 2026 Sunday Gridiron Challenge, only one team remains undefeated. Kevin Sullivan's Sullivan Smashers improved to a league-best 5–0 with a 46–38 victory over Greta's Bombers, extending their remarkable start and maintaining a two-game advantage in the Miller North. The Smashers have now scored 203 points, proving that their perfect record is backed by consistent production.
Two other early-season heavyweights also made statements. Babcock's Businessmen bounced back from their Week 4 forfeit with a 51–43 victory over Kruep's Krew, improving to 4–1 and reclaiming momentum in the Miller South. Meanwhile, Arkport Aztecs returned to the win column with a 41–36 victory over Marlton, moving to 4–1 and keeping their lead in the Riney East. Both teams remain firmly in the championship conversation.
Quahogs Steal the Spotlight
The week's biggest performance belonged to Stephen DiCaprio and the Rhode Island Quahogs, who delivered a season-high 52 points to defeat Ball Ground Blitz 52–47. It was a badly needed victory for Rhode Island, now 2–3 despite scoring 204 points through five weeks. The Quahogs have the production to compete with anyone the challenge has been turning those points into victories.
Elsewhere, Miller's Hitmen held off Milla's Mayhem 45–42 to improve to 3–2, while Zeeb's Gamblers survived Frankfurt Galaxy 49–48 in one of the week's closest finishes. Cody Zeeb's squad has now won two straight after a 1–2 start and leads the tightly contested Miller East.
The Riney Conference produced more fireworks as Arlington Heights Lions defeated Binghamton Bearcats 51–49, lifting their league-leading season total to 217 points. Nottingham Knights continued their strong campaign with a 47–33 win over Omaha, while Waxhaw Thrillers extended their winning streak to four games with a 40–0 victory over Rockwell Stormdevils, who forfeited the matchup.
Tough Breaks and Changing Fortunes
Few teams have endured more frustration than Kruep's Krew, now 1–4 despite scoring 200 points. Cincinnati Hammerheads remain the league's only winless team at 0–5 after falling 49–44 to Clarence Chiefs, while Helton's Steelers have dropped three straight following a promising 2–0 start.
The league's most unusual turnaround belongs to Binghamton Bearcats. After posting 48 points in Week 3 and 51 in Week 4, the Bearcats scored another 49 in Week 5—only to lose by two to Arlington Heights. Three consecutive explosive weeks have turned Binghamton into one of the league's most dangerous opponents, even with a 2–3 record.
Five Weeks Down, Plenty Left to Decide
Sullivan remains the team everyone is chasing, but the contenders are gathering. Babcock's Businessmen, Arkport Aztecs, Waxhaw Thrillers and Nottingham Knights are all 4–1, while several divisions remain separated by a single game.
The Miller East has Zeeb's Gamblers and Pine Village Villagers tied at 3–2. The Miller West features Windy City Bears and Webb's Warriors at 3–2, and the Riney South has Waxhaw leading a competitive group that includes Sierra Nevada and Tampa Bay.
The season is far from settled. The Smashers have the perfect record, Arlington Heights has the highest point total, and teams like Rhode Island, Kruep's Krew and Binghamton are proving that a losing record doesn't necessarily mean a weak team.
Five weeks are in the books. One unbeaten team remains. And the race toward the Sunday Gridiron Challenge playoffs is only getting more interesting.
