Over the weekend, the Michigan Panthers brought back two offensive players: WR Marcus Simms, and OT Chim Okorafor. Both were key pieces to this Michigan organization in 2024, and return for another stint in the UFL in 2025.
WR Marcus Simms
The #UFL has announced the following transactions pic.twitter.com/rJFoKQYYe2
— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) January 10, 2025
Marcus Simms is one of the many stories that proves why spring football is so meaningful to the professional scene. Simms joined the Michigan Panthers back in 2023, but wasn’t utilized much until the final weeks of action. Once he was given some legitimate reps, Simms made an immediate impact – on both special teams, and as a WR in the postseason game vs. Pittsburgh.
EJ PERRY. An absolute bomb to Marcus Simms, and the @USFLPanthers take the lead! What a scene in Canton. #USFLpic.twitter.com/lnj8oBXiaJ
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) June 25, 2023
This year, Simms made the Panthers roster in Training Camp, and worked his way into the WR1 role. In 2024, Simms totaled 426 receiving yards (1st on the team) and three touchdowns in just eight regular season games played. He was a deep threat all season long, averaging 18.5 YPR – the most of any wide receiver in the UFL with 20 or more receptions.
Even though he dealt with injuries towards the end of the year, Marcus Simms was clearly WR1 for this Michigan Panthers offense – one that saw quite a bit of success under first year OC Marcel Bellefeuille. Despite the quarterback changes from week to week, Marcus remained consistent. Whenever Michigan needed a big play, it felt like Simms was the go to guy.
HE’S BACK.
WR Marcus Simms has officially re-signed with the @USFLPanthers for this upcoming #UFL season.
Huge for Michigan. pic.twitter.com/FORWaNDw9B
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) January 10, 2025
After his UFL success which included being named to the All-UFL Offense, Marcus made his way to the…