From the Commissioner's Desk

Big news to share. The Texas Herd out of Longview, Texas have joined the CoFL as a non-member affiliate, and will play three road games against each Southern Division team across Weeks 4 through 6. This group of professional football players showed up in a first-class manner during Week Zero, and we were so impressed with how they conducted themselves on and off the field that we're giving them this opportunity to compete against our Southern Division clubs this season.

Important to clarify: the Herd are not eligible to compete for the Southern Division title — only the Texas Syndicate, Tall City Black Gold, and San Antonio Toros can play for that crown on the weekend of July 11. However, the results of the Herd's three games will count in the divisional standings for those three CoFL clubs, meaning every Herd matchup carries real weight in the postseason race. Welcome to the schedule, Longview.

Inside this week's issue: Week 1 scores, two games tomorrow, the debut of our official Power Rankings, two new media partnerships you should know about, and an Ironmen camp update straight from Martins Ferry.

Texas Herd Earn a Spot on the Schedule: Three Road Games vs. the Southern Division

When the Texas Herd traveled to West Texas in Week Zero to face the Tall City Black Gold, the scoreboard told one story — a 26–0 result for the home side. The way the Herd carried themselves told a different one. From the staff's professionalism to the players' approach, Longview showed up like a pro football organization.

That earned them a spot on the 2026 schedule. As a non-member affiliate, the Herd will play three road games — one each against the Texas Syndicate, Tall City Black Gold, and San Antonio Toros — across Weeks 4 through 6. They will not compete for the Southern Division championship, and they will not appear in the divisional standings themselves. But the scores of those three games will count toward the standings of the three CoFL clubs they face, with playoff seeding on the line.

Why it matters for fans: Three additional games on the schedule means fresh travel routes through Texas and three more chances to see CoFL teams compete — with real stakes attached. For Syndicate, Black Gold, and Toros faithful, the message is simple: no Herd game is a tune-up. Each result feeds directly into the race for the July 11 Southern Division title.

The takeaway: This is exactly the kind of pathway the CoFL was designed to create — disciplined football organizations earning meaningful opportunities to compete against league members. Longview earned a place on the schedule. Now they get to prove it on the field.

Toros Stay Perfect, Bison Spring an Upset at Walnut Hills

Two games. Two storylines. San Antonio extended their statement run with a second straight shutout, while the Indy Bison ended Cincinnati's perfect start at Walnut Hills.

The San Antonio Toros rode their defense again — three quarters of zero-allowed football to back up the 71–0 Week Zero performance — and head into Week 2 as the league's only club still unscored upon.

The Cincinnati Dukes ran into a hot Indy Bison squad at Walnut Hills High School, dropping their first contest of the season 28–14. Cincinnati now returns to its home stadium at Mason High School from this point forward. Expect a measured response from head coach Daryl "Slash" Moore as the Dukes turn the page to a Kentuckiana Calvary matchup at home tomorrow night.

Introducing Liam Smith's Official CoFL Power Rankings

The league is excited to introduce Liam Smith as the official voice of the CoFL weekly Power Rankings. Each week, Liam will break down the league's pecking order, the movers, and the matchups that matter — straight to your feed on X.

Two More Voices Worth Following

The league is also pleased to highlight two trusted partners providing in-depth CoFL coverage:

Saturday, June 6: Two Games, One Broadcast Home

Watch live: All CoFL games stream on our official broadcast partner — youtube.com/@UnitedFootballMedia.

What to watch: Can the Syndicate respond on the road after the Toros shutout? And does Cincinnati get right at home? The Continental Shift fourth quarter remains in effect for both contests.

Waiting in the Wings: Ohio Valley Ironmen Open Camp Today

Today, Friday, June 5, the Ohio Valley Ironmen report for training camp in Martins Ferry under head coach Manny Matsakis. The countdown is officially on to the Ironmen's season opener at the Cincinnati Dukes on Saturday, June 13 — a Northern Division matchup with real early-season weight after Cincinnati's Week 1 stumble.

• Camp opens: Friday, June 5
• Season opener: Saturday, June 13 at Cincinnati
• Latest news, roster, and tickets: ohiovalleyironmen.com

Look for a full Ironmen camp report in next week's issue.

Next Up in The Continental

Next week's issue will feature Saturday's Syndicate–Black Gold recap, the Dukes–Calvary result, a full Ironmen training camp report, an updated look at the Southern Division race now that the Herd are in, and the next edition of Liam Smith's Power Rankings. Have a question for the league office or a coach? Reply to this email — selected questions will be answered in print.

Until then, see you on the broadcast.

— The CoFL League Office

Watch live: youtube.com/@UnitedFootballMedia  ·  Power Rankings: @LiamCoFL  ·  Media inquiries: [email protected]

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