AltSports Archive

Studies · Football

QB-receiver chemistry that survives league changes

Cross-team-season duos and OL-linked continuity

Last computed 2026-05-20. 9 historical snapshots.

2 leagues
Top cross-league QB-receiver duo
Luis Perez -> Sal Cannella across 4 team-seasons
4 team-seasons
Most durable duo
Luis Perez -> Sal Cannella
Luis Perez + Sal Cannella + Teton Saltes (2 shared team-seasons)
Top OL-linked unit
60 cross-league duos found

What this study is trying to catch

We are looking for QB-to-receiver chemistry that survives context changes. Instead of a single team snapshot, we search for duos that reappear across multiple team-seasons, especially when they span multiple leagues.

How we define a combo

For each team-season, we pair every QB with every WR/RB/TE/FB/HB teammate. We then score that team-season pairing using the QB's passing production and the receiver's receiving production from the same league-season bucket.

When the same QB-receiver pair shows up again in another team-season, we treat it as recurring chemistry and add those scores together.

OL-linked units

For each recurring QB-receiver duo, we also look for offensive linemen who repeatedly show up in those same team-seasons. This surfaces additional unit-level links: not just who caught passes, but who may have protected that connection.

Charts

Best recurring QB-receiver combos (team-season chemistry score)

Score sums inferred QB and receiver season production while they shared a team-season.

Where each recurring duo shows up (team-seasons by league)

Each stack segment is a shared team-season in that league.

Nomad chemistry graph: QB, receiver, and OL anchors

Arrows are recurring QB -> receiver duos. Dashed links connect a duo to its most common shared OL teammate.

Full data

QB -> receiver duo Shared team-seasons Leagues League footprint Total chemistry score Avg score per team-season QB passing yards Receiver yards Best team-season Most-shared OL Unit context
Luis Perez -> Sal Cannella 4 2 UFL, XFL 10,836 2,709 6,888 2,363 UFL 2024 RENEGADES Teton Saltes Luis Perez + Sal Cannella + Teton Saltes shared 2 team-seasons
Jordan Ta\'amu -> Abram Smith 4 2 UFL, XFL 8,986 2,246.5 7,404 307 UFL 2025 DEFENDERS Liam Fornadel Jordan Ta\'amu + Abram Smith + Liam Fornadel shared 2 team-seasons
Luis Perez -> Tyler Vaughns 3 2 UFL, XFL 8,936 2,978.7 6,376 1,280 UFL 2024 RENEGADES Cameron Hunt Luis Perez + Tyler Vaughns + Cameron Hunt shared 1 team-seasons
Luis Perez -> JaVonta Payton 3 2 UFL, XFL 8,309 2,769.7 6,376 773 UFL 2024 RENEGADES Cameron Hunt Luis Perez + JaVonta Payton + Cameron Hunt shared 1 team-seasons
Jordan Ta\'amu -> Briley Moore-Mckinney 3 2 UFL, XFL 7,593 2,531 5,888 345 UFL 2025 DEFENDERS Liam Fornadel Jordan Ta\'amu + Briley Moore-Mckinney + Liam Fornadel shared 1 team-seasons
Luis Perez -> De\'Veon Smith 3 2 UFL, XFL 7,504 2,501.3 6,376 328 UFL 2024 RENEGADES Cameron Hunt Luis Perez + De\'Veon Smith + Cameron Hunt shared 1 team-seasons
Luis Perez -> LuJuan Winningham 3 2 UFL, XFL 7,482 2,494 6,376 186 UFL 2024 RENEGADES Cameron Hunt Luis Perez + LuJuan Winningham + Cameron Hunt shared 1 team-seasons
AJ McCarron -> Hakeem Butler 2 2 UFL, XFL 7,151 3,575.5 3,911 1,310 XFL 2023 BATTLEHAWKS Koda Martin AJ McCarron + Hakeem Butler + Koda Martin shared 1 team-seasons
Jordan Ta\'amu -> Trae Barry 3 2 UFL, XFL 6,630 2,210 5,550 0 UFL 2025 DEFENDERS Michael Tarquin Jordan Ta\'amu + Trae Barry + Michael Tarquin shared 1 team-seasons
AJ McCarron -> Darrius Shepherd 2 2 UFL, XFL 6,231 3,115.5 3,911 810 XFL 2023 BATTLEHAWKS Koda Martin AJ McCarron + Darrius Shepherd + Koda Martin shared 1 team-seasons
AJ McCarron -> Steven Jr 2 2 UFL, XFL 5,732 2,866 3,911 311 XFL 2023 BATTLEHAWKS Koda Martin AJ McCarron + Steven Jr + Koda Martin shared 1 team-seasons
AJ McCarron -> Marcell Ateman 2 2 UFL, XFL 5,708 2,854 3,911 467 XFL 2023 BATTLEHAWKS Koda Martin AJ McCarron + Marcell Ateman + Koda Martin shared 1 team-seasons
AJ McCarron -> Jake Sutherland 2 2 UFL, XFL 5,445 2,722.5 3,911 144 XFL 2023 BATTLEHAWKS Koda Martin AJ McCarron + Jake Sutherland + Koda Martin shared 1 team-seasons
AJ McCarron -> Mataeo Durant 2 2 UFL, XFL 5,157 2,578.5 3,911 96 XFL 2023 BATTLEHAWKS Koda Martin AJ McCarron + Mataeo Durant + Koda Martin shared 1 team-seasons
Alex McGough -> Deon Cain 2 2 UFL, USFL 5,138 2,569 2,748 840 USFL 2023 STALLIONS
Alex McGough -> Marlon Williams 3 2 UFL, USFL 5,124 1,708 3,208 741 USFL 2023 STALLIONS Marquez Tucker Alex McGough + Marlon Williams + Marquez Tucker shared 1 team-seasons
Alex McGough -> Jace Sternberger 2 2 UFL, USFL 5,114 2,557 2,748 876 USFL 2023 STALLIONS
Jordan Ta\'amu -> Alex Ellis 2 2 UFL, XFL 5,011 2,505.5 3,732 299 XFL 2023 DEFENDERS Liam Fornadel Jordan Ta\'amu + Alex Ellis + Liam Fornadel shared 1 team-seasons
Luis Perez -> Leddie Brown 2 2 UFL, XFL 4,977 2,488.5 4,082 230 UFL 2024 RENEGADES Cameron Hunt Luis Perez + Leddie Brown + Cameron Hunt shared 1 team-seasons
Luis Perez -> Caleb Esch 2 2 UFL, XFL 4,931 2,465.5 4,082 124 UFL 2024 RENEGADES Cameron Hunt Luis Perez + Caleb Esch + Cameron Hunt shared 1 team-seasons
Alex McGough -> Davion Davis 2 2 UFL, USFL 4,921 2,460.5 2,748 923 USFL 2023 STALLIONS
Alex McGough -> CJ Marable 3 2 UFL, USFL 4,759 1,586.3 3,208 496 USFL 2023 STALLIONS Marquez Tucker Alex McGough + CJ Marable + Marquez Tucker shared 1 team-seasons
J\'Mar Smith -> Marlon Williams 4 2 UFL, USFL 4,722 1,180.5 2,682 1,140 USFL 2022 BHAM Marquez Tucker J\'Mar Smith + Marlon Williams + Marquez Tucker shared 1 team-seasons
Jordan Ta\'amu -> Brandon Smith 2 2 UFL, XFL 4,680 2,340 3,732 208 UFL 2024 DEFENDERS Liam Fornadel Jordan Ta\'amu + Brandon Smith + Liam Fornadel shared 1 team-seasons
Jordan Ta\'amu -> Cam\'Ron Harris 2 2 UFL, XFL 4,405 2,202.5 3,732 53 XFL 2023 DEFENDERS Liam Fornadel Jordan Ta\'amu + Cam\'Ron Harris + Liam Fornadel shared 1 team-seasons
Troy Williams -> Isiah Hennie 3 2 UFL, USFL 4,170 1,390 2,825 855 UFL 2025 SHOWBOATS Jon Dietzen Troy Williams + Isiah Hennie + Jon Dietzen shared 1 team-seasons
Case Cookus -> Diondre Overton 3 2 UFL, USFL 4,106 1,368.7 3,063 358 USFL 2022 PHI Clay LeGault Case Cookus + Diondre Overton + Clay LeGault shared 1 team-seasons
J\'Mar Smith -> CJ Marable 4 2 UFL, USFL 3,920 980 2,682 638 USFL 2022 BHAM Marquez Tucker J\'Mar Smith + CJ Marable + Marquez Tucker shared 1 team-seasons
Alex McGough -> La\'Michael Pettway 2 2 UFL, USFL 3,907 1,953.5 2,748 149 USFL 2023 STALLIONS
Alex McGough -> Ricky Jr 2 2 UFL, USFL 3,697 1,848.5 2,748 59 USFL 2023 STALLIONS
J\'Mar Smith -> Jace Sternberger 3 2 UFL, USFL 3,346 1,115.3 919 1,397 UFL 2025 STALLIONS Alex Taylor-Prioleau J\'Mar Smith + Jace Sternberger + Alex Taylor-Prioleau shared 1 team-seasons
Manny Wilkins -> Hakeem Butler 3 2 UFL, XFL 3,259 1,086.3 819 1,610 UFL 2024 BATTLEHAWKS Koda Martin Manny Wilkins + Hakeem Butler + Koda Martin shared 1 team-seasons
Quinten Dormady -> KD Cannon 2 2 UFL, XFL 3,255 1,627.5 2,771 219 XFL 2023 GUARDIANS Luke Juriga Quinten Dormady + KD Cannon + Luke Juriga shared 1 team-seasons
J\'Mar Smith -> Deon Cain 3 2 UFL, USFL 3,250 1,083.3 919 1,301 UFL 2025 STALLIONS Alex Taylor-Prioleau J\'Mar Smith + Deon Cain + Alex Taylor-Prioleau shared 1 team-seasons
Jalan McClendon -> John Lovett 2 2 UFL, XFL 2,946 1,473 2,247 314 UFL 2026 COLUMBUS AVIATORS Wisdom Quarshie Jalan McClendon + John Lovett + Wisdom Quarshie shared 1 team-seasons
Luis Perez -> Braedon Bowman 2 2 AAF, USFL 2,877 1,438.5 2,535 175 AAF ? BIR Brandon Haskin Luis Perez + Braedon Bowman + Brandon Haskin shared 1 team-seasons
Jalan McClendon -> Cam Sutton 2 2 UFL, XFL 2,776 1,388 2,337 179 UFL 2025 ROUGHNECKS
J\'Mar Smith -> Davion Davis 2 2 UFL, USFL 2,392 1,196 919 923 UFL 2025 STALLIONS
Brandon Silvers -> Justin Smith 2 2 UFL, XFL 2,369 1,184.5 2,011 238 XFL 2023 ROUGHNECKS Addison West Brandon Silvers + Justin Smith + Addison West shared 1 team-seasons
Harrison FROST -> Jahcour Pearson 2 2 UFL, XFL 1,878 939 719 909 UFL 2026 ST. LOUIS BATTLEHAWKS Addison West Harrison FROST + Jahcour Pearson + Addison West shared 1 team-seasons
EJ Perry -> Marcus Simms 2 2 UFL, USFL 1,812 906 1,034 558 UFL 2024 PANTHERS Eric Abojei EJ Perry + Marcus Simms + Eric Abojei shared 1 team-seasons
EJ Perry -> Trey Quinn 2 2 UFL, USFL 1,746 873 1,034 552 UFL 2024 PANTHERS Eric Abojei EJ Perry + Trey Quinn + Eric Abojei shared 1 team-seasons
Reid Sinnett -> Emmanuel Butler 2 2 UFL, XFL 1,546 773 1,233 238 UFL 2024 ROUGHNECKS Jair Joseph Reid Sinnett + Emmanuel Butler + Jair Joseph shared 1 team-seasons
EJ Perry -> Devin Ross 2 2 UFL, USFL 1,520 760 1,034 446 USFL 2023 PANTHERS Eric Abojei EJ Perry + Devin Ross + Eric Abojei shared 1 team-seasons
EJ Perry -> Cole Hikutini 2 2 UFL, USFL 1,485 742.5 1,034 291 UFL 2024 PANTHERS Eric Abojei EJ Perry + Cole Hikutini + Eric Abojei shared 1 team-seasons
Harrison FROST -> Blake Jackson 2 2 UFL, XFL 1,446 723 719 597 UFL 2026 ST. LOUIS BATTLEHAWKS Addison West Harrison FROST + Blake Jackson + Addison West shared 1 team-seasons
Manny Wilkins -> Darrius Shepherd 2 2 UFL, XFL 1,396 698 321 810 XFL 2023 BATTLEHAWKS Koda Martin Manny Wilkins + Darrius Shepherd + Koda Martin shared 1 team-seasons
J\'Mar Smith -> La\'Michael Pettway 2 2 UFL, USFL 1,378 689 919 149 UFL 2025 STALLIONS
J\'Mar Smith -> Ricky Jr 3 2 UFL, USFL 1,371 457 919 202 UFL 2025 STALLIONS Alex Taylor-Prioleau J\'Mar Smith + Ricky Jr + Alex Taylor-Prioleau shared 1 team-seasons
Manny Wilkins -> Jake Sutherland 3 2 UFL, XFL 1,101 367 819 232 UFL 2025 BATTLEHAWKS Koda Martin Manny Wilkins + Jake Sutherland + Koda Martin shared 1 team-seasons
EJ Perry -> Toa Taua 2 2 UFL, USFL 1,014 507 1,034 0 UFL 2024 PANTHERS Eric Abojei EJ Perry + Toa Taua + Eric Abojei shared 1 team-seasons
Brian Lewerke -> Marcus Simms 2 2 UFL, USFL 957 478.5 119 558 UFL 2024 PANTHERS Eric Abojei Brian Lewerke + Marcus Simms + Eric Abojei shared 1 team-seasons
Manny Wilkins -> Steven Jr 2 2 UFL, XFL 897 448.5 321 311 UFL 2024 BATTLEHAWKS Koda Martin Manny Wilkins + Steven Jr + Koda Martin shared 1 team-seasons
Brian Lewerke -> Trey Quinn 2 2 UFL, USFL 891 445.5 119 552 UFL 2024 PANTHERS Eric Abojei Brian Lewerke + Trey Quinn + Eric Abojei shared 1 team-seasons
Manny Wilkins -> Marcell Ateman 2 2 UFL, XFL 873 436.5 321 467 UFL 2024 BATTLEHAWKS Koda Martin Manny Wilkins + Marcell Ateman + Koda Martin shared 1 team-seasons
Manny Wilkins -> Gary Jennings 2 2 UFL, XFL 861 430.5 498 278 UFL 2025 BATTLEHAWKS
Brian Lewerke -> Devin Ross 2 2 UFL, USFL 665 332.5 119 446 USFL 2023 PANTHERS Eric Abojei Brian Lewerke + Devin Ross + Eric Abojei shared 1 team-seasons
Brian Lewerke -> Cole Hikutini 2 2 UFL, USFL 630 315 119 291 UFL 2024 PANTHERS Eric Abojei Brian Lewerke + Cole Hikutini + Eric Abojei shared 1 team-seasons
Manny Wilkins -> Mataeo Durant 2 2 UFL, XFL 322 161 321 96 UFL 2024 BATTLEHAWKS Koda Martin Manny Wilkins + Mataeo Durant + Koda Martin shared 1 team-seasons
Jalen Morton -> ZaQuandre White 2 2 UFL, USFL 202 101 0 142 USFL 2023 STALLIONS Wisdom Quarshie Jalen Morton + ZaQuandre White + Wisdom Quarshie shared 1 team-seasons

Methodology

Data source: player JSON files in docs/data/players/ plus season metadata from docs/data/sports.json.

A team-season is identified by (sport_id, team) roster membership. Because many feeds do not include direct passer-target links, this study uses shared team-season co-membership as a proxy for QB-receiver connection.

Chemistry score per team-season: QB score + Receiver score, where QB score = passing_yards + 40*passing_tds - 45*interceptions and Receiver score = receiving_yards + 60*receiving_tds + 2*targets.

Scores are descriptive and ranking-oriented, not causal estimates. This study reruns on each build as new rosters and statlines land.

Snapshot history

How the headline numbers have moved over time.

Show 9 snapshots (2026-05-14 → 2026-05-19) 
{"slug": "qb-receiver-nomads", "snapshots": [{"computed_at": "2026-05-14T01:52:38+00:00", "cross_league_duos": 97, "repeat_duos": 1062, "top_duo": "Stallions QB -> Jace Sternberger", "top_duo_leagues": 2, "top_duo_team_seasons": 3}, {"computed_at": "2026-05-14T01:55:34+00:00", "cross_league_duos": 60, "repeat_duos": 805, "top_duo": "Luis Perez -> Sal Cannella", "top_duo_leagues": 2, "top_duo_team_seasons": 3}, {"computed_at": "2026-05-14T13:16:35+00:00", "cross_league_duos": 60, "repeat_duos": 802, "top_duo": "Luis Perez -> Sal Cannella", "top_duo_leagues": 2, "top_duo_team_seasons": 3}, {"computed_at": "2026-05-14T15:33:12+00:00", "cross_league_duos": 61, "repeat_duos": 802, "top_duo": "Luis Perez -> Sal Cannella", "top_duo_leagues": 2, "top_duo_team_seasons": 3}, {"computed_at": "2026-05-14T17:58:29+00:00", "cross_league_duos": 61, "repeat_duos": 805, "top_duo": "Luis Perez -> Sal Cannella", "top_duo_leagues": 2, "top_duo_team_seasons": 3}, {"computed_at": "2026-05-15T20:20:33+00:00", "cross_league_duos": 60, "repeat_duos": 796, "top_duo": "Luis Perez -> Sal Cannella", "top_duo_leagues": 2, "top_duo_team_seasons": 3}, {"computed_at": "2026-05-19T20:04:31+00:00", "cross_league_duos": 61, "repeat_duos": 803, "top_duo": "Luis Perez -> Sal Cannella", "top_duo_leagues": 2, "top_duo_team_seasons": 3}, {"computed_at": "2026-05-19T20:10:39+00:00", "cross_league_duos": 60, "repeat_duos": 796, "top_duo": "Luis Perez -> Sal Cannella", "top_duo_leagues": 2, "top_duo_team_seasons": 3}, {"computed_at": "2026-05-19T21:55:41+00:00", "cross_league_duos": 60, "repeat_duos": 796, "top_duo": "Luis Perez -> Sal Cannella", "top_duo_leagues": 2, "top_duo_team_seasons": 4}]}

Underlying data