Birmingham Stallions Shake Up Roster Ahead of Camp

Team re-signs long snapper, releases kicker, while Louisville Kings add defensive talent

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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As the United Football League (UFL) teams prepare for their upcoming Training Camp, the Birmingham Stallions have finalized important roster changes aimed at strengthening their squad. The Stallions re-signed veteran long snapper Ryan Langan while releasing kicker Rodrigo Blankenship, highlighting a strategic shift in personnel. Meanwhile, the Louisville Kings also made notable acquisitions, including cornerback Bryce Hall and defensive end John Pius, bolstering their defensive lineup.

Why it matters

These roster moves by Birmingham and Louisville signal an active approach to shaping competitive teams for the 2026 UFL season. Birmingham's decision to retain Ryan Langan ensures stability in special teams, while the departure of Rodrigo Blankenship opens the door for Jonathan Garibay to prove himself as an effective place kicker. Louisville's additions of John Pius and Bryce Hall reinforce key defensive positions, offering fresh talent and experience that could elevate the Kings' pass rush and secondary units.

The details

Birmingham Stallions re-signed veteran long snapper Ryan Langan, known for his remarkable consistency and expert technique, while releasing kicker Rodrigo Blankenship as he pursues an NFL futures contract. The Stallions are now placing confidence in Jonathan Garibay, who took over kicking duties for the Arlington Renegades midway through the 2024 season. The Louisville Kings have strengthened their defense by signing edge rusher John Pius, a former standout at William & Mary and Wisconsin, and cornerback Bryce Hall, a former fifth-round NFL draft pick by the New York Jets in 2020.

  • The Birmingham Stallions re-signed Ryan Langan and released Rodrigo Blankenship ahead of the 2026 UFL Training Camp.
  • The Louisville Kings signed John Pius and Bryce Hall ahead of the 2026 UFL Training Camp.

The players

Ryan Langan

A veteran long snapper who has been a consistent presence on the Birmingham Stallions' special teams unit over the past decade, earning All-USFL honors in 2022.

Rodrigo Blankenship

A kicker who had an impressive tenure with the St. Louis Battlehawks in 2025, earning All-UFL distinction, but has now been released by the Birmingham Stallions as he pursues an NFL futures contract.

Jonathan Garibay

A kicker who took over kicking duties for the Arlington Renegades midway through the 2024 season and is now expected to fill the critical place kicker role for the Birmingham Stallions.

John Pius

An edge rusher who comes with an impressive collegiate resume, recording 24.5 sacks and 40.5 tackles for loss across three seasons at William & Mary, earning First Team All-American status and becoming a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award in 2022.

Bryce Hall

A cornerback with professional experience, having played 40 games in the NFL with the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, tallying 122 tackles, 21 passes defended, and two interceptions.

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What they’re saying

“Well AJ said it, so cat's out of the bag. RYAN LANGAN IS BACK BABY‼️”

— State of the Stallions (Twitter)

“#Wisconsin transfer EDGE John Pius consistently pressured QBs at the FCS level with William & Mary, including a 2 sack game against Virginia last season. 35 TFLs and 21 sacks over the last two seasons. Should make a big impact off the edge for the Badgers in 2024.”

— Devin Jackson (Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These roster moves by Birmingham and Louisville signal an active approach to shaping competitive teams for the 2026 UFL season, with Birmingham ensuring stability in special teams and Louisville reinforcing key defensive positions to elevate their pass rush and secondary units.