St. Louis Battlehawks Poised for Exciting UFL 2026 Season

New head coach Ricky Proehl brings NFL experience and a vision for maximizing talent

Mar. 25, 2026 at 4:06am

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The United Football League (UFL) is set to kick off its 2026 season, with the St. Louis Battlehawks taking center stage against the defending champion DC Defenders. Newly appointed Battlehawks head coach Ricky Proehl, a former NFL player and Super Bowl champion, is bringing a wealth of experience and a focus on providing opportunities for undervalued talent. The UFL is introducing innovative rule changes designed to increase scoring and create more dynamic gameplay, which Proehl is particularly enthusiastic about. The Battlehawks are also tapping into the passionate sports culture of St. Louis, where the team enjoys strong fan support.

Why it matters

The UFL aims to be more than just another spring football league, positioning itself as a platform for players who haven't fully realized their potential. By offering a developmental environment and embracing rule changes that prioritize entertainment value, the league hopes to establish a sustainable foothold in the sports landscape and attract a broader audience.

The details

Proehl emphasizes the high level of talent in the UFL, stating that 'these guys can play' and that some haven't had the opportunity to showcase their skills. The league is introducing a series of offensive-friendly rule changes, including the 'fourth-and-12' rule, which allows a trailing team to attempt a fourth-down conversion from their own 28-yard line as an alternative to an onside kick. Proehl, described as 'an offensive guy,' is particularly enthusiastic about this rule, citing an example of the Battlehawks scoring 16 points in a minute and a half due to this rule.

  • The UFL 2026 season is set to kick off this week.

The players

Ricky Proehl

The newly appointed head coach of the St. Louis Battlehawks, Proehl is a former NFL player and two-time Super Bowl champion who previously served as the Battlehawks' wide receivers coach in 2023.

Brandon Silvers

The Battlehawks' quarterback, Silvers brings UFL and XFL experience to the team.

Hakeem Butler

A key receiving threat for the Battlehawks, Butler returns to the team for the 2026 season.

Pita Taumoepenu

One of the Battlehawks' outside linebackers, Taumoepenu will be a key player on the defensive side of the ball.

Carlos Davis

An All-UFL defensive tackle, Davis adds strength to the Battlehawks' interior defensive line.

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What they’re saying

“These guys can play. The level is so high here... Some of them haven't had the opportunity to showcase their talent and skill set.”

— Ricky Proehl, Head Coach, St. Louis Battlehawks

“A couple of years ago, the Battlehawks... scored 16 points in a minute and a half because of that [fourth-and-12] rule.”

— Ricky Proehl, Head Coach, St. Louis Battlehawks

“St. Louis is one of the best sports towns in our country. They support every sport in that city, and the Battlehawks are no different.”

— Ricky Proehl, Head Coach, St. Louis Battlehawks

What’s next

The Battlehawks will open their 2026 UFL season this weekend against the defending champion DC Defenders.

The takeaway

The UFL's focus on providing opportunities for undervalued talent, embracing innovative rule changes, and tapping into the passionate sports culture of St. Louis positions the Battlehawks as an exciting team to watch in the 2026 season.