What to Watch for with the 2026 St. Louis Battlehawks

St. Louis, MO - The past couple of years under now former coach Anthony Becht have given the fans of the St. Louis Battlehawks a lot to be optimistic about. With new Head Coach and former St. Louis Rams Wide Receiver Ricky Proehl taking over he is inheriting a team that went 8-2 last year, finished first in the conference, and made the playoffs for the 2nd year in a row. While this isn’t Proehl’s first stint with the Battlehawks it is his first head coaching position. The first test will be opening night as the reigning champions DC Defenders will make their way back to St. Louis where they just won the 2025 UFL Championship. While the regular season wins have been great there is definitely a chip on the shoulders of these Battlehawks players to perform in the playoffs if they can get there again.

Quarterback Brandon Silvers will likely be taking over the starting role this season. Silvers saw action in 2 regular season and the 1 playoff game last year. Silvers the now 31 year old will have newcomers Michael Pratt and Ben Woolridge, who bring NFL practice squad and scout team backgrounds to round out the Quarterback Room for the Battlehawks.

Proehl will have some depth at his former position at Wide Receiver with the Battlehawks. Former Offensive Player of the year Hakeem Butler looks to bounce back from a dip in 2025. Along with Justin Smith, Frank Darby, and Blake Jackson also returning.

The Battlehawks 2026 UFL Draft, added a mix of offensive and defensive players, including linemen Mike Panasiuk and Spencer Rolland. Then defenders like Mike Rose and Carlos Davis, and multiple secondary prospects. The draft added some much needed depth as the Battlehawks are looking to make another playoff run.

St. Louis spring football is always exciting. The fans are ready to fill the dome again starting March 28th at 11 AM.