The 2026 St. Louis Battlehawks season was the fifth season for the St. Louis Battlehawks, their third in the UFL, and their first under head coach Ricky Proehl. The Battlehawks failed to improve on their 8–2 record from last season in the aftermath of their Week 4 road loss to the defending UFL champions, the DC Defenders, and failed to match it after an upset loss to the Houston Gamblers in their Week 8 matchup. After beating the Gamblers in a rematch the following week, the Battlehawks clinched their third consecutive playoff berth.
The Battlehawks hosted the Louisville Kings in the UFL Semifinals. They would lose to the Kings, 20–29. This was their third straight loss in the postseason.
Offseason Coaching Changes On December 29, 2025, Ricky Proehl was named head coach of the Battlehawks, replacing Anthony Becht who would become the new head coach for the Orlando Storm. On February 23, 2026, the Battlehawks announced their full 2026 coaching staff.
Draft
Teams were allowed to protect up to 12 players from their 2025 rosters.
Staff St. Louis Battlehawks staffHead coach Head coach – Ricky Proehl
Offensive coaches
Offensive coordinator – A. J. Smith Running backs – John Estes Wide receivers – Austin Proehl Offensive line – Todd Washington Defensive coaches
Defensive coordinator – Corey Chamblin Defensive line – Jeff Zgonina Linebackers – Will Reed Special teams – Frank Gansz Jr. Sources:
Roster
Schedule
WeekDayDateKickoffTVOpponentResultsLocationAttendanceScoreRecord1SaturdayMarch 2811:00 a.m.ESPNDC Defenders W 16–10 1–0The Dome at America's Center 31,1912TuesdayApril 77:00 p.m.FS1at Dallas Renegades L 15–31 1–1Toyota Stadium 5,7993SundayApril 122:00 p.m.ABCBirmingham Stallions W 34–30 2–1The Dome at America's Center 20,2094SaturdayApril 1811:30 a.m.ABCat DC Defenders L 22–28 2–2Audi Field 7,9405SaturdayApril 256:00 p.m.ESPNat Orlando Storm W 25–17 3–2Inter&Co Stadium 9,7356ThursdayApril 307:00 p.m.FS1at Louisville Kings W 16–3 4–2Lynn Family Stadium 10,4567FridayMay 87:00 p.m.FoxColumbus Aviators W 31–20 5–2The Dome at America's Center 18,5638SaturdayMay 162:00 p.m.ABCHouston Gamblers L 16–23 5–3The Dome at America's Center 21,6099SundayMay 246:00 p.m.ESPN2at Houston Gamblers W 21–15 6–3Shell Energy Stadium 6,21710FridayMay 297:00 p.m.FoxDallas Renegades L 16–20 6–4The Dome at America's Center 24,621
Game summaries Week 1: vs. DC Defenders
Week 2: at Dallas Renegades
Week 3: vs. Birmingham Stallions
Week 4: at DC Defenders
Week 5: at Orlando Storm
Week 6: at Louisville Kings
Week 7: vs. Columbus Aviators
The 24 points scored in first half were the most points scored by the Battlehawks in any half this season. With this dominant win, the Battlehawks improved to 5–2.
Week 8: vs. Houston Gamblers
Week 9: at Houston Gamblers
Week 10: vs. Dallas Renegades
Standings
Postseason
Week Day Date Kickoff TV Opponent Results Location Attendance Score Record Semifinals Sunday June 7 5:00 p.m. Fox Louisville Kings L 20–29 0–1 The Dome at America's Center 18,111
UFL Semifinals: vs. Louisville Kings
References