The UFL is a young league, with franchises that can count on ex-NFL and talented players that didn’t make the cut in the National Football league because they are slightly sub-par to the terrific athletes that get to become part of an NFL roster. Nonetheless, there are great coaches and players in this Spring League and some cool rivalries are already active: one of the most fierce is the one between the DC Defenders and the St. Louis Battlehawks.
The two teams will meet in the opening weekend, on March 28, at the Dome at America’s Center in St.Louis. Then, in the UFL Week 4 their return match will take place at Audi Field in Washington. This second game promises to be a real thriller.
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An historic rivalry
In the short history of the UFL, DC and St. Louis managed to light up a rivalry that already has their fanbases hating on each other. As it is always the case in football, though, it applies only during the actual games, because Defenders’ and Battlehawks’ fans are more than happy to share some moments together when they tail gate before the kickoff.
As we write this, the Hawks lead the all-time series against the Defenders 3-2-0, after winning three regular season games but losing a post-season one, in the 2025 XFL Conference Championship game. We don’t know the result of the opening week game in 2026, that could bring the score to 4-2-0; 3-3-0 or, as it could happen, 3-2-1. The relatively short geographic distance and the fact that the teams play in the same conference fueled a rivalry that is still in its early phases, but may become a strong one in the future of the United Football league.
This year, the Defenders seem favourites over their rivals, because they kept the core that gave them the UFL title last year, while the Battlehawks have a younger roster that must show if it belongs in the professional spring league. DC is flashing some new uniforms fitting for a defending champion and is obviously the team to beat.
Roster’s strengths and players to watch in the Week 4 game
The Defenders are a run-heavy team that counts on the arm strength of quarterback Jordan Ta’amu and the legs of Deon Jackson, Abram Smith and Xazavian Valladay. They have a nice core of wide receivers, with players who used to be part of NFL rosters like Keke Coutee; Erik Ezukanma and Braylon Sanders. They are the more experienced team and can use this as an advantage.
The Battlehawks have kept some of their veterans but possess a mostly young core of players. Ricky Proehl, the ex-NFL wide receiver that will coach in St.Louis this year, is oriented to deploy some pass-first schemes and will count on the hands of QB Brandon Silvers to do just that. Jarveon Howard, an emerging running back that played some good football last year in the UFL, will help him along the way.
There is some curiosity around this team, since St. Louis does not have a lot of potential at its disposal but Proehl seems to be very much liked in Missouri. Playing in Washington, the home-field advantage can play a role for the Defenders, but the Battlehawks have a good secondary that could terrorize the passing game. There is a reason why we ranked the Battlehawks third among defensive units. This match will be won or lost in the trenches.
Playoffs implications
It’s frankly difficult to not consider DC a sure team for the Playoffs. The Defenders have a mighty roster and defeating a direct rival could boost their chance of having the home-field advantage throughout the pos-season. St.Louis could face some difficulties and will look to this game as a possible statement win to boost its confidence and morale.