As the Battlehawks go into the final week of training camp, one group that will demand plenty of attention from Head Coach Ricky Proehl is the Wide Receiver room. Last season the Battlehawks went into the 2025 without Marcell Ateman, and Darrius Shepherd, along with All-UFL wideout Hakeem Butler missing several games with injuries. This season the Battlehawks have brought nine receivers into camp, with the team retaining seven throughout the majority of the season.
2025 Room: Hakeem Butler, Jahcour Pearson, Blake Jackson, Frank Darby, Gary Jennings Jr, Jerome Kapp, Sam Wiglusz
2026 Room: Jha’Quan Jackson, Hakeem Butler, Justin Smith, Frank Darby, Kelly Akharaiyi, Steven McBride, Gary Jennings, Jahcour Pearson, Blake Jackson
Veterans:
Hakeem Butler returns for his 4th season in St. Louis and his 8th season in professional football. Butler has been among spring football’s elite pass catchers, and despite issues with drops has consistently been an elite member of the UFL. Butler’s numbers took a dip last season due to an injury and difficulties in the passing game, however he should be to eclipse 500 receiving yards in 2026 easily.
Jahcour Pearson returns to St. Louis for his 3rd season with the Battlehawks and 4th in spring football. The Battlehawks have struggled to get the most out of Pearson the last two seasons, as the 2023 XFL receiving leader has been regulated to mostly quick pass concepts that has yielded about 7.79 yards per catch. Pearson will most likely get another opportunity as the Battlehawks primary slot receiver however, another 200 yard year could have him looking for another team.
Justin Smith has spent three seasons with offensive coordinator A.J. Smith, and should be set up to take a similar role with the Battlehawks. Smith has been primarily WR4 on the outside for the Roughnecks, and Brahmas with that seemingly being his role this season.
Frank Darby returns to St. Louis for his 2nd season, and was an underrated gem for the Battlhawks last season. Darby was the only receiver that 2025 quarterback Manny Wilkins had a connection with, and with more traditional pocket quarterbacks on the roster in 2026, Darby could be a breakout candidate.
Gary Jennings has been a gadget player for the Battlehawks (and Stallions) during his spring football career and was even released during training camp this season. Jennings may be a backend roster player for St. Louis and is a cut-candidate despite his familiarity with Head Coach Ricky Proehl. His ability to play special teams is what will make him an asset in St. Louis this season.
Blake Jackson is the elder statesman of this room, and saw a bit of a resurgence to his value in 2025. Jackson was an extremely versatile option for the Battlehawks in the pass game, run game, and returning kicks. A former college quarterback, he could find a niche in A.J. Smith’s offense this season.
Newcomers:
Jha’Quan Jackson is a prime candidate to take over in the slot if Jahcour Pearson fails to step up in 2026. He spent almost two seasons in the NFL, even appearing in 12 games for the Titans in 2024. Jackson ran a 4.4 40-yard dash and accounted for almost 2,000 receiving yards at Tulane which could make him an easy “bounceback signing” to an NFL squad after the UFL season.
Kelly Akharaiyi had a short 2025 stint with the Bills and Cardinals, failing to make their 53-man roster. The former UTEP receiver will most likely be fighting for a roster spot contending with Steven McBride and Gary Jennings. If the Battlehawks keep seven receivers, Akharaiyi should be able to help the team as a reserve receiver.
Steven McBride is coming off a non-exsistent 2024 at the University of Hawaii due to a suspension. In 2026, the Kansas/Hawaii alum will be fighting for a spot with the Battlehawks that own a room with plenty of experience, and upside. McBride’s late arrival and lack of experience may hurt him making a push for a roster spot, but you can’t count out the Hawaii alum who did total a 1,000 yard season in 2023.