As the Battlehawks prepare for their 2026 season Ricky Proehl and his staff must endure one of the more difficult parts of professional football. On March 19th, the UFL required that teams must trim down their rosters from 64 (ish) to 50 as teams get ready for week one. This year the Battlehawks will be going into the 2026 seasons with 30 of their 50 players having spring football experience.
Spring Football Veterans:
OT Ilm Manning
Manning is on the wrong side of cut day for the second consecutive year in his UFL career. Last season Manning was released by the Stallions however would find a spot with the BC Lions for a couple months. While in years past a team could utilize an experienced lineman like Manning, UFL teams released a plethora of linemen like Jake Burton, Abdul Beecham, and Cam Carter who demand more of a market.
DT Freedom Akinmoladun
A fourth year Battlehawk and going into his 8th professional season, Akinmoladun may be on the backend of his career with his recent stint in St. Louis. Akinmoladun could provide some versatility for teams who need a 3-tech, or a 4i, depending on scheme; however, being at 30 years old, his options may be limited to the Battlehawks only.
CB Mac McCain III
McCain was a late addition for St. Louis in 2025 joining the team for the playoff push. McCain was a 2021 UDFA who has spent time with the Broncos, Eagles, Lions, Panthers, Brahmas (UFL), and Saints in his pro football career. He has the ability to play outside and nickelback so he could find himself back with St. Louis if injuries mount.
CB Keylon Kennedy
A spring football veteran with ties to the CFL and NFL, Kelly comes off a 2025 with St. Louis that saw him thrive in 10 games (10 starts) for St. Louis this past season. Like McCain he brings plenty of experience, and versatility, possibly finding a home for teams needing veteran leadership.
CB Nate Brooks:
Brooks was an All-UFL selection in 2024 with the Michigan Panthers. He won a championship with the Birmingham Stallions in 2023, while most recently spending 2024 on the Bengals practice squad. He's been with 12 professional teams since 2019, and will look for his 13th, hoping to continue his 8th professional season.
WR Jha'Quan Jackson
Jackson was a 6th round pick in 2024, serving as a return specialist with the Titans. He was released by Tennessee, spending time on the Saints practice squad in 2025. Coming into camp, it appeared that Jackson could push Jahcour Pearson who was playing time in the slot, however it appears Jackson may be taking his talents elsewhere.
WR Kelly Akharaiyi
Akharaiyi was a UDFA in 2025 with the Cardinals and Bills. He totaled over 150 receptions and over 2,300 yards in college. A speedster, with return ability, Akharaiyi may be able to find a niche like Isiah Hennie.
TE Shane Calhoun
Calhoun made waves by his showcase performance with a top 3 40-yard dash performance. A late signee to camp, Calhoun failed to beat out James Bostic for a spot on the roster.
OT Tyler Nebelung
Nebelung was an intriguing prospect coming out of division-II Southwest Minnesota State as a two sport athlete. Nebelung was a 2026 draft eligible player who was coached by Battlehawks offensive line coach Todd Washington during an All-Star game. The “true rookie” now goes into the UFL season, as a developmental player with plenty of upside.
OG Christophe Atkins
Atkins was a late signee to the Battlehawks during camp. He brings a bit of experience with his time on CFL rosters since coming out of the University of Ohio.
OG Jarrod Hufford
After six seasons at Iowa State and 47 starts, Hufford went undrafted in the 2025 NFL draft. He brings versatility with his ability to play both Guard and Center.
DT Michael Dwumfour
Dwunfour has been on the fringe of being with the UFL, signing with the Battlehawks in 2024. He's been in the NFL since 2021 spending time with seven NFL teams, through five years.
DT Nesta Jade Silvera
A 7th round draft pick in 2023, Silvera is a veteran of four NFL teams in three seasons. He's registered 10 NFL Tackles in 9 NFL games. Silvera was waived in favor of Leonard Payne who was a late addition to camp.
DE Raymond Johnson
Johnson is a 2021 UDFA out of Georgia Southern, most recently with the Bengals in 2025. Johnson who owns a long frame could have been utilized off the EDGE, however could not crack one of the UFL’s more experienced units.
With final cuts now official, the Battlehawks can fully turn their attention to week one against the D.C. Defenders. The Battlehawks are coming off an 8-2 season in which their season came to an end during the XFL conference championship game.