The Battlehawks have been extremely busy with returning some of their premiere talent along with fan-favorites. Several days after Hakeem Butler was announced to be returning to the UFL, Head Coach Anthony Becht dropped a teaser that another player was "back". On Tuesday evening the UFL PR announced that Mike Rose Linebacker from Iowa State would be returning for his 3rd season with the Battlehawks. Several days later Austin Faoliu also signed his contract for the 2025 season.
Rose returns after spending training camp with the New Orleans Saints. Rose has been a key force in the Battlehawks Defense, not only being one of the highest graded defenders per PFF but also being one of the leaders for Defensive Coordinator Donnie Abraham. Rose has been with St. Louis since the return of the Battlehawks in 2023, earning an opportunity with the Miami Dolphins in 2023 as well. Over two seasons Rose has totaled 80 tackles and 2 interceptions in 15 games despite missing time with injuries. Rose looks to take another stab at spring football in hopes of solidifying his chances of being retained on an NFL roster. At 24 years old (turning 25 on May 25th)
Faoliu returns for his 2nd season with the Battlehawks and 3rd season in spring football. A 2021 UDFA from Oregon, Faoliu has spent time with the Cowboys, Sea Dragons, Battlehawks, and Seahawks earning All-XFL honors in 2023. Faoliu provides a stout option as a run defender for Donnie Abraham’s defense totaling 36 tackles, and 1 sack through 16 spring football games.
With the UFL season less than 80 days away the Battlehawks return two key players on defense for the upcoming season. Currently 59 Battlehawks are under contract for the 2025 as the team is set to report in late February. The Battlehawks are scheduled to take on the Houston Roughnecks week 1 on March 28th at TDECU Stadium to kickoff the UFL season.