After signing ELF OPOY Aron Cruickshank the Battlehawks return four more consistent figures for the 2026 season. Per James Larsen of PFN Jarveon Howard, Steven Gonzalez, Ryan Coll, and Avery Young all will be returning for the upcoming “rebranded” UFL season.
Jarveon Howard Running Back
Howard returns for his second season in St. Louis and is in line to receive the bulk of carries for the Battlehawks this upcoming season. Howard rushed for over 310 rushing yards as the number two option behind Jacob Saylors this past season still managing to finish the league as a top 10 rusher. Howard’s 2025 season led him to earn a contract with the Buffalo Bills however; an injury ended his time with the Bills. With Saylors now with the Lions on their active roster the 2026 season looks to be primed for Howard to “pop”. He is the first Battlehawk who signed an NFL contract to return for 2026.
Steven Gonzalez Offensive Line
Gonzalez is a two-time All-League player and now goes into his fourth season in the UFL. The Penn State alum has been one of spring football’s best interior offensive guards often grading out in the top-10 weekly per PFF. He’s started 31 of 32 games in with the Battlehawks with his only missed start coming in week 10 of 2025 due to the Battlehawks already clinching the playoffs.
Ryan Coll Offensive Line
Coll was a reserve offensive lineman in 2025, who may look to push for a starting spot in 2026. At only 24 years old, Coll appeared in two games (one start) in 2025 and could push for a youth movement on the aging Battlehawks offensive line this upcoming season.
Avery Young Safety
After getting released during final cuts, Young managed to find his way back to the Battlehawks once injuries hit the St. Louis secondary. Young appeared in two games (one start) recording three tackles in the back half of the 2025 season.
The Battlehawks have signed ten players so far this off season with eight of them returning from the 2025 season. So far the team has only released QB Max Duggan, with 26 players currently free agents. The Battlehakwks went 8-2 last season losing to the Defenders in the XFL Conference championship game.
