With the 2026 UFL season coming to an end, Week Nine saw a series of milestones, and teams clinching playoff berths with the leagues 3rd season coming to a close. Two of the UFL's premiere pass rushers found themselves on the right side of history, with their recent performances that will have their names etched in spring football lore for possibly a long time.
Cam Gill Louisville Kings
Gill recorded his 9th and 10th sack of the regular season enroute to a Kings victory that has them remaining competitive for a playoff berth in their first season in the UFL. Gill's 10th sack allowed him to surpass Breeland Speaks who recorded 9.5 sacks in 2024 with the Michigan Panthers. Speaks earned the UFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024, which many believe Gill is the front runner for. Currently in the "modern era", former Houston Gamblers Defensive End Chris Odom is the record holder, registering 12.5 sacks during 2022 USFL season.
Pita Taumoepenu St. Louis Battlehawks
Since 2023, Taumoepneu has been Spring Football's top EDGE rusher earning multiple accolades including Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2023 (XFL), and 2025 (UFL). During the Battlehawks week nine matchup against the Houston Gamblers Taumoepenu recorded his 7th sack of the season, which was his 26th of his career now leaving him at the top of the leaderboard in the modern spring football era. Taumoepenu surpassed Chris Odom who totaled 25.5 sacks in the AAF, USFL, and UFL. While in many years the former Utah Ute would be considered a front runner for Defensive Player of the Year, he currently sits behind Cam Gill in TFLs, and Sacks during the 2026 season, with each players having one game remaining.
With the Battlehawks clinching a playoff berth it's unknown if Taumoepenu will have a full-game to add to his totals moving into the 2026 playoff berth. Gill however, will have every opportunity to showcase his talents as the Kings need a win against the Columbus Aviators in hopes of the franchise making the playoffs in their debut season. The Battlehawks are taking on the Dallas Renegades Friday for their final matchup of the regular season this Friday, with the Kings and Aviators having the honor of being the UFL's final regular season game Sunday at 6pm (ET) in Columbus.