The Rivalry Returns: St. Louis Hosts DC in the Dome

by Ethan Berch

ARLINGTON, TX – March 25, 2026 – The rivalry is back. The most heated, intense, and bone-chilling rivalry in the UFL returns for the opening week of the season. After DC upset St. Louis and eliminated them from the postseason a year ago, tensions are expected to be high in The Battledome. 

Storylines to Watch: 

Not only did DC pull off the upset in the semifinal, but they went on to do the same in the championship, achieving spring football glory for the first time ever. 

Last year, the Defenders had the storybook narrative. Interim head coach Shannon Harris took over one week before the season and led DC all the way to a championship, shocking the league time and time again. 

However, this year the pressure is on. Harris even told the media, “we have a target on our back now.” The Defenders shift from a nothing-to-lose mindset to one of expectation, hoping to avoid any championship hangover. 

On the other side, St. Louis has put together postseason runs in each of the past two seasons but has yet to reach the title game. Now, Ricky Proehl takes over with a standard of success already set in The Lou. 

Proehl, who played 17 years in the NFL, now steps into his first head coaching position with the Battlehawks. He brings prior coaching experience at both the UFL and NFL levels, though never as the lead man. There will be expected challenges as a first-year head coach, but many trust Proehl as he returns to St. Louis. 

Proehl brings experience and pedigree to his staff. Offensive coordinator A.J. Smith previously coached in San Antonio and Houston, while Corey Chamblin, who guided one of the top defenses in the spring with Birmingham last year, takes over as defensive coordinator. 

Over in DC, Harris brings back offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss and defensive coordinator Blake Williams, making the Defenders the only team to return their entire coaching staff this season. 

While many teams across the league are adjusting to new environments, St. Louis remains in its dome, where the most faithful fan base in the UFL is ready to rumble for Week One. 

The Dome at America’s Center, better known as The Battledome, has long created a loud and hostile atmosphere for opposing teams. With Nelly and the St. Lunatics set to perform at halftime, there’s no doubt the dome will be rocking Saturday. 

History 

The Defenders and Battlehawks clashed in the semifinal a year ago. After splitting the regular season series, DC dominated the matchup and eliminated St. Louis from the postseason. This weekend marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season, with the second set for Week Four in the nation’s capital. 

X-Factor

Two of the more experienced spring quarterbacks will be on display in St. Louis. 

Starting with Brandon Silvers, he is known as a highly efficient professional quarterback across the XFL, AAF, TSL, and UFL. Silvers is regarded as a proficient, high-completion passer with the ability to manage fast-paced offensive schemes. There aren’t many question marks around his game, he simply shows up and plays like a pro. 

On the other side, Jordan Ta’amu is considered one of the best quarterbacks in spring football. He brings an accurate deep ball, high-level decision-making, and the ability to create with his legs. Ta’amu is widely viewed as a leader, and his 2025 UFL Championship MVP performance backed that up. 

Quarterback play, whether strong or shaky on either side, will be a telling factor in this first matchup between St. Louis and DC. 

Impact Players 

• Jordan Ta’amu (DC) – The frontrunner for MVP. 
• Pita Taumoepenu (St. Louis) – Reigning Defensive Player of the Year with game-changing ability. 
• Matt McCrane (DC) / Tucker McCann (St. Louis) – Kickers? Yes. In a controlled environment, the four-point, 60-yard field goal is very much in play. 

When two rivals clash between the lines, anything can happen.

Despite being on the road, I give the edge to DC, with credit to the return of Shannon Harris, his coordinators, and, of course, Jordan Ta’amu. But in the dome, anything is possible.