The 2026 UFL season kicks off this week, with the beloved St. Louis Battlehawks in action Saturday against the defending champion DC Defenders. Newly minted Battlehawks head coach Ricky Proehl joined “First Things First” to discuss his team’s season opener, his approach to coaching and what level of talent the league has to offer. 

“These guys can play,” Proehl began. “The level is so high here. … Some of them haven’t had the opportunity to showcase their talent and skill set. … Training camp is so different than when I played. … A lot of these guys, they just haven’t had the opportunities to do the things that they’re capable of doing.”

Proehl, who played 17 seasons in the NFL and won two Super Bowls, went on to say that he’s confident his team can win it all despite starting the season with just the fifth-best odds to take home the championship title.

“Absolutely,” Proehl replied when asked if he thinks the Battlehawks are underrated heading into the year. “But that’s OK. That’s kind of a good place to be. I’m excited about our football team. … These guys are so much fun to coach.”

Battlehawks HC Ricky Proehl talks UFL opener, support from St. Louis, coaching Caleb Williams-Rome Odunze and coaching influence | First Things First

Talent is set to be maximized this season with a handful of new offensive-friendly rule changes. Proehl, who referred to himself as “an offensive guy,” is excited about all the different options and revealed which UFL rule he likes best. 

“The fourth-and-12,” he said without hesitation. “A couple of years ago, the Battlehawks … scored 16 points in a minute and a half because of that rule.”

Teams trailing in the fourth quarter can attempt to convert this single play — a 4th-and-12 play from a team’s own 28-yard line — to retain possession as an alternative to the traditional onside kick. A successful conversion results in the team keeping the ball, while a failed attempt gives possession to the other team at that spot.

Proehl will have plenty of star power on his roster to make plays like this possible. The Battlehawks will be led by starting quarterback Brandon Silvers, who has played in both the UFL and legacy XFL. Hakeem Butler returns at receiver for St. Louis, along with standout outside linebackers Pita Taumoepenu and Travis Feeney while All-UFL defensive tackle Carlos Davis joins the mix.

“Who wants to watch a 10-7 ballgame?” Proehl added. “We want to see the 42-38 overtime games. That’s what this league does. That’s what it brings [with] the new rules. We’re on the cutting edge of changing the game.”

Proehl replaced Anthony Becht, who moved from the Battlehawks to become the head coach of the Orlando Storm — one of the league’s three brand-new franchises this season. Proehl says St. Louis fans have embraced with fully.

“We’re the staple of the league,” he said. “It’s a great atmosphere. St. Louis is one of the best sports towns in our country. They support every sport in that city, and the Battlehawks are no different. … It’s exciting to be a part of.”

Iran are among the countries who have qualified for this summer’s World Cup but their participation in the tournament, to be hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada from 11 June, remains in doubt.

They are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles before their final group game against Egypt in Seattle.

However, US President Donald Trump said earlier this month it would not be “appropriate” for them to take part “for their own life and safety”.

Mehdi Taj, the head of Iran’s football federation, then said the country will not travel to the US for what would be a fourth consecutive World Cup appearance.

“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in a post, external on a social media account belonging to the Iranian embassy in Mexico.

Taj said Iran were negotiating with Fifa to hold their matches in Mexico but the governing body appear to have ruled out that possiblity.

Iran, who were beaten 2-1 by Nigeria on Friday, will face Costa Rica in another friendly in Turkey on Tuesday.

Earlier this month, the country’s women’s national team players declined to sing the national anthem during an AFC Women’s Asian Cup match, leading to a host on Iranian state TV calling them “traitors”.

A number of the players had initially sought humanitarian visas to stay in Australia after concerns they would face repercussions for their protest but all members of the team eventually returned to Iran after dropping their bids for asylum.

The Middle East has been a growth engine for the luxury goods market, but the war is putting pressure on the sector. CNBC’s Robert Frank joins ‘Squawk Box’ with the details.

Most of the splashy deals in NFL free agency have already been executed, with billions of dollars in contracts being dished out through the first two-plus weeks. But as some of those contracts approached or went over the $100 million mark, there were some that weren’t as pricey that might shape how the 2026 NFL season plays out. 

Which signings were bargains? Which moves received less fanfare than they should’ve? Let’s take a look at our top 10 under-the-radar signings so far in free agency before we start to turn our attention to the NFL Draft. 

Alohi Gilman enjoyed a solid 2025 season with the Ravens, earning him a three-year deal with the Chiefs. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Kansas City had a lot of institutional knowledge and talent on the defensive side of the football leave the building this offseason. Slot corner Trent McDuffie was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, with teammate and fellow cornerback Jaylen Watson following him in free agency. Safety Bryan Cook also departed, signing with the Cincinnati Bengals. 

Signing Gilman to a three-year, $24.75 million deal from the Baltimore Ravens in free agency brings some experience and versatility to Kansas City’s defense.  The former Los Angeles Charger returns to the AFC West and should provide some leadership for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as he attempts to remake the defense with more additions through the draft. 

Cobie Durant was the odd man out in Los Angeles as the Rams remade their secondary this offseason, but he could provide a lift to the Cowboys’ secondary. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

A versatile, playmaking cornerback who mostly fills a need as a slot defender, Durant will not only be an upgrade to the Cowboys’ secondary, but he’ll improve the backend of their defense on a pretty valuable contract. Dallas signed Durant to a team-friendly deal that includes $1.5 million in guaranteed money. Durant has seven career interceptions, including two returned for four touchdowns in four NFL seasons.

Durant played in a multiple, 3-4 base scheme with the Rams, and should help as the Cowboys transition to a 3-4 scheme with new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. The Cowboys also signed Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson in free agency. The addition of Thompson and Durant provides experience and position flexibility in the back end defensively. 

8. Jason Sanders, K, New York Giants (One year, $1.425 million)

Jason Sanders was one of the NFL’s top kickers in 2024. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

New Giants head coach John Harbaugh brought in one of the best kickers from last season to fix an inconsistent kicking game for New York in 2025. The Giants used three different kickers last season, including 38-year-old, injury-prone Graham Gano, who moved on at the end of the season.

Yes, Sanders had injury issues last year. Sanders did not play last season due to a hip issue and was released by the Miami Dolphins at the end of the season. However, in 2024, Sanders made a franchise-record 27 consecutive field goals, including nine from 50-plus yards. Sanders is still 30 years old, and if healthy, is a low-cost option to help solidify New York’s kicking game. 

7. Coby Bryant, S, Chicago Bears (three years, $40 million)

Coby Bryant was a key part of the Seahawks’ secondary this past season. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

The Cincinnati product emerged as a part-time role player at cornerback in his first two years with the Seattle Seahawks, into a full-time starter at safety who helped propel one of the best defenses in the league to a Super Bowl. Bryant is a versatile playmaker who is a sure tackler in the running game and should help solidify a defense that lost safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker in free agency.

Tyler Biadasz should elevate the interior of the Chargers’ offensive line. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

The Chargers desperately needed to upgrade the offensive line and better protect Justin Herbert. And while more expensive options like Tyler Linderbaum proved out of reach, the Bolts secured a financially reasonable alternative who fits their scheme and at 28 years old, has some upside in Biadasz. 

Herbert was pressured a league-high 268 times in 2025. But with Biadasz serving as the anchor of the offense, along with the return of bookend offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, the Chargers should have much better pass protection. Los Angeles also worked to improve depth upfront by signing guard Curtis Strange, along with re-signing Tre Pipkins and Trevor Penning. Expect the Chargers to draft another interior offensive lineman early in this year’s draft. But Biadasz gives Herbert someone to ably serve as the quarterback of the offensive line. 

5. Jonathan Allen, DT, Cincinnati Bengals (Two years, $25 million)

Jonathan Allen will look to provide some much-needed grit and experience to the Bengals’ defense. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Released by the Minnesota Vikings at the start of free agency in a cost-cutting move, the 31-year-old Allen brings grit and experience to a Cincinnati defense that struggled to get off the field all season. Even with one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Joe Burrow, the Bengals have missed the playoffs the last three seasons.

Yes, Allen has struggled from a production standpoint in producing sacks, with just 12 over the last three seasons. But Allen should be more of an impact player as a situational pass rusher with a reduction in snaps. And the Bengals could use competency and versatility up front defensively. Allen joins former Seattle Seahawks edge rusher Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook from Kansas City to add reinforcements to a Cincinnati defense that finished No. 30 in scoring last season. 

Nahshon Wright joined the Jets after logging five interceptions last season. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Under first-year head coach and defensive guru Aaron Glenn, the Jets shockingly became the first team in NFL history to go without an interception for an entire season. The addition of Wright should help rectify that issue. He finished with five interceptions and 11 pass breakups in 2025 for the Bears.

At 6-foot-4, Wright is a rangy, playmaking cornerback who should elevate New York’s defense’s ability to create turnovers. Wright is part of a veteran overall on defense for the Jets that includes trading for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, along with signing linebacker Demario Davis, defensive tackle David Onyemata, safety Dane Belton and defensive tackles Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare. 

Rico Dowdle will reunite with his former head coach from the Cowboys, Mike McCarthy, in Pittsburgh. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

After back-to-back, 1,000-yard seasons, the former Carolina Panthers runner cashed in for a decent deal in free agency. A physical runner capable of producing explosive plays, Dowdle also lands in a spot where he should get the opportunity to be the lead back in a rotation that includes Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson.

Dowdle is also familiar with head coach Mike McCarthy’s offense from spending time together with the Dallas Cowboys. Along with the expectation that Aaron Rodgers returns for another season, the addition of Dowdle, along with the trade for Michael Pittman Jr., should help create a more efficient offense for the Steelers. 

2. Dre Greenlaw, LB, San Francisco 49ers (One year, $6 million)

Dre Greenlaw is back with the 49ers after a season with the Broncos. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

San Francisco never wanted to let him get away to begin with, but after one year with the Denver Broncos, the tone-setting linebacker returns to the 49ers on a reasonable one-year deal. Paired with perennial All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, Greenlaw and the BYU product formed one of the best linebacker combos in the league.

With his return, along with Warner’s recovery from a season-ending leg fracture, the two should help repair a San Francisco defense that surprisingly struggled to stop the run last season. Greenlaw’s return also should help with the transition from Robert Saleh to Raheem Morris at defensive coordinator, as the 49ers gear up to take full advantage of a closing Super Bowl window. 

Could Tua Tagovailoa become the Falcons’ starting quarterback this season? (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

After one of his worst seasons as a pro, getting benched down the stretch in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers, the Alabama product gets a second opportunity in Atlanta with head coach and offensive guru Kevin Stefanski. While first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. is the starter in Atlanta, that’s only written in pencil as he returns from a season-ending ACL injury.

That means that Tagovailoa will get all the offseason reps with a starting group that includes Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts and Drake London. With Tagovailoa being paid $54 million by Miami this year, he’s a steal in terms of the talent he brings to the roster. Just 28 years old, Tagovailoa posted a 44-32 record with the Dolphins. In 2023, Tagovailoa made the Pro Bowl, leading the NFL in passing yards that season. In a winnable NFC North, the Falcons would like to help Tagovailoa reach that potential again. 

On the heels of a thrilling World Baseball Classic that captivated the nation, FOX Sports returns to the 2026 Major League Baseball season with a deep and dynamic roster of broadcasters — bringing its signature presentation of championship-level insight and industry-leading production to one of the most anticipated seasons in the sport.

FOX Sports has assembled top-tier talent both in the booth and studio, to provide compelling pre-game, in-game and post-game coverage. 

Entering their fifth season together, first-ballot Hall of Famer John Smoltz and Emmy Award-winning play-by-play announcer Joe Davis will call FOX Sports’ top regular season and playoff games. Veteran field reporters Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci will provide key information and additional reporting in the heat of the action. Together, FOX MLB’s lead team is comprised entirely of Emmy Award winners recognized for excellence in each of their respective roles.

FOX broadcasters John Smoltz and Joe Davis call the 2024 World Series between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Throughout the regular season, announcers Adam Amin, Eric Collins, Davis, Kevin Kugler and Connor Onion will team up with analysts Eric Karros, AJ Pierzynski, Smoltz, Verducci, Dontrelle Willis and Adam Wainwright in the booth.

FOX Sports’ coverage leads off Saturday, March 28, with a day-night doubleheader as action starts at 4:00 p.m. ET on FS1, with the Minnesota Twins facing the Baltimore Orioles (Onion, Verducci), followed by primetime regionalized matchups at 7:00 p.m. ET on FOX, featuring the New York Yankees at San Francisco Giants (Davis, Smoltz, Rosenthal); and Kansas City Royals at Atlanta Braves (Amin, Wainwright, Pierzynski).

Away from the field, FOX Sports will bring captivating studio coverage. 

A-Rod, Big Papi and The Captain – FOX MLB’s Emmy Award-winning desk features names that are synonymous with some of baseball’s biggest moments. Hall of Famers Derek Jeter and David Ortiz and World Series champion Alex Rodriguez, alongside host Kevin Burkhardt, bring credentialed analysis and seamless chemistry to the network’s studio coverage of marquee events.

FOX Sports’ MLB studio panel from left: David Ortiz, Alex Rodriguez, Kevin Burkhardt and Derek Jeter. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images)

Over the course of the season, Burkhardt, Chris Myers and Mike Hill host pregame and postgame coverage from the FOX Sports studio alongside a rotation of high-caliber analysts including former big-league stars Dontrelle Willis and Karros.

FOX Sports will also bring MLB coverage on FOX Deportes.

The leader in Spanish-language MLB coverage for more than two decades, FOX Deportes’ roster is led by veteran play-by-play announcer Adrian Garcia-Marquez, analyst and former MLB infielder Edgar Gonzalez, announcer/reporter Carlos Alvarez and veteran reporter, analyst Jaime Motta. Also joining the team are reporter Michelle Liendo and play-by-play announcer Rolando Nichols.

In addition to live broadcasts of each game, the network’s new daily program, TOTAL SPORTS 360, offers highlights, interviews and live reports throughout the postseason.