As the United Football League (UFL) teams prepare for their upcoming Training Camp, the Birmingham Stallions have finalized important roster changes aiming to strengthen their squad. The Stallions re-signed veteran long snapper Ryan Langan while releasing kicker Rodrigo Blankenship, highlighting a strategic shift in personnel. Meanwhile, the Louisville Kings also made notable acquisitions, including cornerback Bryce Hall and defensive end John Pius, bolstering their defensive lineup.
Birmingham Stallions Solidify Specialist Positions
Ryan Langan’s return to the Birmingham Stallions brings back one of the most reliable long snappers in the UFL and USFL over the past decade. Known for his remarkable consistency and expert technique, Langan earned All-USFL honors in 2022 and has maintained a significant presence within the team. His experience will be vital for the Stallions’ special teams as they head into camp.
On the other hand, kicker Rodrigo Blankenship has been removed from the Stallions’ roster as he pursues an NFL futures contract. Blankenship had an impressive tenure with the St. Louis Battlehawks in 2025, earning All-UFL distinction for his kicking performance. Following his departure, Birmingham is placing confidence in Jonathan Garibay, who took over kicking duties for the Arlington Renegades midway through the 2024 season. Despite not being retained by the Renegades in 2025, Garibay’s past performances indicate potential to fill the critical place kicker role for Birmingham.
Louisville Kings Bolster Pass Rush and Secondary
The Louisville Kings have strengthened their defense by signing edge rusher John Pius and cornerback Bryce Hall. John Pius comes with an impressive collegiate resume, beginning at William & Mary where he recorded 24.5 sacks and 40.5 tackles for loss across three seasons, earning First Team All-American status and becoming a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award in 2022. After transferring to Wisconsin for his final season, Pius contributed 21 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in a rotational role. His college success led to an opportunity with the Cleveland Browns, and he now aims to make an impact with the Kings.
Bryce Hall, a former fifth-round NFL draft pick by the New York Jets in 2020, enhances Louisville’s secondary with his professional experience. Hall’s NFL career included 40 games with the Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, tallying 122 tackles, 21 passes defended, and two interceptions. Standing 6’1” and weighing 202 pounds, Hall fits the profile for an outside cornerback—an area Louisville needed to reinforce following recent losses in their secondary. His college career at Virginia was notable, with 154 tackles, 44 passes defended, and five interceptions over 44 games played. Though injuries have affected his NFL trajectory, a healthy Hall is expected to be a top cornerback in the UFL this season.
Impact and Prospects for the Upcoming Season
These roster moves by Birmingham and Louisville signal an active approach to shaping competitive teams for the 2026 UFL season. Birmingham’s decision to retain Ryan Langan ensures stability in special teams, while the departure of Rodrigo Blankenship opens the door for Jonathan Garibay to prove himself as an effective place kicker. Louisville’s additions of John Pius and Bryce Hall reinforce key defensive positions, offering fresh talent and experience that could elevate the Kings’ pass rush and secondary units.
As Training Camp begins, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how these players integrate into their teams and contribute on the field. The Stallions and Kings’ recent moves suggest preparation fueled by both strategic planning and a measure of hopeful optimism amid an uncertain competitive landscape.
REMOVED FROM ROSTER:
BIRMINGHAM
K, Rodrigo BlankenshipCOLUMBUS
QB, Clayton TuneADDED TO ROSTER:
BIRMINGHAM
LS, Ryan LanganLOUISVILLE
CB, Bryce Hall
DE, John Pius— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) February 10, 2026
Well AJ said it, so cat’s out of the bag.
RYAN LANGAN IS BACK BABY‼️ https://t.co/j0Pu1bGhlV pic.twitter.com/G09KkDyb0Q
— State of the Stallions 🏆🏆🏆 (@SOTStallions) February 6, 2026
#Wisconsin transfer EDGE John Pius consistently pressured QBs at the FCS level with William & Mary, including a 2 sack game against Virginia last season. 35 TFLs and 21 sacks over the last two seasons.
Should make a big impact off the edge for the Badgers in 2024. pic.twitter.com/KnzeR3zF3D
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) August 14, 2024
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1340776948255969281
