Battlehawks’ Taumoepenu shines as UFL’s top defender

ARLINGTON, TEX. — The United Football League announced Tuesday that St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Pita Taumoepenu has been named the 2025 UFL Defensive Player of the Year.

The 2025 UFL Defensive Player of the Year was selected by a panel of league and team executives, coaches and players from all eight teams, as well as broadcast partners and media members. Selections were based on player performances throughout the recently concluded 10-game regular season.

A disruptive force from the edge for the Battlehawks defense, which allowed a league-best 16.3 points per game, Taumoepenu led the UFL and set a new franchise record with 7.5 sacks. One of just two players to force three fumbles in 2025, Taumoepenu finished the season with 26 total tackles, five tackles for loss and forced a pair of intentional groundings. 

Recognized as a 2025 All-UFL performer, Taumoepenu also earned Ortho® UFL Defensive Player of the Week honors after his dominant performance of two sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in Week Seven during St. Louis’ victory over the Memphis Showboats (19-9). 

In 2023, Taumoepenu was voted the XFL’s top defender while playing for the Vegas Vipers.

The 2025 UFL season will conclude with the 2025 UFL Championship Game presented by Underdog on Saturday, June 14, at 7 p.m. Central at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis airing on ABC.     

About the United Football League

The United Football League (UFL) is the professional spring football league, born from the groundbreaking 2024 merger of the XFL and USFL. With the visionary backing of RedBird Capital Partners, FOX, Dany Garcia and Dwayne Johnson, the UFL is redefining the football landscape. Built on tradition and positioned to innovate and expand fan engagement and player opportunities, the league is poised for growth with its eight teams in key markets: Arlington (TX), Birmingham (AL), Detroit (MI), Houston (TX), San Antonio (TX), Memphis (TN), St. Louis (MO), and Washington D.C. The UFL is committed to pushing the boundaries of the game and delivering an elevated experience for players, fans, and partners alike.

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