Brahmas’ Path to Redemption: What Offense Could Spark a 2026 Turnaround in the UFL
A seismic shift in the Brahmas’ offensive identity is needed after a brutal 1-9 season in 2025. The Brahmas managed just one win and struggled on offense, ranking dead last in points scored and yards per game. With a new offensive coordinator set to take the reins for 2026, the question looms: What scheme can transform the Brahmas’ offense and help turn the team into a championship contender?
I ran a poll on X and asked, “What type of offense do we want to see run in 2026?” The results were telling, with 37% favoring an Air Raid system – the highest vote-getter by a significant margin. “Run the Dam Ball” (a run-heavy approach) came in second at 28%, followed by West Coast at 19% and a generic Spread at 16%. The X community votes reflect a desire for explosive, pass-oriented high-scoring football. But has an actual Air Raid offense ever won anything of significance?
The Air Raid
Coaching legends like Mike Leach and Hal Mumme popularized the Air Raid offense. It spreads defenses thin with multiple receivers, quick throws, and vertical threats, forcing opponents to defend “every blade of grass,” to quote offensive guru Joe Brady. Brady’s Air Raid offense had success at the college level. He emphasized getting speed into space, an approach that worked out well for the national champions, the LSU Tigers. Some have called that team one of the greatest all-time, with quarterback Joe Burrow, passing the ball to Justin Jefferson, dominating opponents through a high-octane spread attack that averaged over 48 points per game.
While the NFL has yet to see a Super Bowl champion defined primarily by a traditional Air Raid offense, there have been many hybrid options to reap the rewards of Air Raid Concepts. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs have a West Coast hybrid offense containing the Air Raid elements. Or the Super Bowl LIV champs, Philadelphia Eagles, who ran an RPO-infused West Coast in Super Bowl LII. However, no pure Air Raid offense has dominated like the 2019 LSU team.
The Brahmas Offense
The Brahmas’ 2025 offense struggled, so a drastic change will be a welcome sight. Maybe a new OC with Air Raid roots—perhaps someone like a Leach disciple or even drawing inspiration from Brady’s playbook—could be successful. In the UFL, a strong passing attack has statistically been a key metric for success; teams leading in passing yards won 62% of games in 2025.
Of course, risks abound. Heavy passing offenses rely on elite quarterback play and protection, areas where the Brahmas faltered in 2025. A poor offensive line could doom teams’ passing to sacks and turnovers, so that run-pass balance will be necessary.
No NFL/UFL champion has been defined solely as a pure Air Raid or spread offense. So, in my opinion, a strong running game will be critical for a Brahmas championship run. The best teams blend both run and pass play calls in game situations and personnel. I enjoy seeing rushing elements incorporated to control the clock, which helps on the defensive side of the ball.
Run the Dam Ball
The rest of this article is for those who voted for “Run the Dam Ball” in the poll. The slogan “Run the Dam Ball” is most commonly credited to Frank Reich, the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, who popularized it during the 2019 NFL season. The phrase emerged as a rallying cry for the Colts’ offensive identity, emphasizing a physical, run-heavy approach. With former Brahmas players like RBs Anthony McFarland, Jashaun Corbin, and John Lovett available to be re-signed in 2026, no matter who the OC is, running the ball will be a big part of any successful Brahmas offense next year.
Every day, the UFL season gets closer, and so does the announcement of the Brahmas Coaching staff. The team has a golden opportunity to rebuild around a strong running game and an explosive passing game. If executed well, an Air Raid offense that is set up by the run could erase the sting of 2025’s 1-9 season and propel San Antonio right into playoff contention in 2026. Puro San Antonio and the Alamodome faithful deserve a show – and with the right Coaching Staff and pieces in place, the Brahmas will deliver one.