HFL Preseason Power Ranking

The Hungarian Football League is Hungary's premier American football championship, with a rich history. While interest in the league was much higher in the past, it has had its ups and downs over the years. However, it now seems to be recovering from its latest slump, and we're heading into a strong and thrilling season. Let's take a look at the seven teams that will battle for the championship in the 19th HFL season and how they stack up against each other.

1st: Diósd Saints

Last year’s second division silver medalists competed in the highest division for the first time in their history. It seems they are doing everything they can to hold their ground. They have assembled an incredible army of the country's finest mercenaries, so much so that they have earned the top spot in our rankings.

The core of last year’s runner-up team remains intact, featuring Hungarian Legends, LB Tamás "Dugó" Törzsök and WR Márton Mészáros. This foundation has been further reinforced with some massive signings: last year’s HFL champion OC Luke Ikenna Ekoh and young superstar, last season’s MVP WR Előd Ambrus. The entire offensive line has been rebuilt with Hungarian national team players and European imports. Significant changes are also expected at the quarterback position, as Matt O’Connor, who brings FCS experience, will line up under center. Their second American import is Matt’s former teammate, Jalen Goodman (DB/WR), along with last year’s HFL champion DE Cameron Rampersaud. They got players from the Enthroners as well. Defensive line was reinforced by players with ELF experience. The trio of Kristóf Szűcs, Péter Fehér, and Martin Kranjec all transferred from Fehérvár.

You could write an entire article just about the players worth watching. There are at least 10 more guys who will decide games. This is the strongest team on paper to start this year, and they have the smallest odds against them in the race for the championship.

2nd: Budapest Cowbells

Last year’s runner-up, Budapest Cowbells managed to retain their core while making significant upgrades to both their roster and coaching staff with high-profile signings. They brought in offensive coordinator Casper Rasmusson, who has head coaching experience in other top European leagues, along with defensive coaches Ed Scott and Ben Cramer, both of whom have coached in the U.S. 

Several Cowbell legends have also returned after a brief stint in the ELF, bringing valuable experience to the team. Safety Márton Németh will contribute as a defensive backs coach, while TE László Boros and DB Botond Hansel will even suit up to bolster the squad and will likely play a key role this season. At quarterback, Division II signal-caller Ethan Everson takes the reins, supported by last year’s MVP candidate WR Ákos Tóth to help move the ball efficiently. To strengthen the offensive line, they also brought in import OL Juan Burnett to make sure their new QB is well protected. 

Defensively, the team didn’t hold back on reinforcements either. LB Graham Sutherland and Brazilian national team DL Lucas Alarcon will aim to disrupt opposing offenses. They are joined by national team LB Levente Fróna, who returns from the Bulldogs, and new import signing LB Jerry Peti Key from New Zealand, fresh off a championship win in the Australian Gridiron League.

With these additions and a strong returning core, HC Tim Bishop’s squad enters the season with one clear mission this year, to finally capture the championship title.

3rd: Budapest Titans

It might be a bit surprising that last year’s championship team is only ranked third on this list, but I believe there’s a solid case. During the offseason, the Titans arguably lost the most players and coaches in the HFL. A significant portion of their difference-making personnel departed for the Saints. This includes MVP wide receiver Előd Ambrus, offensive coordinator Luke Ikenna Ekoh, and defensive end Cameron Rampersaud. The team also lost import legend Trevin Kain Howard, who left to become a coach for the Wrocław Panthers. Additionally, Hungarian Bowl MVP tight end Michael Cornwell, who played practically every position imaginable, is gone, along with cornerback Tristan Ingi Gunnarsson. They also saw the departure of their young hopeful, wide receiver Áron Gadolla, though for a much prouder reason as he received a scholarship to showcase his talent in the United States.

The situation isn’t entirely bleak, as the team has made a strong effort to replace its lost talent. They’re attempting to fill the void left by their departed skill players with two American imports. Mike Mouton and Kam’ron Pugh, both arriving from Brazil. Additionally, quarterback Györki Ferenc will benefit greatly from the arrival of national team wide receiver László Benedek, a player who can easily be mentioned among the top five receivers in the country. Some key talents have also remained, such as national team tight end Kristóf Horváth. Another major boost will be maintaining last season’s run game level, something the newly signed, ELF-experienced veteran and Hungarian national team running back Dávid Novakov will surely help achieve.

The defensive side of the ball didn’t take as big of a hit. Experienced national team players remain, such as LB Attila Madarász and Mihály Török, the latter of whom excels on both sides of the line. Overall, I believe the team has weakened during the offseason. However, they are still a strong contender with a legitimate chance at defending their title. Which would make them the first team in the history of the HFL to achieve that.

4th: Újpest Bulldogs

The Bulldogs are coming off a rather disappointing season. They entered last year with high expectations, as their talented youth players carefully developed at a high level for years, had finally reached maturity. Talented veteran players joined, the imports were solid, and the coaching staff was strong, yet success still eluded them. This year, it seems the team will once again have to rely on its young players, as the availability of many key players is uncertain. At least five starting-caliber players from last season’s newcomers have already departed, including LB Levente Fróna. QB Levente Tóth has also left to return to his parent club, the Wolves after starting last season with the Bulldogs. Although he initially played behind center, he lost the starting role to the 18-year-old Lóránd Emhő, one of the country’s brightest prospects. He will likely be given full control for the entire season, a well-earned opportunity. While his play wasn’t flawless last year, he clearly proved that he belongs at the top level. 

Emhő won’t be left without support. His mentor, coach, offensive coordinator and wide receiver in one person, import Andres Fernandez, remains with the team and. The team signed UK National team player TE Frederick William Nash from the Manchester Titans. Other key Hungarian skill players, such as one of the country’s top wide receivers, Ferenc Bartos and young prospect András Schrieber are also staying. 

The defense has been strengthened with the addition of some import players. DB Ahmed Daniel is arriving from Canada, while DB Georgescu Bus Andrei is making the move from the Sharks. Additionally, last season’s two other imports—DL Billy Hatten and DB Vlad Santana, will return as well. LB Olivér Pethe will also be coming back from injury. He is another young talent whose contribution will be crucial, as the linebacker corps looks rather depleted following the many departures.

It will be worth following the Bulldogs this season, as they seem to have done a fairly solid job replacing their departing players. They still look like a strong squad capable of pulling off some surprises.

5th: Győr Sharks

The Sharks have been dealing with a generational shift for some time now. As the only HFL team based outside Budapest, they have faced challenges in recruiting new talent. However, for years, they have maintained a close partnership with the university in Győr, leveraging this connection to attract young Hungarian players such as offensive lineman Bence Táskai, who even earned a call-up to the national team. In addition, they have secured significant reinforcements from abroad. Two legendary figures are returning to the team this season,  Head Coach Les Szeredi, now in his fourth year in Győr, and defensive back Andrew Walock, who has also been a longtime contributor to the team.

But their import signings don’t stop there. Eli Brickhandler joins as the new quarterback straight from HCU University, and there’s no doubt he’ll make a huge impact in his first European season. He won’t be throwing to just anyone either, his key target will be Chase Nenad, arriving from Yale University. At the running back position, the team gains additional strength with Vince Fehr coming in from Germany. On the defensive side, CB Mehdy Benamara from Germany and British national player LB Herculas Pretorious join Andrew Walock, along with young Hungarian talents like national team player Marcell Kiss. Together, they are sure to give Hungarian offenses a tough time.

6th: VSD Rangers 

Scoring only 22 points in 5 games last season, and going scoreless in three of them - is not a promising sign heading into this season. However, the situation is far from hopeless. The offense will be led by a new offensive coordinator, Kovac Davide, who brings valuable experience from the ELF and could be a major asset to the team. Additionally, the reliable and experienced 33-year-old center, Keith Messer, returns from Canada, while the youngster, Dániel Földesi will also return from overseas. The two will surely be a big help to stabilize the offensive line. Helping with the OL will be Jason Fiacco, an Iowa State alumnus and seasoned coach.

There will also be a change at quarterback, as Reggie Schoeppe joins the team. He originally played DB at the University of Alberta in Canada,  performing well enough to earn a CFL combine invitation. Now, however, he will line up under center and look to prove himself as a leader of the offense.

The team’s final import signing is LB Victor Wright, who played college football at Division III Macalester College before moving on to the British Bristol Aztecs, where he was named Defensive MVP. He will be a significant addition to the defense, which will also feature national team DL Benedek Kis and DL Szebasztián Huszár.

While history suggests that this team might not produce too many surprises, the roster indicates that they should not be underestimated, even in such a strong field.

7th: Budapest Wolves

One of Hungary’s oldest, most successful, and most historically rich teams is facing one of its biggest challenges in recent years. The team is undergoing a complete generational shift. Not only that but former HC Ferenc Sződy stepped down, and the majority of the offensive line left for the Saints.

Yet, these difficulties haven’t deterred the players from fighting back. The new HC is young prospect Bálint Hegedűs, a former linebacker for the team, who already proved his leadership last season by guiding the U19 squad to a championship, coaching players a few years younger than himself.

For now, the team hasn’t signed any import players, so it looks like they’ll be taking on the season without American reinforcements. QB Zalán Dancsó, a junior national team player and last year’s U19 champion, will remain under center as unfortunately, Levente Tóth suffered a season ending injury, during a scrimmage. Dancsó will once again get the chance to prove he’s ready to lead his team to victory. He’ll have support from his U19 teammates and some experienced Wolves veterans, like the Varga brothers. TE Péter and his younger brother, WR Tamás, were part of the Wolves’ golden era, so they know what it takes to win, and we can be sure they’ll do everything to help their young quarterback succeed.

The defense might not be in such a desperate situation, as it still has some seasoned, reliable players. Legends like DE Mihály Bánfi and S Kristóf Szakács will be key figures. Other names worth mentioning are CB Máté Hegedűs and LB Dániel Bicskei, who will likely be the most experienced linebacker this season. But he won’t be alone as he’ll have solid young talent backing him up, including last year’s youth player of the year, András Hárs.

Conclusion

We are gearing up for a thrilling season filled with twists, upsets, and edge-of-your-seat excitement. The road to glory begins with an electrifying showdown on March 29th, as the Saints and the Titans go head-to-head in a highly anticipated season opener. With both teams eager to make a statement, fans can expect nothing less than an intense battle to set the tone for the months ahead. Buckle up! This season promises to be one for the books!