Since January, the San Antonio Brahmas have made moves to prepare themselves for a big season during their first season in the UFL after struggling to a 3-7 record during their inaugural season. Heading into Week 1 of their first UFL season, the Brahmas have overhauled their coaching staff and roster. During training camp, Brahmas head coach Wade Phillips and his staff worked to evaluate players and build the best roster possible to start the season.

In 2024, Brahmas fans can look forward to several roster upgrades made by Wade Phillips and general manager Marc Lillibridge. Offensively, the Brahmas have moved from a pro style to a spread offense based on a combination of Air Raid, Run, and Run-and-Shoot offensive systems implemented by offensive coordinator AJ Smith.

Defensively, the Brahmas will continue to be a strong team along their defensive front, and they have worked to improve their secondary. In addition to improving offense and defense, the Brahmas have enhanced their specialists by bringing in YouTube star Donald De La Haye as their new kicker; they return punter Brad Wing and have found good chemistry with long snapper Rex Sunahara.

Let’s look closer at the players leading the Brahmas during the 2024 UFL season.

Offensive Backfield

Offensive coordinator AJ Smith looks to bring a high-powered offense to San Antonio this season. Still, the ceiling for the Brahmas offense depends on how well Smith can integrate new players into his system. Coming into the season, many UFL insiders believed that the Brahmas would start the season with former Orlando Guardians quarterback Quintin Dormady leading the offense, but the Brahmas have announced that former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Chase Garbers will get the first shot to lead the Brahmas offense. Behind Garbers and Dormady, Tom Flacco has been working to take advantage of any opportunity offered to him this season.

Along with the new quarterback room, the Brahmas will also have many new running backs. Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland is expected to be the Brahmas starting running back. In addition to McFarland, Brycen Alleyne, and John Lovett will play an active role in the Brahmas offense.

Tight Ends and Wide Receivers

As the Brahmas transition to a more aggressive passing-style offense in 2024, their tight ends and receivers will play a massive role in how well that transition goes. At the tight end, the Brahmas boast two of the top tight ends from the XFL: Cody Latimer and Alize Mack. Both tight ends expect to be key players in the Brahmas passing game.

In addition to Latimer and Mack, the Brahmas have a host of wide receivers, led by former Roughnecks receiver Jontre Kirklin, returning wide receiver TJ Vasher, and slot receiver Justin Smith. They have also added wide receiver KD Cannon, who could grow into a deep-threat role.

Offensive Line

During the Brahmas 2023 XFL season, one of their most significant weaknesses was their offensive line. This off-season, the Brahmas have entirely rebuilt their offensive line. How well the offensive line can protect their quarterback and block in critical situations will be a significant factor in how far the Brahmas can climb up the standings this season.

Former Houston Roughnecks center Alex Mollette leads the Brahmas offensive line, which is backed up by former NFL center Sam Tecklenburg. Guards Kohl Levao and Anthony Monteiro will support Mollette at the center. Derrick Kelly II and Greg Eiland are expected to protect the edges of their offense at left and right offensive tackle.

Defensive Front

Wade Phillips has built a reputation during his long coaching career for coaching teams with great defensive units, specifically defensive fronts. The Brahmas should continue this tradition with a defensive front seven that includes several All-XFL players. With the talent the Brahmas have added to their defensive front, they should be solid against the best run offenses in the UFL and able to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

The defensive line will be led by 2023 All-XFL lineman Caeveon Patton, Brahmas quarterback sack leader Delontae Scott, and Tim Ward, the newest addition to the line. Behind the defensive line, the Brahmas defense features All-XFL linebackers Jordan Williams and former Houston Roughnecks linebacker Tavante Beckett. Along with having a star-studded group of starters, the Brahmas are deep with talent on both the defensive line and linebacker positions.

Defensive Secondary

To complete the Brahmas defense, Phillips has brought several players from his 2023 Roughnecks team to build their defensive backfield, and they have added several other talented players. Darius Phillips and NFL veteran BoPete Keyes look to fill the Brahmas cornerback positions. Along with corners, the Brahmas have outstanding safeties, with Teez Tabor, Jordan Mosley, and AJ Hendy leading the defensive secondary.

Similar to the defensive front, the Brahmas have an outstanding group of starters in their defensive backfield, but they also have a solid group of players, giving them good depth. Many of the Brahmas’ defensive backs will be asked to play critical roles on special teams units as well. The secondary could be an area that the Brahmas struggle in early in the season due to the introduction of several new faces, but they should develop into an impressive unit that gets better every week.

Follow me on X: @AaronSauter7

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Aaron Sauter
Aaron Sauter is a 23-veteran high school football coach that is also an fan of all levels of football. He is especially interested in alternative football leagues like the CFL, UFL, and IFL. Aaron enjoys analyzing innovative schemes on offense and defense during his free time.

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