The 2025 season didn’t go the way the Birmingham Stallions wanted.
After winning 3 championships in a row, their title reign is officially over. Their 7–4 record wasn’t bad, but it’s not what their fans have grown to expect.
To be fair, being the regular-season USFL Champions is an accomplishment. But it’s not an accomplishment that means much, considering how the season ended.
It’s not all bad, though. The Stallions haven’t fallen far. With a good offseason, they could easily return to their winning ways.
Here are some things that need to happen for them to have a good offseason.
Offense
At 24.4 points per game, the Birmingham Stallions were second in the UFL in points per game. Considering the fact that they played 5 different QBs, that’s quite an accomplishment.
Here are three things that need to happen for them to keep it up in 2026.
Resign at least two QBs
If the 2025 season proved one thing, it’s that you need multiple QBs to be successful.
The Stallions had multiple good QBs, but none that they were in love with. Benching J’Mar after one bad pass showed that coach Holtz was never sold on him as QB1.
Not starting Corral in the first place showed that they weren’t sold on him either. This offseason will be about two things.
- Finding a QB they’re sold on.
- Having depth in case of injury.
One way to do that would be to resign two of their QBs from this year and take a shot on a 3rd with potential.
Alex McGough
McGough started the season as QB1, but never made it back from injury after week 2. Resigning McGough would make a lot of sense.
First of all, he’s already enjoyed a lot of success in Birmingham.
Secondly, coach Holtz obviously thought enough of him to make him the opening day starter.
Matt Corral
Resigning Matt Corral seems likely to me. Coach Holtz liked him enough to replace the red-hot J’Mar Smith in a playoff game.
Before the injury, Corral was improving each week. Unfortunately, his injury disrupted that improvement.
It would be interesting to see what Corral could become with a full season under his belt.
Case Cookus
If I had to take a guess, Cookus is probably on his way out. The fact that Andrew Peasley surpassed him as QB 3 for the playoff game probably means his time in Birmingham is done.
However, Cookus has had a good bit of success in spring football. That means there’s a good chance he’ll catch on somewhere if he wants to.
J’Mar Smith
Few players mean more to Birmingham Stallions’ fans than J’Mar Smith. He’ll always be a fan favorite. Unfortunately, there’s a good chance we’ve seen the last of him in a Stallions uniform.
His short-lived retirement shows that Smith already has an eye on life after football. Without a guarantee of being QB 1 next season, there’s a good chance he might be headed for his second retirement.
Andrew Peasley
Andrew Peasley didn’t play much for the Stallions, but he made a big impression. The fact that he was on the roster in the playoff game over a vet like Cookus says a lot.
Coach Holtz clearly thinks highly of Peasley. Don’t be surprised to see him back in Birmingham next season.
Replace Deon Cain
Every year, players move on from the UFL. Some get NFL opportunities, and others decide to retire. That’s just the nature of the beast.
It’s not yet known who’s on their way out, but we can be sure that there will be some level of turnover.
Deon Cain is likely one of the people on his way out. The Stallions receiver put up numbers that will almost certainly get NFL scouts’ attention.
- 35 catches
- 638 yards
- 6 tds
Cain won’t be the only one moving on. Whoever leaves, the Stallions will need to find productive replacements.
Defense
The Birmingham Stallions allowed 16.7 points per game in the 2025 regular season. While it might look good on paper, they faded badly towards the end of the season.
- 1st six games: 13.6 points allowed per game
- Last five games: 25.8 points allowed per game
The Stallions will need to have a good offseason to prevent the last five games from becoming the new normal.
Defensive strategy
The Stallions’ bend but don’t break defensive strategy worked well at the beginning of the season.
Unfortunately, the defense broke down more and more often as the season wore on. That culminated in the playoff debacle, where they allowed 44 points.
At its best, the defense limited big plays by keeping everything in front of them. That allowed them to force teams into low-percentage 3rd and long situations. It also provided them more opportunities to cause turnovers.
Part of the problem was the deteriorating rush defense.
- First six games: 76 rushing yards allowed per game.
- Last four games: 116 rushing yards allowed per game.
- Playoff loss to Michigan: 144 rushing yards allowed.
But, it’s not all bad. The Stallions did a very good job of forcing turnovers all season.
- 17 total takeaways
- 10 fumbles
- 7 interceptions
If the Stallions upgrade their rush defense in the offseason, it would go a long way. Stopping the run and forcing turnovers is the recipe for a solid defensive performance.
Special Teams
Find a new kicker
Harrison Mevis enjoyed an all-time great season. The NFL has already taken notice. He’s already booked two NFL tryouts.
- 21–23 total
- 6–8 from 50+
- 14–16 from 40+
Finding a replacement as good as Mevis will be a tall order. But the Stallions still need to do their best.
Find a new punter?
Colby Wadman didn’t get many chances to punt this season. But he didn’t make the most of his opportunities either.
Wadman finished the year 6th (out of 8) in punting.
This is one area where the Stallions might be looking to upgrade.
Other
The Birmingham Stallions looked like a championship-level team in many ways. But, there are two big areas where they didn’t: penalties and turnovers.
Limit penalties
It’s sad to say that 5 penalties in the playoff loss were actually an improvement.
The Stallions averaged 7.6 penalties a game in the regular season, which ranked last among the four playoff teams.
Coach Holtz will need to find a solution to the penalty problems if they hope to be in contention next season.
Take care of the ball
Great teams take care of the ball. The Birmingham Stallions have room for improvement on that front.
Despite the defense doing a great job forcing turnovers, the Stallions finished the season with a -1 turnover margin.
3 Comments
by Adam Simon
JMar Smith has to come back he was a top 8 quarterback in the league. Name them if you think different.
by Greyson Alman
J’Mar is unquestionably a top 8 QB, that’s true.
by Shimmy
Not only for Birmingham but all the teams, private ownership, (community like Green Bay) give the fans some say, some skin in the game. Consider moving the season start date after the super bowl picking up football fans having withdrawals. Example 2025 would have started Friday February 21. The AAF (19) XFL (20-23) seemed to work for them, even though (19) and (20) were cut short seasons. Cooler weather for southern teams that play outside. ALL 8 of these cities are created by two different leagues. What voice do these communities have in the actual development of that franchise with in the community itself, maybe UFL ownership feels there not to this point yet. They have said they have been venting communities, for what venues to play in or cities with hosting a team or, actual private ownership. Maybe St Louis is at or even beyond this point when looking at attendance (GREAT ATT). Private ownership could take that and run with it