What a volatile room we saw in Birmingham this year. Going back to Christmas time 2024, the Stallions made the expected signing of returning Matt Corral, presumably filling the void of 2024 UFL MVP Adrian Martinez. The QB room saw another impact signing when 2023 USFL MVP Alex McGough was announced to sign with Birmingham in late January.
The Stallions would face another QB transaction going into UFL training camp, with long time Quarterback J’Mar Smith announcing his retirement prior to the season, and Skip Holtz bringing in Case Cookus. Going into week one the Stallions had already rostered Four Quarterbacks, with Alex McGough being the starter hoping to rekindle his 2023 magic.
The rest of the Stallions season would be equally as kinetic as their off-season QB movement. Alex McGough would get hurt in Week 2, Matt Corral 3 weeks later, Andrew Peasley several weeks later, and Case Cookus in Week 7. The Stallions would bring back fan-favorite J’Mar Smith and even saw Jalen Morton (2023 alum), make a cameo for a week from the AF1 SW Kansas Storm due to injuries.
The 2025 Stallions QB room saw 6 QBs dress. 5 play leading to 2,213 yards 16 TDs to 8 Ints. The question now for Skip Holtz is now what’s next. The Stallions QB room has a ton of questions going into 2026. How invested is the team in Andrew Peasley? Is Alex McGough a viable option for 2026? Does Matt Corral opt to join another team with a new revamped free agency? Do Case Cookus and J’mar Smith get welcomed back or do they opt to retire.
The Stallions are in a precarious situation that could lead to multiple different options. Historically the Stallions have had plenty of consistent success between Smith, McGough, and Martinez that 2025 was an anomaly with the carousel of Quarterbacks that Skip Holtz has managed.
The Stallions have also have the rights to Sam Hartman who will be battling with embattled journeyman QB Josh Johnson for their QB3/PS position in Washington. The possible addition of Hartman could add another wrinkle in the future plans of the Stallions QB room.
I personally really think the biggest variable in this QB room is Matt Corral. If the Stallions opt to bring back McGough, Cookus or Smith, could Corral opt to move on specifically the Defenders if fellow Ole Miss alum, Jordan Ta’amu signs an NFL contract and remains on the roster for an extended period of time.
Historically the Stallions will continue to put together a solid level of production with Skip Holtz calling the shots in Birmingham. The Stallions have amassed 39-8 record since 2022, in addition to his Three championships. Regardless, the 2026 Stallions will need some stability in the upcoming season and that starts with whoever is the Quarterback next year.
5 Comments
by Adam Simon
I think you need to keep either Corral or McGough (not both), Peasley is your investment, and Smith is the Birmingham legend. (like having another coach for Peasley) Cookus who I love could go to another team or retire.
by Patrick Rifino
I agree. You can’t keep both.
I think Peasley has to be on the roster as a dev/2.
You have to really wonder if you bring back J’Mar as a Backup would he want that.
I think Perkins is NFL bound and would like to see Cookus back with Marcel his old Stars OC.
by Adam Simon
The UFL needs that J’Mar Smith/Skip Holtz relationship – its raw, its real, and I think its what could attract more viewers. Free Agency – I think takes either Corral or McGough.
by Patrick Rifino
QB Coach J’Mar Smith
by Adam Simon
He could be the Bill Russell of Spring Football.