Everything changed in December. When Skip Holtz announced he was stepping away from the Birmingham Stallions, it felt like the air got sucked out of Protective Stadium. He wasn't just a coach; he was the architect of a three-peat dynasty that basically owned spring football.
Now, the 2026 season is staring us in the face, and the Birmingham Stallions depth chart looks like a completely different beast.
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AJ McCarron—yes, the Alabama legend himself—is now the man in charge. It's a wild move. One minute he's slinging touchdowns for the Battlehawks, and the next, he's the youngest head coach in pro football, tasked with keeping the most successful franchise in the UFL from crumbling. Honestly, the roster he's inherited (and built through the recent draft) is a fascinating mix of NFL veterans looking for one last shot and young "scrappers" who haven't even tasted pro ball yet.
The Quarterback Room: A Three-Way Knife Fight
If you're looking at the Birmingham Stallions depth chart specifically for the signal-caller, it's crowded. McCarron knows the position better than anyone, so it’s no surprise he’s stacked the room.
Matt Corral is the name everyone knows. He’s back for his third year in Birmingham. He’s got the arm, and he’s got the mobility. But let’s be real: he’s also had a bumpy ride with injuries and consistency. Last year he only made two starts. He’s the "incumbent," but in a McCarron offense, no job is safe.
Then you have Jaren Hall. The former Minnesota Viking is probably the most "pro-ready" pure passer on the roster right now. He’s accurate. He’s smart. If Corral slips up in training camp, Hall is going to snatch that QB1 spot before the first whistle of Week 1.
The wildcard is Taylor Elgersma. He’s a massive human being (6'5") coming out of the Canadian U-Sports system. He spent some time with the Packers recently, and while he’s green as grass when it comes to the UFL, the raw talent is scary.
- QB1 (Predicted): Matt Corral (but it’s a coin flip)
- QB2: Jaren Hall
- QB3: Taylor Elgersma
Skill Positions: Where the Fireworks Are
McCarron didn't mess around in the draft. He went out and got Justyn Ross. Remember him at Clemson? The guy was a literal cheat code before the injuries started piling up. If Ross is even 80% of his old self, the rest of the UFL is in deep trouble.
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But he’s not alone. Laviska Shenault Jr. joined the squad too. Shenault is basically a running back in a wide receiver's body. He’s spent seven years in the NFL. You can line him up in the slot, out wide, or even in the backfield. He’s a nightmare to tackle in the open field.
The Stallions also kept some continuity with Marlon Williams and Deon Cain. Cain has been a staple of this offense, and his chemistry with whoever wins the QB job will be vital during those early-season "ugly" games.
At running back, things are a bit more wide open. CJ Marable and Ricky Person Jr. have been the "Thunder and Lightning" of Birmingham for a while, but McCarron added Anthony McFarland Jr. and Tyrion Davis-Price to the mix. It's a crowded backfield.
The Trenches: Rebuilding the Wall
You can't win three titles without a dominant line. But lines age, and players move on to the NFL. The Birmingham Stallions depth chart on the offensive line saw a massive infusion of youth this January.
They drafted Andrew Raym, a center from Oklahoma. He’s a mauler. Joining him are guys like Jackson Carman (former Clemson standout) and Wesley French. It’s clear McCarron wants a line that can protect his QBs—something he probably wishes he had more of during his own playing days.
On the defensive side, it’s all about the front seven.
- Kobe Jones: A middle linebacker who was a tackling machine for San Antonio last year.
- Marvin Wilson: The big man in the middle. At 303 lbs, he’s the anchor.
- Desmond Little: A local UAB product who should provide some serious juice off the edge.
Special Teams: The "Hot Rod" Era
One of the most "fan-favorite" moves of the entire UFL offseason was the Stallions signing Rodrigo Blankenship. The "Specs" are coming to Birmingham. After losing Harrison Mevis to the New York Jets, getting a guy with Blankenship’s NFL pedigree and cult following is a massive win for both the scoreboard and the marketing department.
What This Means for the 2026 Season
The Stallions aren't just "retooling." They are evolving.
The Skip Holtz era was defined by a specific type of grit and collegiate-style efficiency. The McCarron era looks like it’s going to be much more "pro-style," focusing on high-upside NFL talent and aggressive vertical passing.
The biggest risk? Chemistry. When you swap out a legendary coach and half your starting lineup, it takes time to gel. The Stallions don't have the luxury of a "down year." The fans in Birmingham expect trophies.
Honestly, the Birmingham Stallions depth chart is the deepest it has been in years, but it’s also the most unproven as a cohesive unit. If Corral and Ross find that magic early, they might just cruise to a fourth ring. If the offensive line struggles to communicate, it could be a long year for the new coach.
Actionable Next Steps for Stallions Fans:
- Watch the Preseason Scrimmages: Pay close attention to the rotation between Corral and Hall. The UFL usually keeps these things close to the chest, but the "vibe" of the first-team offense usually leaks out early.
- Track the Final Cuts: The roster is currently sitting at over 60 players. By the time they head to training camp, about 10-15 of these names—some you might recognize—won't be there.
- Secure Tickets Early: With McCarron at the helm, local interest in Birmingham is expected to hit an all-time high. Protective Stadium is going to be loud.
The 2026 UFL season kicks off soon, and whether you're a die-hard Stallions fan or just a degenerate gambler looking for an edge, this roster is the one to watch. It’s high-risk, high-reward, and 100% Alabama.