It’s almost too easy for the Birmingham Stallions since the return of the USFL in 2022. Over two seasons GM Zach Potter, and Head Coach Skip Holtz have built a team that’s won Two USFL Championships and amassed a 21-3 record since the leagues return while also providing an opportunity for players to find their way on NFL rosters. However, in 2024 despite an impending merger Birmingham seeks to join the history books by winning a third championship in a row, doing so without their MVP Quarterback Alex McGough.
While it’s been quite a journey in the Stallions QB room over the past two seasons, Birmingham will rely on J’Mar Smith in 2024 to lead the team going into the franchise’s Sixth season. Smith was originally Birmingham’s Backup in 2022, only to be thrown into the fire during week one after an Alex McGough injury. Smith would put together one of the more impressive stat lines for USFL QBs in 2022 ranking 3rd in the league in Passing Yards and Passing Touchdowns while also earning Offensive Player of the Week in week one. It was almost a story book ending for Smith who was on the cusp of leading Birmingham to a championship only to be injured and watching his team win from the sideline.
Despite the injury, the Stallions were clearly J’Mar Smith’s team going into 2023. With another year under the tutelage of his college coach Skip Holtz while adding in a few key pieces brought into the fold like Jace Sternberger, the Stallions and Smith were primed to repeat as champions. After a freak injury, Smith found himself on the sidelines due to injury once again only to finish the season with Alex McGough raising the championship trophy one more time.
As 2024 comes around it appears that once more J’Mar Smith is at the helm of the Stallions offense and will have a full arsenal of weapons at his disposal. With Birmingham adding WR Victor Bolden fresh off an XFL championship, bringing back several Offensive Lineman after their NFL stints, along with the resigning of Running Backs C.J. Marable, and Bo Scarbrough, Smith and company have the ability to put together one of the greatest offensive performances in spring league history.
While it won’t be easy, the stage is set for Smith to take his full arsenal put together by Potter and Holtz enroute to a third consecutive championship for the Birmingham franchise. With Smith slated to be “the guy” in 2024, Birmingham has the privilege of having continuity at the sports most important position. With another year under Skip Holtz, along with being fully healthy, Smith has an opportunity to make history, no matter what teams the Stallions play against in a “post-merged” USFL.
