2025 Recap
Birmingham is coming off a 7–3 season in which they scored the second-most points in the league (244), just behind Michigan (245). They were also the second stingiest defense, allowing 167 points which was only four more than St. Louis. Although they earned the right to host a playoff game, the Stallions fell 44–29 to the Michigan Panthers.
Week 1 Preview
The Stallions open the 2026 season against their new state rival, the Louisville Kings, at Lynn Family Stadium. This will be the only meeting between the two teams this season (unless they meet again in the playoffs), making it about more than just standings as there are early bragging rights on the line. With this being the first game in Louisville franchise history, it’s difficult to know exactly what to expect heading itno Week 1.
QB Outlook: Corral Leads, but Depth Adds Intrigue
All signs point to Matt Corral opening the season as Birmingham’s QB1 and heading into Week 1, that feels like the right call.
Corral’s body of work with the Stallions has been a bit of a mixed bag, but there are flashes that show why the team continues to trust him. In limited action during the 2024 regular season, he completed 58.1% of his passes for 494 yards and two touchdowns across four games. That efficiency dipped in 2025, where he threw for 648 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions over three games, finishing with a 53.7% completion rate.
Corral showed his ceiling in the 2024 postseason, completing 9 of 11 passes (81.8%) for 120 yards and two touchdowns in a highly efficient performance. When he’s in rhythm, he fits exactly what Birmingham wants to do offensively.
Behind him, though, is where things get a little more interesting especially from a Canadian perspective.
Taylor Elgersma, whose CFL rights are held by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after being selected in the second round (18th overall) of the 2025 CFL Draft, brings an intriguing profile to Birmingham’s quarterback room. The former Laurier standout completed 70.6% of his passes for over 10,000 yards and 77 touchdowns across 40 collegiate games.
Elgersma still has the NFL in his sights, otherwise, he likely would have already headed north to Winnipeg. The quick UFL spring season gives him a perfect opportunity to showcase his talent ahead of NFL training camps later this summer, and he’ll likely be pushing for playing time because of it.
However, he’s probably not a factor in Week 1. Still, in a league where quarterback situations can shift quickly, Elgersma is a name worth keeping in the back pocket. For now, Birmingham has its starter but they may also have more depth at the position than most teams in the UFL.
WR1: Deon Cain Among the League’s Best
If Birmingham is going to find early offensive rhythm in Week 1, Deon Cain feels like the most likely catalyst.
Cain was one of the UFL’s most productive receivers in 2025, finishing third in the league in receiving yards with 514 on just 29 catches, while adding six touchdowns across nine games. His ability to create explosive plays and maximize limited touches makes him one of the most dangerous weapons in the Stallions’ offense.
And when the stage got bigger, he delivered.
In Birmingham’s lone playoff game, Cain turned in a standout performance with six receptions for 124 yards, proving he can produce against top competition even without finding the end zone.
Stud of the Game Prediction
Corral or Cain… DUH!
Donkey of the Game Prediction
Whatever defensive back has to cover Cain… or whoever signed off on that awful lime green colour (YES, colour with a “U”) scheme for Louisville.
Power Rankings (Preseason)
- Birmingham Stallions
- DC Defenders
- St. Louis Battlehawks
- Dallas Renegades
- Columbus Aviators
- Orlando Storm
- Louisville Kings
- Houston Gamblers
When & Where to Watch
The Stallions and Kings face off at 8:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, March 27. The game can be seen on Fox.
