The UFL is set to return in just 63 days, kicking off the season with an opening game between the Birmingham Stallions and the Louisville Kings on Friday, March 27, at 7 p.m. on FOX.

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Former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron was recently appointed head coach of the Stallions, and his coaching debut will take place on opening day at Lynn Family Field in Louisville, Kentucky.

McCarron played for the Crimson Tide from 2009 to 2013, serving as the starting quarterback from 2011 to 2013. During his time, he led the Crimson Tide to back-to-back BCS National Championships in 2011 and 2012.

McCarron finished his career with a 36-4 record as a starter and became one of Nick Saban’s most decorated players. As the 2013 Maxwell Award winner and Heisman Trophy runner-up (2013), he set multiple school records, including: 

Wins: 36-4 record as a starter, most wins for an Alabama QB.Touchdowns: School record for season touchdown passes (30 in 2012) and career touchdowns (49).Passing Yards: Career passing yards record (8,632).Completions: Career completions record (667).Efficiency: Broke Kenny Stabler’s completion percentage record with 93.75% (min. 15 attempts) in a game.

After his Alabama career, he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, where he primarily served as a backup quarterback. While with the Bengals, he led the team to a playoff game in 2015.

He also played for the Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans, and Atlanta Falcons but was ultimately derailed by an ACL injury in 2021.

Following his NFL career, he pursued a career in the XFL/UFL and had a standout career in the XFL with the St. Louis Battlehawks. He led the league in touchdowns (24) and set single-game records (420 yards, 6 touchdowns) in 2023, earning MVP consideration and leading to an NFL return with the Bengals before rejoining the Battlehawks in the UFL for the 2024 season, where he again excelled despite injury.

Now, plagued by injuries, McCarron takes on the coaching role, aiming to lead the Stallions back to a championship run.

Don’t miss McCarron and the Stallions in action this season. The team has officially released their schedule and tickets are available now. 

Every Championship Nick Saban Won

Gallery Credit: Wyatt Fulton