By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
AJ McCarron returns to Alabama as a quarterback for the first time in over twelve years on Saturday. The Mobile native, 36-4 and a two-time national champion as a starter at Alabama, will lead his St. Louis Battlehawks (5-1) against the Stallions (6-0).
McCarron ended his college career at Alabama with 9,019 passing yards, 77 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions in 53 games.
McCarron leads the UFL in completions and passing touchdowns. He is second in total yards, completion rate, and passing efficiency, trailing Birmingham’s Adrian Martinez.
From 2014 to 2020, McCarron played in the NFL with the Bengals, Raiders, and Texans. He tore an ACL in the 2021 pre-season with the Falcons and missed the entire year.
After a year off, the St. Paul product joined the Battlehawks last year and led the XFL in passing touchdowns.
McCarron spent the 2023 NFL season with the Bengals before returning to St. Louis.
The former Heisman Trophy runner-up will face a Birmingham defense that leads the UFL with six interceptions, 29 pass breakups, and 21 sacks.
“Birmingham’s a very well-coached team,” McCarron said. “They’re in the right spots, they do the right thing. And then just like all teams, if they mess up, you got to make them pay. You got to capitalize on those opportunities.”
The game will be played in Protective Stadium at 3 PM and televised on Fox.