Stallions Re-Sign J’Mar Smith, Nevelle Clarke, Colby Wadman

As if today couldn’t get any better for Birmingham Stallions fans: J’Mar Smith is officially back. The veteran quarterback has re-signed with the team today, alongside CB Nevelle Clarke and P Colby Wadman.

QB J’Mar Smith

J’Mar Smith needs no introduction. He’s been with Birmingham for the past four seasons, winning a Championship with them almost every year.

Smith burst onto the scene in 2022, and was the catalyst for their championship that year. Having previously worked with Skip Holtz at Louisiana Tech, the two were a great fit.

Unfortunately, an injury in 2023 kept him sidelined for the majority of the year. When the USFL and XFL merged in 2024 and became the UFL, Smith was stuck behind Matt Corral and Adrian Martinez – not seeing the field at all. He still played an important role, assisting with the offense throughout the year.

J’Mar ultimately decided to retire before the 2025 season, as he didn’t want to return to Birmingham just to be QB3 once again. However, things changed a few weeks into the year: Birmingham’s quarterbacks couldn’t stay healthy.

What started as a one week contract, turned into a magical resurrection for Smith’s career in the UFL. In week seven, he was thrown into action against Houston – and helped lift the team to a wild victory at home, overcoming a 19 point deficit.

He continued to impress week in and week out, playing a major role in Birmingham’s historic offensive performance in week nine, in a win over Michigan.

J’Mar finished the 2025 season throwing for 758 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception. In the playoffs, he threw an early pick six that resulted in his benching for Matt Corral in a loss to the Panthers.

With Smith back in action, and Andrew Peasley also re-signed, the two will battle it out for the starting gig in camp – alongside whoever else Paul Roell and Skip Holtz bring in.

CB Nevelle Clarke

Nevelle Clarke also returns to Birmingham. He had a rather unique story in 2025 – as he was cut by the team in camp, but later returned to the roster and played quality minutes.

Clarke has quietly been one of the top defenders in the spring football scene the last couple of years. He spent the first two USFL seasons in New Orleans, ​registering 49 tackles, three tackles for loss, three interceptions, 16 passes defensed, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery across that span.

This earned Clarke an NFL stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After his release, he ended up joining the Birmingham Stallions, shaking things up in free agency.

With the Stallions, Clarke worked his way into a starting role defensively in 2024. He posted 24 tackles, an interception, and five PBU’s with Birmingham that season. Additionally, his aggressive play in the UFL Championship game was key in gaining momentum early.

In three games with the Stallions in 2025, Nevelle totaled seven tackles, alongside a strong 72.6 Coverage Grade via PFF. He’s one of their stronger cornerbacks, and should earn a roster spot in 2026.

P Colby Wadman

This move isn’t at all surprising. For four seasons, Colby Wadman has been elite for the Stallions – despite dealing with some injuries along the way.

Wadman earned All-USFL honors with the Stallions during the 2023 USFL season. This earned himself a contract with the NFL’s Washington Commanders, prior to returning to Birmingham in 2024. During the inaugural UFL season, injuries kept him sidelined for several weeks, replaced by Drue Chrisman. He averaged 41.0 yards per punt in 2024, with a long of 59 yards.

In 2025, Wadman had another tremendous year. He averaged 46.0 yards per punt (40.5 net avg., 2nd highest in the UFL), with 48% of his punts going inside the 20 yard line. He only had four touchbacks on 29 attempts.

With Colby back in action, don’t be surprised if LS Ryan Langan is close behind in re-signing. Kicker Harrison Mevis is currently still battling it out in New York for the Jets kicking job with Nick Folk. Time will tell if he returns.

Final Thoughts

GM Paul Roell is getting to work – and is well on his way to rebuilding a strong Birmingham squad for 2026. Some of the recent re-signings have included QB Andrew Peasley, fan favorite LB DeMarquis Gates, and veteran WR Marlon Williams.

In other news: it was announced today by new Co-Owner Mike Repole that the Birmingham Stallions were set to stick in the city for 2026. You love to hear it.

What are your thoughts on J’Mar Smith returning for 2026, will he start more games for the Stallions? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!