The St. Louis Battlehawks are heading into 2025 with what promises to be an intriguing quarterback competition, though former TCU standout Max Duggan appears to have the inside track to secure the starting role. The team has assembled an impressive trio of dual-threat quarterbacks, including Chevan Cordeiro, Duggan, and returning player Manny Wilkins.

Duggan, the 2022 Heisman Trophy runner-up who led TCU to the National Championship game, brings the most impressive collegiate resume to the competition. His combination of arm talent and rushing ability – evidenced by his 9,618 passing yards, 73 passing touchdowns, and additional 1,856 yards and 28 scores on the ground during his college career – makes him the clear frontrunner. After spending the 2023 season on the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad, Duggan appears ready to take the reins of the Battlehawks’ offense.

Head Coach Anthony Becht praised Duggan’s intangibles and competitive spirit: “He’s a warrior when he plays a football game. He runs as hard as a running back when he has to run and he’s got a great, great deep ball.” Perhaps most telling is Duggan’s approach to the opportunity, with Becht noting, “He’s an incredible leader. He didn’t come into this thing saying ‘I’m not coming to St. Louis unless I’m the starter.’”

While Duggan may be the favorite, he’ll face stiff competition from Cordeiro, a Mountain West Conference record-holder who signed with the team after being selected in the first round of the 2024 UFL Draft. Cordeiro’s collegiate numbers are impressive, as he holds conference records for touchdowns responsible (113), total yardage (13,811), and completions (971).

Wilkins, who started two games for the Battlehawks last season, rounds out the competition. Despite modest passing numbers (305 yards, one touchdown, three interceptions), his rushing ability (141 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries) and familiarity with the system could make him a dark horse candidate.

The Battlehawks’ offense, which Becht describes as an “NFL style, West Coast hybrid,” will demand quick decision-making and adaptability from whoever wins the starting job. With training camp approaching and the UFL kickoff set for March 28th, the team may utilize multiple quarterbacks in the early games before settling on a permanent starter.

Beyond the quarterback competition, the Battlehawks are still looking to add depth at several positions, including both lines’ interior, linebacker, tight end, and possibly wide receiver. As Becht puts it, “I’m trying to find the most talented players out there that need a home.”

However, with Duggan’s proven leadership, dual-threat capabilities, and experience at the highest levels of college football, he appears to be the ideal candidate to lead the Battlehawks’ offense into the 2025 season. His combination of arm talent, running ability, and championship pedigree could be exactly what St. Louis needs to compete at the highest level in the UFL.