D.C. Defenders News - Sports Illustrated

D.C. Defenders

Ian Wheeler - Wins 2026 United Bowl MVP

Ian Wheeler - Wins 2026 United Bowl MVP

The former Howard Bison standout returned to Washington and delivered a championship performance, earning United Bowl MVP honors and putting NFL scouts on notice.

Recent Articles

DC Defenders' Coach Harris discusses with HBCU Legends his HBCU roots, Jason Bean's evolution, and preparing for the team's second-consecutive United Bowl.

Matt Corral is the quarterback for the Birmingham Stallions.

The UFL’s 2026 season begins this weekend.

Jun 14, 2025; St. Louis, MO, USA; DC Defenders head coach Shannon Harris takes the field ahead of the 2025 UFL Championship against the Michigan Panthers at The Dome at America’s Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images

Morehouse College Head Football Coach Brad Sherrod

General view of a Maryland Terrapins helmet. Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Jun 14, 2025; St. Louis, MO, USA; DC Defenders head coach Shannon Harris takes the field ahead of the 2025 UFL Championship against the Michigan Panthers at The Dome at America’s Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images

Oct 7, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Javon Antonio (4) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Jun 14, 2025; St. Louis, MO, USA; UFL Owner Dany Garcia presents DC Defenders quarterback Jordan Ta'amu with the UFL Championship MVP trophy after the DC Defenders defeat the Michigan Panthers 2025 UFL Championship game at The Dome at America’s Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images

Shannon Harris Wins UFL Championship Crown

Nov 21, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Malik Turner (11) rushes with the ball after making a catch in the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Dec 26, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Kansas Jayhawks tight end Mason Fairchild (89) against the UNLV Rebels in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Jun 8, 2025; St. Louis, MO, USA; DC Defenders head coach Shannon Harris reacts to a penalty called during the during the second quarter of the XFL Conference Championship game against the St. Louis Battlehawks at The Dome at America’s Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images

Birmingham Stallions receiver Deon Cain, runs for a a gain in the second half against the Pittsburgh Maulers during the USFL Championship Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Saturday, July 1, 2023, in Canton.

Chris Rowland, DC Defenders wide receiver on the All-UFL Team as a wideout and return specialist

Oct 7, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Javon Antonio (4) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

This was an awesome ending.

Former Washington Commanders cornerback Rachad Wildgoose.

Shannon Harris and Jarveon Howard

Dec 9, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Gregg Williams reacts during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Reggie Barlow Named Tennessee State Head Coach

Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman John Morgan III (6) knocks the ball loose from BYU Cougars quarterback Kedon Slovis (10) during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

Arlington Renegades quarterback Luis Perez (12) passes for a touchdown to wide receiver Isaiah Winstead (not pictured) during the first half against the Birmingham Stallions at Choctaw Stadium.