HBCU alumnus Ian Wheeler wins UFL Championship, named MVP

Howie University alumnus Ian Wheeler led the Louisville Kings to a UFL championship victory over the D.C. Defenders on Saturday. The Kings won 27-20 in a tight United Bowl matchup, with Wheeler once again making a clutch play to secure the victory for his team. Last week, Wheeler ripped off a 51-yard run to get the game-clinching touchdown to secure the Kings’ victory over the St. Louis Battle Hawks. In Saturday’s championship matchup, he made another huge play that led to a victory.

IAN WHEELER FOR THE LEAD TO START THE 4TH QUARTER!!!

: ABC pic.twitter.com/pchK3iWRIe

— Louisville Kings (@UFLKings) June 13, 2026

To start the fourth quarter, Wheeler ripped off a 44-yard touchdown run. That put Louisville ahead 19-16. The play gave the Kings the lead and the momentum to finish the United Bowl with championship fervor. Wheeler ultimately finished the game with 81 rushing yards and a touchdown on 10 carries and was named United Bowl MVP for leading Louisville to its first UFL championship victory.

The United Bowl victory is the latest chapter in Wheeler’s football story. A former standout at Howard University, Wheeler earned an opportunity with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent following his collegiate career.

He flashed potential during the 2024 preseason and appeared poised to compete for a larger role before suffering a torn ACL that ended his rookie season prematurely. After his recovery, Wheeler’s tenure with the Chicago Bears came to an end when the organization released him with an injury settlement in September 2025. He briefly resurfaced with the New Orleans Saints, joining the team’s practice squad in November, but that opportunity lasted only a week before he was released.

Rather than stepping away from the game, Wheeler continued pursuing professional football and signed with the Louisville Kings in February, extending his comeback journey. Now he adds a championship and MVP trophy to his resume as he proves his football story isn’t over.

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