The Louisville Kings have secured their first UFL championship title, defeating the D.C. Defenders 27-20 in the United Bowl final at Washington’s home field.
Trailing 16-7 at halftime, the Kings mounted a dominant second-half response, scoring 20 unanswered points. A crucial 60-yard field goal by D.C.’s Matt McCrane narrowed the lead to seven, but Louisville’s defense held strong, forcing a critical fourth-down failure from the Defenders with under two minutes remaining.
The Kings’ offense faced challenges early in the game, with quarterback Chandler Rogers completing 81 passes for two interceptions. Nonetheless, the team’s ground game proved decisive, accumulating 181 rushing yards, including a 44-yard touchdown by Ian Wheeler, who had previously played for the Bears in 2024 and 2025.
Former NFL runner James Robinson contributed 69 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his veteran leadership. The Defenders’ comeback attempt faltered after quarterback Jason Bean suffered a shoulder injury, with E.J. Perry nearly orchestrating a late rally.
Washington outgained Louisville 319-261, but three turnovers – including a fumble returned for a touchdown – sealed their fate. The Kings’ victory marked a historic three-game sweep of the Defenders, having previously won 30-13 in Week 7 and 33-30 in Week 8.
Head coach Chris Redman, a former NFL quarterback, earned praise for his strategic leadership during his inaugural season at the collegiate level.