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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - JUNE 07: Jason Bean #12 of the DC Defenders looks for a pass during the the semifinal game in the 2026 UFL Playoffs between the Orlando Storm and DC Defenders at Daytona Stadium on June 07, 2026 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Dustin Markland/UFL/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The United Bowl is live from the nation’s capital today as the hometown DC Defenders aim to go back-to-back and reclaim glory against the red-hot Louisville Kings at a sold-out Audi Field.
Last weekend, the Defenders defeated the Orlando Storm in the sunshine state by a score of 28-22 to knock off the #1 seed. While the Kings overwhelmed the St. Louis Battlehawks on the road, winning 29-20 in a hostile environment.
If you were paying any attention to the Defenders earlier this season, you may be wondering how it’s even possible for DC to be in this position now, especially after finding out DC lost their starting quarterback, Jordan Ta’amu, to a season-ending knee injury in Week 8 against Louisville. That is a true testament to how head coach Shannon Harris has run his operation since taking over as HC in 2025. They continue to show their resilience when it matters most and they have another opportunity to do it this weekend in the biggest game of the season.
For Louisville, they are led by HC Chris Redman who ended up being the perfect match for the Kings’ debut season. Since trading away QB Jason Bean to DC, Louisville has turned over the reins to Chandler Rogers who’s been marvelous in his six starts down the stretch. Oddly enough, Bean and Rogers were high school teammates and have remained close since. Rogers would likely be in the MVP conversation if he was a fulltime starter this season…
Chandler Rogers with a DIME
RogersLucky Jackson
pic.twitter.com/KWqVj9R9UZ
— Louisville Kings (@UFLKings) May 9, 2026
Bean, who took over for DC after the untimely injury to Ta’amu, is currently playing his best football of the year after showing inconsistencies earlier in the regular season. Bean appears more comfortable in the pocket and his decisiveness outside the pocket is much-improved as well.
The playmakers for DC are another reason for Bean’s success, as the passing attack finished the second-half of the season much stronger than the first and has carried that success into the playoffs. Keep an eye out for DC’s leading wideouts, Ty Scott and Cornell Powell, as Bean will need his playmakers in what could be a high-scoring affair.
Defenders running back Deon Jackson and his ability to run the ball effectively could become the X-factor in this game, as Jackson led the UFL in total rushing this year with 449 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground. The former Indianapolis Colts RB will certainly be one to watch.
Both teams are led by prominent edge presences on the outside, starting with Louisville as EDGE Cam Gill was recently named 2026 UFL Defensive Player of the Year after finishing with 10 sacks in ten games.
On the opposite side, edge Derick Roberson leads the charge as he measures up as potentially the most feared player the UFL has to offer. Roberson made plays all year and remained in the DPOY conversations throughout, as he finished with 7 sacks in nine games.
It all comes down to one final game in the most important city in the world.
There should be a raucous Defenders-heavy crowd at Audi Field today as the stadium is sold-out ahead of the championship matchup. 50 Cent will be performing the halftime show, which should bring new eyes to the league as well.
Can the DC Defenders become back-to-back spring football champions and truly begin their rise as a dynasty in the nation’s capital? Or will the Louisville Kings spoil the home party and reign supreme in their first-ever season?
Who: D.C. Defenders (5-5) at Louisville Kings (6-4)
Where: Audi Field | Washington, D.C.
When: Saturday, June 13th, 2026, 3:00 p.m. ET
TV: ABC, ESPN Deportes
Joe Tessitore, Jordan Rodgers, Sam Acho & Tom Luginbill
Online Stream: Fubo.TV, NFL+, Sling TV, Skycast on ESPN
FanDuel Sportsbook odds: Defenders -1.5, 48.5 O/U
D.C.: -120
Louisville: +105
Prediction: Defenders 28 – Kings 23
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