WASHINGTON (June 12, 2026) – Former Howard University standout Ian Wheeler is set to compete in the 2026 United Bowl, looking to lead the upstart Louisville Kings to its first UFL (United Football League) Championship.
 
Sunday (June 7), Louisville punched its ticket to the title game after upsetting the St. Louis Battlehawks, 29-20, in St. Louis. Wheeler scored the go-ahead TD in the fourth period, taking a handoff through the right side for a 51-yard touchdown. The Houston native finished with 89 rushing yards on seven carries and a TD.
 
Wheeler wrapped up his career as one of the MEAC's (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) most dynamic players, finishing with nearly 2,500 all-purpose yards while returning a school-record three kickoffs for touchdowns. The former walk-on also shined in the classroom, earning a cumulative 3.57 GPA and being named to the MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic Team. In October 2023, the two-time MEAC Champion was accepted into Howard University med school.
 
After his collegiate career, Wheeler inked an undrafted free agent deal with the Chicago Bears after the 2024 NFL Draft.
 
In his NFL debut (August 10, 2024), he scored two rushing touchdowns en route to the Bears grabbing a 33-6 victory over the Buffalo Bills during preseason action in Buffalo, N.Y. He earned a spot on the squad despite suffering a season-ending injury in the final preseason game.
 
Louisville is set to play defending UFL Champion D.C. Defenders for the title Saturday (June 13) at 3 p.m. (ET) on ABC at Audi Field in D.C.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.