WASHINGTON – Former Howard University standout Ian Wheeler, above, led the Louisville Kings to their first United Football League title after dethroning the D.C. Defenders, 27-20, at Audi Field.

Wheeler was named United Bowl MVP, finishing with 81 rushing yards on 10 carries and a touchdown. He recorded 170 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns during the Kings' playoff run.

The sold-out crowd saw an instant classic with the upstart Kings erasing a nine-point halftime deficit.

Louisville trailed by three entering the fourth period until Wheeler delivered the go-ahead score on a 44-yard rushing TD. The Kings never looked back from there.

Backfield mate James Robinson provided the knockout punch, scoring from 16 yards out on the left side to make it an 11-point lead.

Wheeler wrapped up his career as one of the MEAC's 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 Medical School.

Wheeler inked an undrafted free agent deal with the Chicago Bears after the 2024 NFL Draft.

In his NFL debut, he scored two rushing touchdowns en route to the Bears grabbing a 33-6 victory over the Buffalo Bills during preseason action. He earned a spot on the squad despite suffering a season-ending injury in the final preseason game.

For more information, visit the Bison athletics website at www.HUBison.com.

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