The United Football League playoffs are occurring, and an HBCU star shines bright to lead his team to the UFL Championship. Former Howard University star running back Ian Wheeler showcased his talent for the Louisville Kings as he rushed for 51 yards to secure the game-clinching touchdown in the Kings’ huge victory over the St. Louis Battlehawks.
IAN WHEELER
THATS IT. THAT'S THE TWEET. pic.twitter.com/ve6Sj7rVwa
— Louisville Kings (@UFLKings) June 8, 2026
The 51-yard scamper capped a day in which he rushed for 89 yards on only 7 carries and 1 touchdown. He out-dueled fellow HBCU running back Jarveon Howard, a former Alcorn State star who now plays for the Battlehawks.
The standout game continues an interesting football journey for Wheeler, who returned to football after an injury sidelined him early in his NFL career. Wheeler was a standout at Howard University and eventually earned an undrafted free agent contract with the Chicago Bears. In his rookie campaign in 2024, he was off to a tremendous start, showcasing his talents in several preseason games, but he suffered an ACL injury that ultimately put him out for the remainder of the season.
In a June 2025 feature on the Howard University athletics website written by Rob Knox he gave an update on his recovery.
“It was bittersweet,” Wheeler said. “You work hard and sometimes stuff does not go your way. But being placed on IR turned out to be a blessing. It gave me a chance to slow down, learn the game better, focus on my rehab and become the best version of myself for this coming season.”
He was ultimately released by the Bears in September 2025 with an injury settlement, which made him a free agent. After signing with the Saints to join their practice squad in November before getting released a week later, Wheeler didn’t give up on his football dream and signed with the St. Louis Kings in February.
Wheeler now looks to have another standout performance in the UFL Championship as they face off against the defending champion D.C. Defenders on Saturday at 3 PM EST. The game will be broadcast on ABC.
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