UFL playoffs: Upsets put underdogs in league championship game

The United Football League playoff stage was turned upside down on Sunday, as the underdogs stole the show. With both lower-seeded teams pulling off victories, the stage is now set for the DC Defenders and the Louisville Kings to battle for the 2026 championship trophy.

Championship Bound

The Defenders are hungry for a repeat, looking to secure their second consecutive UFL title after taking down the regular-season champion Orlando Storm in a 28-22 thriller. Meanwhile, the Louisville Kings are proving that first-year squads can make waves, booking their ticket to the big game by outlasting the St. Louis Battlehawks 29-20.

The United Bowl

Fans can catch all the action this Saturday as DC and Louisville collide in the United Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Audi Field in Washington, with the game broadcast live on ABC. As we look toward the final, there is significant local interest with five players from Alabama high schools and colleges featured on the rosters of the two remaining contenders.

Semifinal Breakdown

DC Defenders 28, Orlando Storm 22

It was a massive turnaround for DC, which entered the postseason on a four-game skid after losing quarterback Jordan Ta’amu to a knee injury. Despite dropping two games to Orlando late in the season, the Defenders flipped the script by dominating the trenches, holding an 11:20 edge in time of possession and outsnapping the Storm 71-43. Jason Bean led the charge, racking up 40 yards on the ground and passing for 233 yards and a score. A key 33-yard touchdown connection from Bean to tight end Briley Moore late in the third quarter effectively shut the door on the Storm.

Louisville Kings 29, St. Louis Battlehawks 20

The Kings pulled off an impressive win in St. Louis despite being out-possessed by over 20 minutes. The explosive Louisville offense thrived on the big play, recording three separate gains of over 50 yards. James Robinson ignited the scoring with a 53-yard sprint early on, and the team leaned on explosive momentum to overcome a 20-18 deficit. The decisive blow came when running back Ian Wheeler burst away for a 51-yard touchdown run with 11:55 remaining, helping the Kings seal their trip to the United Bowl.