Following a triumphant 30-13 road victory over the reigning UFL Champion D.C. Defenders, the Louisville Kings host Shannon Harris's team at Lynn Family Stadium on Saturday afternoon. With the Kings still looking for their first win at home, this game couldn’t come at a better time. Louisville is locked in a three-way tie for the fourth and final playoff spot. Delivering a win for the hometown fans brings them one step closer to the postseason.
But first, the Kings have to get past the Defenders, who are looking to avenge last week's stunning loss to regain their first-place standing in the UFL.
Week 8 Preview: Louisville Kings Host D.C. Defenders
In his media session on Thursday, Louisville coach Chris Redman acknowledged the challenge facing the team this weekend.
“Really excited where our team’s at.. I think our confidence is high, but we know it’s hard to beat a team twice, and especially a team as good as D.C. They’re a championship-caliber team, so we’re going to have to really play well again this weekend to continue this winning streak. So, I’m excited for the challenge, and I think it’s gonna be a lot of fun.”
D.C Defenders Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu
Despite passing for a season-high 353 yards last week with two touchdowns, Jordan Ta’amu had his worst outing of the season as the Kings' defense snagged two costly interceptions off the reigning UFL MVP. The loss and those two interceptions weigh heavily on the veteran quarterback, who is one of the UFL passing leaders with 13 touchdowns on 1,453 yards. touchdowns. Completing 107 out of 170 passes, Ta’amu is one of the leading MVP candidates this season. However, with seven interceptions and three fumbles, Ta’amu is vulnerable to pressure. Hoping to regain the form that earned him the “Offensive Player of the Week” title in back-to-back outings this season, count on Ta’amu to come out fighting this week.
Louisville Kings Quarterback Chandler Rogers
Chandler Rogers had a breakout game last week, completing 17 of 26 passes for 201 yards and recording his first (and second) UFL touchdown passes. Rogers also demonstrated an intense warrior-like persona after being upended by an especially brutal blindside hit from Derick Roberson last week. The play was flagged for unnecessary roughness, and after being checked out by the Kings' medical tent, Rogers went to work, delivering back-to-back touchdowns to Tarik Black with surgical precision. Appearing in five games this season with three starts, Rogers has 710 passing yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The leadership Rogers displays in the huddle and the confidence he has in his teammates are two of the biggest reasons for the Kings' recent success.
The D.C. Defenders Offense
Currently number two in the UFL behind St. Louis Battlehawks RB Jarveon Howard, Defenders’ running back Deon Jackson has 332 yards on 71 carries with five touchdowns and another 36 yards on 8 receptions. RB Abram Smith has 42 carries this season for 154 yards with one touchdown.
Second only to Jackson in the offense’s scoring department, wide receiver Ty Scott leads the receiving corps with the most touchdowns. He has three on 19 catches for 287 yards. Cornell Powell is the Defenders' lead receiver with 358 yards and one touchdown on 23 receptions. Wide receivers Erik Ezukanma and Braylon Sanders, along with tight end Briley Moore, are among Ta’amu’s favorite targets. Tight end Mason Fairchild and wide receiver Javon Antonio round out Ta'amu's receiving corps. Antonio doesn't get many targets, but last week, he had a huge reception for 81 yards.
The Louisville Kings Offense
Each week, the chemistry and timing between Rogers and his receiving corps have been building. Last week, Isaiah Winstead was the top receiver with four catches for 62 yards, including a 32- yard strike. Black was next with five receptions for 49 yards with two touchdowns. However, if DC tries to blanket Winstead and Black, Rogers has other reliable options, including Lucky Jackson and TE Zach Davidson. Jackson leads the team in receptions, yardage, and touchdowns with 25 receptions for 320 yards and two touchdowns. Davidson has 11 catches, 170 yards, and two scores.
Although the Kings' ground game was MIA earlier this season, over the last few weeks, Louisville has mounted an impressive ground attack led by James Robinson and Ian Wheeler. Robinson, the former NFL Jacksonville Jaguars rookie sensation, has recorded 40 carries for 153 yards with two touchdowns in four games. Wheeler has four touchdowns on 30 carries for 127 yards. Backing up the pair is Jaden Shirden, who’s been the kickoff return specialist with 13 returns for 327 yards.
The D.C. Defenders Defense
DC cornerback Gareon Conley led the team last week with seven tackles (five solo) and two PBUs. However, Conely has not practiced all week due to an injury and may be questionable for Saturday. Sam Kidd continues to lead the team in tackles. DE Boogie Basham led the team in sacks last week, while Derek Parish and Casey Rogers combined for a sack. Basham also had five tackles, including a TFL, and forced a fumble. Although the Defenders' defense had more total tackles than Louisville, with 63 to 58, the Kings were able to capitalize.
The Louisville Kings Defense
A dark horse candidate for league MVP this season, Louisville OLB Cam Gill is the UFL sack leader and has recorded 32 tackles (17 solo, 15 assists), 7.0 sacks, 9.0 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery this season. Speaking to the media this week, Gill was asked about the upcoming rematch and how the Defenders would respond to the Kings' defense.
By trying to avoid the punishing front four of Travis Bell, Josiah Bronson, Jaylon Allen, and himself by spreading the ball around, Gill pointed out, the Kings' secondary was wreaking havoc.
“We got our hands on two passes last week….two interceptions. I think they’ll have a good time trying to limit our defense,” he stated confidently.
When Gill was asked which quarterback had proven the most elusive for him this season, he credited the Birmingham Stallions QB, Matt Corral, in Week 1.
“He was slippery to me. I probably missed him about two or three times, so I would definitely have to go with him.”
Acknowledging how motivated the team is to win their first game at home this week, Gill admitted, "We haven’t gotten a win yet at Louisville… I just want to get a win for the home crowd on Saturday, our first one.“
Special Teams Play
Erik Ezukanma and Ty Scott handled kick return duties last week, along with Xazavian Valladay, combining for 7 returns for 162 yards. Matt McCrane missed his one field goal attempt from 40 yards.
Wheeler and Tyler Hudson handled the kick return duties for Louisville, combining for 84 yards on three returns. Converting 3 of 4 field goals last week, Tanner Brown is 18/21 this season for the Kings with a longest of 59 yards.
The Kings host the Defenders at Lynn Family Stadium on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The action gets underway at 12:00 noon EDT, and the game will be televised on ABC.
The over/under is set at 47.5 with the Defenders favored by 10 points.