LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — United Bowl MVP Ian Wheeler is getting another shot in the NFL.
The Louisville Kings announced Thursday that Wheeler has signed with the Buffalo Bills, becoming the latest member of the UFL championship team to earn an NFL opportunity following the 2026 season.
Wheeler joins wide receivers Tarik Black and Lucky Jackson and kicker Tanner Brown as Kings players who have signed NFL contracts since the UFL offseason signing period opened Monday.
The running back played a major role in Louisville's turnaround from an 0-3 start to a UFL championship. Wheeler rushed for 370 yards and six touchdowns during the regular season, finishing fourth in the league in rushing yards and second in rushing touchdowns. He also contributed as a return specialist, averaging 28.5 yards on 13 kickoff returns.
His biggest moments came during the postseason.
Wheeler rushed for 175 yards and two touchdowns in Louisville's two playoff victories, including a 44-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter of the United Bowl that helped seal the Kings' 27-20 victory over the D.C. Defenders. He was named the game's Most Valuable Player.
The Howard University product also helped spark Louisville's midseason resurgence. In a Week 5 victory over the Dallas Renegades, Wheeler scored four rushing touchdowns in what proved to be a turning point for the Kings' season.
Before joining Louisville, Wheeler starred at Howard from 2019-23, helping the Bison win back-to-back Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championships.
After going undrafted in 2024, Wheeler signed with the Chicago Bears and impressed during the preseason, including a two-touchdown performance against Buffalo. An ACL injury ended that opportunity, however, and he later spent time with the New Orleans Saints before signing with the Kings ahead of the 2026 season.
Now, after helping lead Louisville to a championship, Wheeler will continue his comeback with the Bills.
The Kings retain Wheeler's UFL rights should he return to the league in the future.
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