| 2025 DC Defenders season | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Owner | Alpha Acquico, LLC |
| General manager | Von Hutchins |
| Head coach | Shannon Harris |
| Home stadium | Audi Field |
| Results | |
| Record | 6–4 |
| Conference place | 2nd in XFL Conference |
| Playoffs | Won Conference Finals (at St. Louis Battlehawks) 36–18 Won UFL Championship (at Michigan Panthers) 58–34 |
| Uniform | |
 | |
The 2025 DC Defenders season was the fourth season for the DC Defenders as a professional American football franchise and the second season in the United Football League (UFL). [1] The Defenders played their home games at Audi Field and were led by interim head coach Shannon Harris. The Defenders won their first UFL championship, defeating Michigan Panthers, 58–34, in the 2025 UFL championship game
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In the offseason, quarterback Jordan Ta'amu re-signed for his third straight season with the Defenders. On March 22, 2025, head coach Reggie Barlow departed the Defenders and quarterback coach Shannon Harris took over in an interim role for the 2025 season. [2] In week eight, the Defenders defeated Arlington 33–30, clinching their second postseason berth in franchise history and first since the 2023 season. Ta'amu rested the second half of week nine and all of game ten in preparation of the XFL conference championship against the St. Louis Battlehawks. After losing to Houston in week nine, backup quarterback Mike DiLiello received his first professional start in the season finale against St. Louis in heavy rainfall and the Defenders lost and finished the regular season 6–4. They split the regular season series with St. Louis. However, even if they won their final two games, they wouldn't have hosted the XFL Conference Championship Game due to a scheduling conflict. [3]
In the XFL conference championship against St. Louis, the Defenders never trailed and won by a convincing score of 36–18. Ta'amu threw for 204 yards and a touchdown while running backs Deon Jackson and Abram Smith ran for a combined 180 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, Malik Fisher had a game high two sacks while the Defenders had a total of five sacks and nine tackles for losses. [4] This victory clinched their second championship game appearance in franchise history. The Defenders then faced the Panthers who they had lost to 14–38 in week six of the regular season.
Leading up to the championship game, quarterback Jordan Ta'amu was not selected for the All-UFL team, Offensive Player of the Year or Most Valuable Player. [5] Ta'amu led the UFL with 17 touchdown passes despite missing the final game and a half of the season. In the 58–34 victory over the Panthers, Ta'amu was 21-of-28 for 390 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for another score in a pivotal fourth-and-goal situation in the first half. For his performance he was named the games Most Valuable Player. [6]
On the season, wide receiver Cornell Powell led the league with seven touchdown receptions. His counterpart Chris Rowland led the league with 1,070 All-purpose yards and was named All-UFL team for wide receiver and return specialist. Offensive lineman Yasir Durant was named All-UFL. Defensively, the Defenders had four players named All-UFL. This included lineman Joe Wallace and edge Derrick Roberson. Linebacker Anthony Hines and cornerback Deandre Baker rounded out the All-UFL list for the Defenders. In week eight against Arlington, Baker had a game ending interception that helped clinch a postseason berth.
Head coach Shannon Harris and Offensive Coordinator Fred Kaiss were selected for Coach of the Year and Assistant Coach of the Year. [7] Through the 2025 season, the DC Defenders hold a 22–13 overall record, including a 10–10 record in two seasons of play in UFL.
