The 2026 DC Defenders season is the fifth season for the DC Defenders and their third in the UFL. The Defenders will seek to improve from their 6–4 record from last season, where they won the UFL Championship.
On April 11, in their home opener in Week 3, the Defenders set a league record for the largest margin of victory by any team courtesy of crushing the Houston Gamblers by the score of 45–7.[1]
Coaching Changes
On December 15, 2025, Shannon Harris would remain as the head coach of the Defenders.[2] On February 23, 2026, the Defenders announced their full 2026 coaching staff.[3]
In a rematch of last season's XFL championship, the Defenders opened up their season against the Battlehawks, once again in St. Louis. Unfortunately for DC, the Battlehawks avenged their loss in the championship game, defeating the Defenders by the score of 16–10, causing the Defenders to start 0–1. Despite the loss, one of the few bright spots for the team, was in the first quarter, when placekicker Matt McCrane succeeded at making the first 60-yard four point field goal in UFL history.
Week 2: at Columbus Aviators
Week 2: DC Defenders at Columbus Aviators– Game summary
For their home opener, the Defenders hosted the Houston Gamblers, who were coming off an upset win over the Stallions the week prior. DC didn't care, as they would demolish them by a score of 45–7. The 38-point margin marked the largest margin of victory in UFL history, and DC improved to 2–1 with this win.[8]
Week 4: vs. St. Louis Battlehawks
Week 4: St. Louis Battlehawks at DC Defenders– Game summary
In a rematch of Week 1's game, the two team's met each other once again, this time, it was DC who was hosting the game. Things got off to a rough start for DC, as they allowed the Battlehawks to march down the field to tack on the first three points of the game via a 51-yard field goal by kicker Tanner McCann. However, the Defenders managed to outscore the Battlehawks 25–9 to take a 25–12 lead in the fourth quarter, only to allow the Battlehawks to rally by scoring 10 unanswered points in between of Matt McCrane's 39-yard field goal, but St. Louis' comeback attempt fell short and their fate was sealed when backup quarterback Harrison Frost threw an interception to strong safety Sam Kidd at the DC 5-yard line.
With their third straight win, the Defenders even the season series with the Battlehawks at 1–1, improve to 6–3 all-time against the Battlehawks and move to 3–1 on the season.
Week 5: at Birmingham Stallions
Week 5: DC Defenders at Birmingham Stallions– Game summary
The Defenders have now won their fourth straight game by beating the Stallions on the road for the first time in franchise history and putting up 45 points for the second time this season. Jordan Ta'amu played very efficient, throwing 4 touchdown passes and the team didn't commit a single turnover, which contributed to the win. DC is now 4–1.
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