Ian Wheeler (born September 15, 2001) is an American professional football running back. He played college football at Howard. He was named the 2026 United Bowl Most Valuable Player.
College career Wheeler played college football at Howard from 2019 to 2023. He rushed for 1,154 yards and 14 touchdowns on 177 attempts. He was named second-team All-MEAC from 2021–2023.
He studied Psychology at Howard. Although he was accepted into Howard University College of Medicine, he deferred enrolling to play in the NFL.
Professional career
Chicago Bears After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL draft, Wheeler signed with the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He was placed on Injured reserve on August 24, 2024. He was released on August 25, 2025.
New Orleans Saints On November 25, 2025, Wheeler was signed to the New Orleans Saints' practice squad. He was released by the Saints on December 2.
Louisville Kings On February 25, 2026, Wheeler signed with the Louisville Kings of the United Football League (UFL). During the first four weeks of the season, Wheeler had a limited role with the team, recording six carries for five yards. Following the release of starting running back Benny Snell after Week 4, a game Wheeler missed, he saw an expanded role in the offense. In Week 5 against the Dallas Renegades, Wheeler rushed for 62 yards and set a UFL single-game record with four rushing touchdowns on 13 carries. Louisville went on to win six of its final seven regular-season games, with Wheeler making his lone start of the season in Week 10, rushing for a season-high 99 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown in a 42–27 victory over the Columbus Aviators. Wheeler finished the regular season with 371 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 68 carries, ranking second in the UFL in rushing touchdowns. He also caught six passes for 36 yards and contributed on special teams, returning 12 kickoffs for 326 yards, which ranked among the league's top ten. The Kings finished the regular season 6–4 and earned the No. 3 seed in the UFL playoffs. In the semifinal round against the St. Louis Battlehawks, Wheeler rushed for 89 yards on seven carries, including a 51-yard go-ahead touchdown run in the fourth quarter, helping Louisville secure a 29–20 victory. In the 2026 United Bowl, Wheeler was named the game's Most Valuable Player after rushing for 81 yards and a touchdown, including a go-ahead 44-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, while also adding a 28-yard kickoff return in Louisville's 27–20 victory over the DC Defenders.
Buffalo Bills On June 18, 2026, Wheeler signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. On August 30, he was waived as part of final roster cuts.
Career statistics UFL
Regular season Legend Championship Game MVP League champion Bold Career high Year Team Games Rushing Receiving 2026 LOU 9 1 68 371 5.5 6 6 36 6.0 0 Career 9 1 68 371 5.5 6 6 36 6.0 0
Postseason Year Team Games Rushing Receiving 2026 LOU 2 0 17 170 10.0 2 1 3 3.0 0 Career 2 0 17 170 10.0 2 1 3 3.0 0
College Year Team Games Rushing Receiving 2019 Howard 10 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 2020 Howard 2 0 3 15 5.0 1 0 0 0.0 0 2021 Howard 8 0 65 443 6.8 8 5 31 6.2 0 2022 Howard 11 0 57 316 5.5 3 9 84 9.3 1 2023 Howard 11 0 52 380 7.3 2 9 119 13.2 0 Career 42 0 177 1,154 6.5 14 23 234 10.2 1
Notes
References
External links Howard Bison bio