Jordan Ta’amu leads Defenders over Panthers in UFL title game

Field Level Media|published: 06/15/2025, 12:17am EDT

Jun 14, 2025; St. Louis, MO, USA; DC Defenders quarterback Jordan Ta'amu (10) looks to pass against the Michigan Panthers during the first quarter of the 2025 UFL Championship at The Dome at America’s Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images

Jordan Ta'amu passed for 390 yards and four touchdowns and the DC Defenders cruised to a 58-34 victory over the Michigan Panthers in the United Football League Championship game on Saturday night in St. Louis.

Deon Jackson rushed for two touchdowns as DC took control with a 31-point second quarter. Ta'amu completed 21 of 28 passes and also rushed for a score. He was named the UFL Championship MVP for his efforts.

Jaydon Mickens had six receptions for 132 yards and one touchdown for the Defenders.

Regular season MVP Bryce Perkins completed 21 of 35 passes for 338 yards, four touchdowns and one interception for Michigan. Malik Turner had 10 catches for 168 yards and three touchdowns, with 108 of his yards coming after the catch.

Ta'amu capped the big second-quarter splurge with a 73-yard touchdown pass to Ty Scott with 27 seconds left to give DC a 38-19 lead.

A 1-yard touchdown pass from Ta'amu to Briley Moore on the first play of the fourth quarter made it 52-19 and DC finished off the easy win.

"We were kind of playing within our offense and trying not to do too much," Ta'amu said. "We just wanted to play our game. We knew going into this week that we were the better team. ... It's such a surreal feeling."

The Defenders outgained Michigan 580-434. Kiondre Thomas had an interception for DC.

--Field Level Media