Jordan Ta'amu injury looms large in Defenders vs. Storm rivalry series
The Defenders and Storm are closing the UFL season with a two-game series. The rivalry clash could have a major impact on the UFL's playoff picture.
The DC Defenders are hoping to repeat as UFL champions in 2026. To do that, they must survive a late, regular-season series against the Orlando Storm to get into the playoffs. The Defenders and Storm are set to square off twice over the final two weeks of the 2026 UFL season, with the first meeting coming at 8 p.
m. ET on May 22 at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando. On the line will be a DC playoff berth and a chance for Orlando – which has already clinched passage to the postseason – to lock up the UFL's No.
1 overall seed. The unique, two-game series will be a particularly tough test for the Defenders. They lost quarterback Jordan Ta'amu – the MVP of the 2025 UFL championship game – for the season to a season-ending knee injury.
Meanwhile, Storm coach Anthony Becht will be smelling blood in the water with a chance to knock one of his long-time rivals out of playoff contention and deny them a chance to, potentially, play the UFL Bowl at their home stadium. That rivalry, which is rooted in respect, will be on the mind of both coaches as each looks to finish the 2026 UFL season strong. How rivalry is motivating Anthony Becht, Shannon Harris Becht explained in a phone interview with USA TODAY Sports that the rivalry between his staff and Harris's has been bred by something other UFL franchises are lacking: familiarity.
Continue to the original source for the full article.