BUF Ian Wheeler
NFL running back (undrafted free agent). Position: RB. Team: Buffalo Bills.
Quick Facts
- Position: RB
- Team: Buffalo Bills (BUF)
- College: Howard University
- Background: 2026 UFL MVP, significant preseason experience with Chicago Bears
2026 Outlook
Ian Wheeler was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Buffalo Bills after winning the 2026 UFL Championship and MVP honors with the Louisville Kings. In the UFL, Wheeler rushed for 541 yards and 8 TDs in 11 regular season games, then averaged 10 yards per carry in the playoffs (170 yards, 2 TDs on 17 carries). Wheeler impressed the Bills in two preseason meetings during their 2024-25 cycles, combining for 4 rushing TDs across both games. Now competing in a crowded Bills backfield with James Cook and Ty Johnson, he'll look to earn carries and show he can contribute at the NFL level. (per Bills news: What does former UFL MVP bring to Buffalo's backfield? - Yahoo Sports)
Role / Depth Chart
Backup/roster depth in crowded Bills RB room. James Cook is the lead back; Wheeler will compete for carries in practice-squad and depth roles.
College Career
At Howard University, Wheeler totaled 1,154 rushing yards with 14 TDs, caught 23 passes for 234 yards, and averaged 25.4 yards per kickoff return on 42 runbacks with 3 TDs.
Recent News
- 2026-06-19 — Signed by Buffalo Bills after 2026 UFL MVP season with Louisville Kings (Bills news: What does former UFL MVP bring to Buffalo's backfield? - Yahoo Sports)