Former Oklahoma State Quarterback Spencer Sanders Signs Deal with UFL’s DC Defenders

It looks like former Cowboy quarterback Spencer Sanders is going to be playing football again soon.

The UFL on Monday announced that Sanders had signed with the DC Defenders. Sanders was the Cowboys’ starting quarterback from 2019 through 2022 before transferring to Ole Miss in his final season.

The UFL (United Football League) formed in late 2023 as a merger between the XFL and the USFL. Games are played in the spring, with the 2024 season being the league’s first. The Defenders were a part of the XFL before the merger.

In four seasons as the Cowboys’ starter, Sanders threw for 9,553 yards and 67 touchdowns to 40 interceptions. A dual-threat quarterback, Sanders also ran for 1,956 yards and 18 more scores as a Cowboy. He ranks second in program history in passing yards behind Mason Rudolph, and Sanders’ passing touchdowns rank behind only Rudolph and Brandon Weeden in OSU’s history. Sanders rushed for more yards than any quarterback in OSU history.

Sanders’ best college season came in 2021, where he led the Cowboys to a Fiesta Bowl win and an appearance in the Big 12 title game. OSU finished the year 12-2 while Sanders threw for 2,839 yards, ran for 668 yards and accounted for 26 total touchdowns. He was the offensive MVP in that Fiesta Bowl game, throwing for 371 yards and four touchdowns while running for another 125 yards in what was probably his most shining moment as a Cowboy.

After transferring to Ole Miss, Sanders played behind Jaxson Dart. Sanders attempted just 29 passes as a Rebel, throwing for 278 yards and three touchdowns while running for 45 yards.

Jordan Ta’amu and Mike DiLiello are also quarterbacks listed on the Defenders’ roster. Ta’amu has been outstanding in these spring leagues. In 2023, Ta’amu was the XFL’s Offensive Player of the Year. In 2024 with the Defenders, Ta’amu threw for 1,846 yards and 15 touchdowns in 10 games.

The Defenders open their season with a game against the reigning UFL champion Birmingham Stallions on March 30 in Washington DC. The game will be televised on ESPN.