A former Clemson wide receiver, now playing in the United Football League (UFL), received a nice honor this week.
Cornell Powell of the UFL’s DC Defenders has been named one of eight nominees for the 2026 UFL Sportsman of the Year Award, the team announced this week.
According to the league, the UFL Sportsman of the Year Award was first introduced with the inaugural award last year and “recognizes the player who best exemplifies character, leadership, and service beyond the field of play”:
“The honoree demonstrates a deep commitment to local community, serves as a positive role model, and personifies the integrity, professionalism, and purpose that define the highest standard of the UFL. Through meaningful community engagement, leadership among teammates, and a commitment to representing the league with professionalism and purpose, the UFL Sportsman of the Year embodies what it means to be a role model both in sport and in life.”
The Defenders wrote that Powell’s impact, both on and off the field, “embodies the values” of the award.
The Defenders detailed why Powell has been nominated for the award:
“Giving back has been a priority for Powell since he was 15 years old. In 2021, he launched The Powell Project, a foundation dedicated to improving his hometown of Greenville, North Carolina through youth empowerment, support for underserved families, and awareness initiatives focused on causes close to his heart, including breast cancer research and autism awareness.
“Each offseason, Powell leads a variety of community initiatives through The Powell Project, including youth football camps, mentorship programs, a Back to School Drive, Breast Cancer Awareness Month programming, a Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, and a Christmas Toy Drive. Through these efforts, he continues to make a meaningful impact on families throughout his community.
“Powell’s commitment to service extends beyond his hometown. He has consistently been among the first players to volunteer for community appearances and events near the UFL hub in the Arlington area, often giving his time on days off. Giving back is not an obligation for Powell. It is a core part of who he is.”
The winner of the award will be announced June 12 at the 2026 UFL Awards.
Powell leads the Defenders in 2026 in both catches (34) and receiving yards (491) while also catching one touchdown pass — an impressive 12-yard, one-handed touchdown snag on May 2. He is sixth in the UFL in receiving yards.
Powell emerged as a fifth-year senior at Clemson and had a career year in 2020, when he was a third-team All-ACC selection after recording career highs in receptions (53), receiving yards (882), receiving touchdowns (seven), snaps (630) and starts (12). After entering 2020 with 40 career receptions for 329 yards and three touchdowns, he finished his Tiger career with 93 receptions for 1,211 yards and 10 touchdown catches over 54 career games (12 starts) from 2016-20.
