A former Clemson wide receiver recently won a prestigious award in the United Football League (UFL).
Cornell Powell, now of the UFL’s DC Defenders, was named the 2026 UFL Sportsman of the Year on Friday, June 12 at the UFL Awards as part of United Bowl week in Washington, D.C.
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.”
At the end of the 2026 regular season, Powell was named one of eight nominees for the UFL Sportsman of the Year Award.
The other nominees were Birmingham Stallions safety Alex Cook, Columbus Aviators offensive lineman Ryan Nelson, Dallas Renegades running back Ellis Merriweather, Houston Gamblers linebacker Malik Fisher, Louisville Kings punter Mac Brown, Orlando Storm long snapper Alex Matheson and St. Louis Battlehawks offensive lineman Spencer Rolland.
“Being nominated for the UFL Sportsman of the Year Award is an incredible honor and a reflection of something far greater than individual achievement,” Powell said after being named the Defenders’ nominee for the award. “While success on the field is meaningful, the true impact of this game lies in the opportunities it provides to serve, inspire, and uplift others. I believe God granted me this platform to reach back and create opportunities for the next generation. Whether through mentorship, community engagement, or simply leading by example, we have the chance to light a pathway of excellence for young people to follow. Success is not just measured by what you accomplish for yourself, but by how many others you empower along the way.”
The Defenders detailed why Powell was nominated for the award (and ultimately won it):
“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.”
Powell led the Defenders during the 2026 regular season 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 ranked sixth in the UFL in receiving yards.
In two 2026 postseason games, Powell added five more receptions for 68 yards.
On Saturday, June 13, the Defenders lost to the Louisville Kings, 27-20, in the 2026 UFL United Bowl, as the Kings won their first-ever championship in their first year as a program.
In 2025, Powell won the UFL championship with the Defenders. He was the UFL’s receiving touchdowns leader that year with seven.
Following his Clemson career, Powell was originally selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round (181st overall pick) of the 2021 NFL Draft and earned a pair of Super Bowl championship rings during his time with the franchise.
Prior to entering the professional ranks, Powell was a part of Clemson teams that earned five ACC titles, five College Football Playoff berths, three national title game berths and two national championships from 2016-20. He emerged as a fifth-year senior and had a career year in 2020, when he was a third-team All-ACC selection. After entering that season with 40 career receptions for 329 yards and three touchdowns, Powell finished his career with 93 receptions for 1,211 yards and 10 touchdown catches over 54 career games (12 starts).
