The DC Defenders re-signed four more players on Wednesday, continuing to fill out their roster for the 2025 UFL season. In this batch, they brought back two offensive and two defensive players.
The #UFL has announced the following transactions pic.twitter.com/3rFZh6qvg3
— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) October 16, 2024
QB Mike DiLiello
The Defenders have finally re-signed a quarterback. Mike DiLiello has returned, after spending the last few weeks with the squad. Mike signed with DC after Deondre Francois went on injured reserve, and was QB3 throughout his time with the Defenders.
BREAKING: The DC Defenders are signing QB Mike DiLiello, per source.@mikediliello1 finished his college career at Austin Peay, throwing for 5,611 yards & 49 TD’s there. @XFLDefenders bring in another NFL draft eligible player. Was just in Titans Rookie Mini-Camp. #UFL pic.twitter.com/u3TsdfpFn8
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) May 15, 2024
DiLiello was eligible for the NFL Draft this past April, and ended up receiving an invite to the Tennessee Titans rookie mini-camp in early May.
Mike had a lengthy college career, making a few different stops. He began his journey at Florida Tech, seeing some quality minutes during the 2019 season. DiLiello then transferred to Middle Tennessee State for the next two years, but did not see the field often. He was primarily a backup at MTS.
First touchdown for an FCS team this season:
Austin Peay’s Mike DiLiello connects with Drae McCray for a 44-yarder against Western Kentucky.
It gave the Govs a 10-7 lead late in the first quarter. pic.twitter.com/Ugp6MC8eRJ
— FCS Football (@OptaAnalystFCS) August 27, 2022
In 2022, Mike DiLiello moved to Austin Peay. This proved to be a great decision, as he started at the school during his final two seasons of action. Mike threw for 5,611 yards and 49 touchdowns, with 21 interceptions. He also showed off his mobility, totaling over 600 rushing yards during that span. Now, he’ll look to run it back in DC – and actually see some playing time.
TE Ben Bresnahan
Ben Bresnahan was an offseason addition for DC, who was cut in Training Camp. He did make his way back to the roster, following an injury to Briley Moore. Ben didn’t see the field at all with DC in 2024, but will look to change that this upcoming season. Bresnahan played his college ball at Vanderbilt, totaling 701 yards and five scores. Additionally, he’s got experience as a fullback.
See also
DE Andre Mintze
On the defensive line, DC has been bringing back a variety of pieces. Most recently, Andre Mintze returns as someone who’s been a quality edge rusher for DC the past two seasons.
In 2023, Andre was a key piece to a Defenders unit that made a Championship run. While he only started in a couple of matchups, Mintze posted 18 tackles and 3.5 sacks that year.
More ready than ever, check the tape! CALL ME! ☎️ pic.twitter.com/M1UC3D4r8s
— Andre Mintze (@dremintze) October 30, 2023
This season, Andre saw less production. This was largely due to the fact that the Defenders added so many pieces through the merger, and there wasn’t as much for Mintze on the active roster. He finished the year with six tackles and 0.5 sacks, making one start in seven games played. Andre does have NFL experience with the Broncos and Vikings, totaling four tackles in his NFL career up until this point.
S Sam Kidd
Sam Kidd is an intriguing prospect for DC, one that didn’t see the field at all in 2024. He was an offseason addition out of James Madison, but an injury in Training Camp left him on the injured reserve list the entire year.
Clearly, General Manager Von Hutchins and Co. see something in Kidd, enough to bring him back for another Training Camp opportunity.
What are your thoughts on Mike DiLiello and Ben Bresnahan returning to the offense? Will Andre Mintze and Sam Kidd see action in 2025? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
