Louisville Kings earn first UFL win, beat Houston Gamblers in overtime

The Louisville Kings secured their first win Thursday night, 24-22 over the Houston Gamblers in overtime at Shell Energy Stadium, to improve to 1-3 in their inaugural

Here are three takeaways from the United Football League game:

Louisville's defense

Louisville King head coach and former UofL quarterback Chris Redman during the first quarter of their first United Football League game at Lynn Family Stadium. March 27, 2026.

Houston entered Thursday night's game dead last in the UFL when it comes to points per game (15.3) despite ranking fifth in the eight-team league in total offense (301.7 yards per game).

The Kings' defense had the Gamblers looking even worse during the first half — holding the hosts to 58 yards and three first downs. Then, the third quarter happened.

Receiving the opening kickoff of the second half, Houston found the end zone on its first play from scrimmage when Marcus Yarns broke free for a 68-yard run. That ignited a swing of 16 unanswered points for the Gamblers, erasing Louisville's 16-6 halftime lead.

The Kings' defense steadied itself with three consecutive three-and-outs during the fourth quarter, setting the table for the offense to draw level. But it got lucky on one of those drives, when a Houston holding penalty negated a 67-yard touchdown run from Yarns.

Its luck continued when a Jason Bean interception gave the Gamblers the ball at their own 45-yard line with 3:06 remaining in regulation. The Kings allowed the hosts to drive into the red zone, setting up a 38-yard field goal with 1:02 remaining in regulation, but John Hoyland couldn't connect.