As the Louisville Kings prepare for their inaugural United Football League season in 2026, no position looms larger than quarterback. The franchise enters Year One with two very different but intriguing options under center: Jason Bean and Chandler Rogers. Each brings a distinct skill set and background, giving Louisville flexibility as it shapes its offensive identity.

The Kings believe that the combination of Bean’s athletic upside and Rogers’ experience could reshape the team’s fortunes. With no established starter entering camp, the competition between the two will be one of the defining storylines of the offseason.

Jason Bean

• Dual-threat quarterback with elite size (6’6”, 225 lbs) and athletic upside
• Six-year college career at North Texas and Kansas with Power Five starting experience
• Key contributor on multiple Kansas bowl teams
• Threw for over 4,600 yards and 38 touchdowns, with nearly 1,000 rushing yards
• Strong arm and ability to extend plays outside the pocket
• NFL training camp and preseason experience with the Indianapolis Colts
• Developmental upside hinges on improving consistency, footwork, and timing

Chandler Rogers

• Experienced, well-traveled quarterback with starts across five college programs
• Played at Southern Miss, Blinn College, Louisiana-Monroe, North Texas, and California
• Breakout season at North Texas with 3,300+ passing yards and 29 touchdowns
• Known for efficiency, composure, and limiting turnovers
• Comfortable operating structured offenses and making quick reads
• Adaptable to new systems and coaching staffs
• Profiles as a steady, reliable option focused on execution over flash

Jason Bean: Athletic Traits and Untapped Upside

Bean played six seasons of college football, beginning at North Texas before transferring to Kansas. He appeared in 37 games with 21 starts and became part of a Kansas program that showed noticeable improvement during his tenure. Against Big 12 competition, Bean proved capable of extending plays with his legs while attacking defenses vertically through the air.

Statistically, Bean produced more than 4,600 passing yards and 38 touchdowns at Kansas, while also rushing for nearly 1,000 yards. His ability to escape pressure and create outside the pocket was a major part of his effectiveness, particularly when protection broke down.

From a technical standpoint, Bean’s arm talent is evident. He can make difficult throws and push the ball downfield with ease. However, his game remains a work in progress. Inconsistency with footwork has affected his accuracy, especially on short and intermediate throws, and his decision-making can occasionally lag, leading to hesitation.

After college, Bean signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent. While he did not secure a long-term NFL roster spot, the experience of training camp and preseason work provided valuable exposure to professional coaching and preparation. For spring football, that background often proves beneficial.

For Louisville, Bean represents upside. If he can clean up his mechanics and play faster within the structure of the offense, he has the tools to emerge as the Kings’ primary quarterback early in the season.

Chandler Rogers: Experience and Offensive Stability

Where Bean’s profile centers on physical tools and projection, Chandler Rogers brings experience and adaptability. Rogers is one of the most traveled quarterbacks in recent college football, having played at Southern Miss, Blinn College, Louisiana-Monroe, North Texas, and California.

That journey exposed Rogers to multiple offensive systems, coaching staffs, and levels of competition. His most productive season came at North Texas, where he threw for more than 3,300 yards and 29 touchdowns while limiting turnovers. Across his stops, Rogers consistently showed efficiency, composure, and an ability to operate within structured passing attacks.

Rogers is not known for elite athleticism, but he compensates with decision-making and command of the offense. He has seen a wide variety of defensive looks, adjusted quickly to new schemes, and demonstrated an ability to distribute the ball effectively rather than relying on improvisation.

While he does not bring NFL experience, Rogers’ extensive college starting résumé offers a different kind of readiness. His game suggests reliability and control—traits that can be especially valuable in a league where turnovers and missed reads often decide outcomes.

For the Kings, Rogers offers stability. He projects as a quarterback capable of keeping the offense on schedule, executing game plans, and limiting mistakes. Depending on Louisville’s offensive philosophy, that steadiness could earn him a starting role or make him a dependable alternative.

What It Means for Louisville

The Kings’ quarterback room reflects a franchise still defining itself. Bean and Rogers give Louisville two legitimate paths: one built on athletic potential and long-term growth, the other on experience and consistent execution.

Neither quarterback enters the season with spring-football experience, meaning training camp and early games will play a critical role in determining roles. With former NFL quarterback Chris Redman as head coach, Louisville is well-positioned to evaluate both players thoroughly.

Ultimately, the competition between Jason Bean and Chandler Rogers will shape the Kings’ offense throughout the 2026 season. Whether Louisville leans into Bean’s dual-threat upside or Rogers’ seasoned approach, that internal battle is exactly what a new franchise needs as it builds from the ground up.

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