Jason Bean Bio
Jason Bean is an American professional football quarterback born on June 9, 1999, in Mansfield, Texas. He played college football at the University of North Texas and the University of Kansas before entering the professional ranks. Bean signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and was also the first overall pick in the 2024 UFL draft by the Memphis Showboats. He currently plays for the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL).
Early Life and Background
Jason Bean grew up in Mansfield, Texas, where he attended Lake Ridge High School. He developed his football skills in the local high school system before graduating and committing to play college football. His time at Lake Ridge prepared him for the jump to the college level, where he would go on to play multiple positions and earn recognition for his arm strength and mobility.
After completing his high school career, Bean chose to continue his football journey at the University of North Texas. Coming out of Mansfield, he was regarded as a developmental prospect who could grow within a college program. His decision to attend North Texas marked the first major step in what would become a journeyman path through college football.
Path to American Football
Bean’s college career began at the University of North Texas, where he played for the Mean Green from 2018 to 2020. He saw limited action during his first year on campus and took a redshirt to preserve a season of eligibility. As he developed, he earned weekly conference and national honors, including Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week, Manning Award Star of the Week, and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Player of the Week. He was also named to the Davey O’Brien Award Great 8 list during his third year with the program.
Following the 2020 season, Bean entered the NCAA transfer portal and eventually committed to the University of Kansas. He joined the Jayhawks in the spring of 2021, looking for a fresh start and a chance to compete for a starting role. The move to a Power Five program would set the stage for the most productive stretch of his college career.
Jason Bean Career
College Breakthrough (2018–2023)
At North Texas, Bean transitioned from a lightly used freshman into a player who could produce at the Conference USA level. He used his redshirt year to adjust to the speed of college football, and by his third season he was collecting weekly awards for his performances. The progress he showed at North Texas made him an attractive transfer target once he entered the portal.
After transferring to Kansas, Bean spent time learning the Jayhawks’ system before earning the starting job for the 2023 season opener. In that first start, he completed 22 of 28 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns and added 41 rushing yards in a victory over Missouri State. He followed that performance with a record-setting showing in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, where he threw for 449 yards and six touchdowns, the most passing touchdowns by a Big 12 player in a bowl game in conference history. That bowl performance earned him Guaranteed Rate Bowl MVP honors.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2024–2025)
Bean signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent on May 9, 2024, beginning his professional career. During training camp that summer, he was also selected first overall by the Memphis Showboats in the 2024 UFL draft, creating a unique dual-affiliation situation. He was waived by the Colts on August 27, 2024, during roster cuts and signed to the team’s practice squad the following day, where he was listed as a quarterback and wide receiver.
Bean signed a reserve and future contract with Indianapolis on January 6, 2025, keeping him in the Colts’ organization. Despite remaining under contract with the Colts, he was incorrectly described as a member of the Showboats by several outlets ahead of the 2025 UFL season. On August 26, 2025, he was waived by the Colts as part of final roster cuts, ending his time on the Indianapolis roster.
Louisville Kings and DC Defenders (2026–Present)
On January 12, 2026, Bean was allocated to the Louisville Kings of the UFL. Unlike his previous arrangement with the Showboats, he agreed to report to Kings training camp and was named the team’s starting quarterback. He started the Kings’ first four games of the season before being traded.
On April 19, 2026, Bean was traded to the DC Defenders in exchange for quarterback Mike DiLiello. The move gave him a fresh opportunity within the UFL and a chance to compete for playing time on a new roster. He remains active with the Defenders as he continues his professional career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Bean is known for his strong arm and his ability to produce through the air, as shown by his 449-yard, six-touchdown performance in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl. He also brings mobility to the quarterback position, demonstrated by his 41 rushing yards in the 2023 season opener against Missouri State. His willingness to be listed as a quarterback and wide receiver in Indianapolis highlighted his versatility and team-first approach.
Notable Events and Milestones
Bean’s signature moment came in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, where his record-setting passing performance set a Big 12 bowl-game record for passing touchdowns. He was also part of a rare situation in 2024, signing as an undrafted free agent with the Colts while also being the first overall pick in the 2024 UFL draft by the Memphis Showboats. His 2026 trade to the DC Defenders marked his third professional team in a short but eventful career.
Jason Bean Career Wins
Bean’s career highlights to this point have come primarily at the college level, where he led Kansas to a Guaranteed Rate Bowl victory in 2023. His bowl game performance, combined with his strong 2023 regular season opener, defined his breakout stretch with the Jayhawks. At the professional level, he has been recognized for his draft status with the Showboats and for earning starting roles in the UFL.
College Highlights
Bean’s most notable college victory came in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, where he threw six touchdowns and was named the game’s MVP. He also helped Kansas open the 2023 season with a win over Missouri State, completing 22 of 28 passes for 276 yards and two scores. Earlier in his career, he earned weekly awards at North Texas as a redshirt and developing passer.
Other Wins and Performances
At North Texas, Bean earned multiple weekly honors during his third season, including Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week, signaling his emergence as a college quarterback. He was also named to the Davey O’Brien Award Great 8 list during that same stretch. In the UFL, he was named the starting quarterback for the Louisville Kings to begin the 2026 season.
Jason Bean Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jason Bean was raised in Mansfield, Texas, where he attended Lake Ridge High School. He is an American football player who has built his career through college and professional stops in Texas, the Midwest, and now the UFL.
Personal Life
Bean is a United States national who grew up in Mansfield, Texas. Public details about his parents, spouse, and children are not widely documented in available sources.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Bean remained under contract with the Indianapolis Colts after signing a reserve and future deal in January of that year. He spent the offseason and training camp competing for a spot on the Colts’ roster while also being incorrectly linked to the Memphis Showboats in various media reports leading up to the 2025 UFL season. His main work during the year focused on development within the Colts’ system.
Bean was ultimately waived by the Colts on August 26, 2025, as part of final roster cuts, ending his Indianapolis tenure. The release cleared the way for his move into the UFL the following offseason, when he was allocated to the Louisville Kings in January 2026. Looking ahead, his 2025 experience served as a transition year that positioned him for a fresh start in spring football.