Former Wisconsin quarterback Tanner Mordecai was selected by the D.C. Defenders in the ninth round of the 2024 UFL college draft on Wednesday.
After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Mordecai signed with the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent on April 27. Due to his status as an undrafted prospect, the Waco, Texas native was eligible for this year’s UFL draft.
Mordecai is currently listed as San Francisco’s fourth-string quarterback behind Brock Purdy, Joshua Dobbs and Brandon Allen. Given the NFL’s 53-man roster limitations, the UFL could serve as another professional outlet for the former Badger starter.
The Defenders went 4-6 in the UFL last season and were led by 2023 XFL Player of the Year Jordan Ta’amu.
During his one-year tenure in Madison, Mordecai started 10 games and completed 65.0% of his throws for 2,066 yards, nine touchdowns and just four interceptions. UW went 6-4 with him under center.
Our 9th pick of the 2024 UFL College Draft is QB Tanner Mordecai! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/6lFWShGMvR
— D.C. Defenders (@XFLDefenders) July 17, 2024
Prior to his pitstop at Wisconsin, Moredcai played two seasons at SMU and three at Oklahoma. He started 24 straight games for the Mustangs and departed SMU first in program history in passing TDs (72) and third in passing yards (7,152).
He now has multiple opportunities to begin his professional football career.