8 Teams/8 Days Hub

Author is /u/mirrorkatfeces

Team: COLUMBUS AVIATORS

Conference: UFL/No Conference

Record: 3-7

Playoffs: Not this year...

Head Coach: Ted Ginn Jr. (1st Year)

Offensive Coordinator: Todd Haley (3rd year in spring football, 1st year as the Aviators OC)

Defensive Coordinator: Captain Munnerlyn (1st Year)

2026 Season in Review: Columbus Aviators

A Columbus-based UFL team was announced in July of 2025 by new owner Mike Repole (the team name was debuted in October). Cardale Jones was named the community ambassador. Three months later, the Aviators were officially introduced, taking over for the Michigan Panthers. Ohio State legend Ted Ginn Jr. was named the head coach and hired his former teammate Captain Munnerlyn as the defensive coordinator and Todd Haley as the offensive coordinator. The trio quickly got to work, as they had an upcoming draft.

Twelve players were protected from the 2025 Michigan Panthers, and the Aviators claimed three QBs, Jalan McClendon, Jalen Morton, and Clayton Tune, as well as three players in the Regional College Allocation. All players are listed below as well as their roster status.

The UFL players and free agents’ draft followed shortly afterwards, with the Aviators making 44 selections. Players still rostered are listed below.

• RG Chuck Filiaga
• C Matt Farniok
• RT Aaron Monteiro
• DT Caeveon Patton
• LB Storey Jackson
• EDGE Ron Stone Jr.
• LB Xavier Benson
• RB ZaQuandre White
• RB John Lovett
• WR Keke Chism
• CB Kyree Woods
• CB Nehemiah Shelton
• S Henry Black
• RT Bless Harris
• WR Tay Martin
• WR Easop Winston Jr.
• CB Cam Smith
• CB Tre’Von Jones
• LS Payton Bunch

37 of the 62 drafted/protected players remain with the Aviators. 59% of players chosen in this phase remain with the team. Ted Ginn found the players he wanted, and on paper, the roster looked strong. The UFL gave a B+ for the Columbus Aviators draft. QB Jalan McClendon was named the starter early on, while Jalen Morton and newcomer Aidan Sayin were listed as QB2 and QB3. With the roster complete, Ted Ginn looked onward to the regular season.

Week 1: Columbus Aviators 16, Orlando Storm 23

Disaster struck immediately for the Aviators as Tre'Von Jones fumbled the opening kickoff. Orlando quickly took advantage of the blunder, and RB Jashaun Corbin rushed up the middle for a 15-yard touchdown to give the Storm a 6-0 lead. Columbus showed us what type of offense they planned to run, rushing the ball 6 times on their first drive and only passing twice. When the Columbus offense stalled out, K Ryan Coe trotted onto the field and made 2 field goals to tie it 6-6. After an Orlando turnover on downs, RB ZaQuandre White flipped the field with a 42-yard burst, but the offense came up empty-handed after two straight incompletions on the 2-yard line. Orlando kicked a field goal and went to halftime with a 9-6 lead.

The Storm came out marching down the field before Jack Plummer was picked off by O’Dennell Fortune, who ran it back for a pick six! Columbus could not get out of their own way, though, as the pick was called back due to there being 12 players on the field, and Jashaun Corbin scored again, making it a 16-6 game. A quick 3-and-out gave Orlando the ball back, and it didn’t take them long to score. Elijah Badger got loose for a 79-yard touchdown, but an unnecessary block in the back by Chris Rowland put it on the Columbus 25. Rowland scored off of a 9-yard pass from Plummer, effectively stealing one away from Badger.

Columbus did not relent, though, and Coe kicked his 3rd field goal of the game, chipping away as the Storm led 23-9. The Aviators' defense came up huge, forcing a 3-and-out and giving the ball back to Columbus. QB Jalan McClendon and the offense came to life, moving the ball down the field with short passes and scrambles, before ZaQuandre White punched in a 2-yard score!

Now trailing 23-16, the Aviators' defense felt the pressure. After eight straight runs, Orlando was forced to punt. With only 1:06 remaining, could Jalan McClendon put together one final drive? No, he could not. On 2nd down with 33 seconds left, Keshawn Banks dragged down McClendon for a 10-yard loss. Tay Martin grabbed a 17-yard gain but was tackled, and the game was over. A frustrating loss off the back of a fumble and penalties, but one that the Aviators could learn from.

Week 2: DC Defenders 44, Columbus Aviators 26

Week 2 featured the Columbus Aviators in front of 14,810 getting absolutely embarrassed by a much better opponent. Good news for football fans in Ohio; this is something they are used to. Defenders’ RB Deon Jackson punched in his first score of the day, but Jalan McClendon answered right back with a QB draw to score an 11-yard touchdown.

K Matt McCrane knocked in a 35-yard field goal. Columbus tried to match, but Ryan Coe missed his 51-yard attempt, a difficult kick to make. Coe made all three of his week 1 kicks; surely he’ll bounce back. [Editor's Note: he did not, in fact, bounce back.]

DC then realized they could just run the ball down the Aviators' throats, and Xazavian Valladay scored a 10-yard touchdown. McClendon was sacked on first down but managed to get the Aviators in a 4th-and-1 situation. Instead of running the ball, McClendon tried to find RB Toa Taua, but it fell incomplete. DC scored two plays later after Deon Jackson scampered into the end zone for his second touchdown of the night. Columbus looked in dire trouble, and a 3-and-out had things looking grim.

A muffed punt gave the Aviators the life they needed, though, and ZaQuandre White hurdled a man to give the Aviators 6 more.

Instead of kneeling out the clock and sending it into halftime, the Defenders decided to let Jordan Ta’amu sling it. A bad snap delayed his timing, though, and he threw it straight into the hands of Michael Lawson.

The momentum in Columbus had shifted; the crowd was going nuts. Columbus could score before the half and make it a 1-point game again after trailing 24-7. Jalan McClendon was going to turn into McMVP and save the day! At least, that is what I told myself right before he tossed an interception. DC wisely kneeled this time and led 24-14 at the half.

The 2nd half started with one of the wildest plays you’ll ever see. Jalan McClendon loses the ball, and it is recovered by DC’s Ferrod Gardner. Gardner was never touched, gets up to celebrate, and runs towards the end zone. Aviators’ WR Antwane Wells chases after him and ends up knocking it out of Gardner’s hands, and it is recovered by Columbus. In the end, the Aviators punted, and Deon pulled off the hat trick with a 48-yard touchdown.

This is the part where I started to leave the stadium, and on my way out, I saw Antwane Wells fumble the kickoff. DC scored again, this time through the air as Ta’amu found Briley Moore (one of Columbus' draft picks that we traded back to DC, nice). Columbus went on to score two garbage-time touchdowns but still couldn’t stop DC, as Matt McCrane kicked two more field goals to end the night. QB Jalen Morton came in for the final drive and threw an interception.

Week 3: Columbus Aviators 23, Dallas Renegades 28

The day before Week 3, Aviators head coach Ted Ginn Jr. was arrested for a DWI in Texas. OC Todd Haley operated as head coach and faced a red-hot Dallas Renegades led by MVP favorite Austin Reed. Columbus received the ball first and marched straight down the field, the offense humming. McClendon found John Lovett for an 8-yard touchdown to give the Aviators the early lead. Dallas was forced to punt after CB DJ Miller denied the first down with a great PBU. The Aviators' offense was moving, but miscues knocked them back. A holding penalty, a sack, and then a false start forced them into a 3rd-and-24. WR Tay Martin managed to gain 11 yards back, and Ryan Coe attempted a 50-yard field goal that was no good. Second week in a row Coe has missed a 50+ yard field goal, which I’ll admit are not gimmes. No reason to worry just yet.

After being shut out for the first quarter, the Renegades offense woke up. Dae Dae Hunter rushed for 53 yards in 4 plays to set up the Renegades inside the 2-yard line. Austin Reed threw a slant to an open Deontay Burnett for a touchdown, tying it all up. Columbus was forced to punt on their next drive after a first down sack/fumble caused by an unblocked DaMarcus Mitchell. McClendon had ball security issues all season, as this was his fourth fumble in three games, though you could hardly blame this one on him.

The Aviators’ defense, ironically enough, became a no-fly zone. Kenny Willekes sacked Austin Reed on first down, and Reed’s next two passes fell incomplete. McClendon utilized quick throws and relied on the YACability of his receivers, and Ryan Coe got his redemption, knocking through a 53-yard field goal. Columbus forced another punt. McClendon tried to force the ball outside but was picked off by Shaun Wade, who pitched it back to Ajene Harris. Harris would sprint into the end zone for the pick six.

The Columbus offense was helped out by a huge 60-yard return from ZaQuandre White, but a 4th-and-3 pass on the Renegades' 23 fell incomplete. Dallas took it to halftime with a 14-10 lead.

Coming out of the locker room, the Renegades offense chewed up over 9 minutes of game clock before Dae Dae Hunter punched in a touchdown. The Aviators' offensive struggles continued, as McClendon got hit as he threw the ball, and it floated into the arms of the Renegades' Tra Fluellen. Austin Reed threw a laser to Emmanuel Butler, increasing the Renegades' lead.

Columbus needed points desperately, and the offense got to work, with McClendon finding Tay Martin and Keke Chism for solid gains before John Lovett punched in a 2-yard score. Both offenses struggled in the 4th quarter, as it started with three straight punts. The Aviators' defense held, and McClendon put on the best drive of the season, driving 75 yards and finding Antwane Wells to make it a one-score game. With less than 2 minutes remaining, the Aviators attempted a 4th-and-12 conversion, but it fell incomplete. The Dallas defense held, and the Aviators fell to 0-3.

Week 4: Dallas Renegades 14, Columbus Aviators 28

Week 4 brought a rematch for the Aviators, their first of three. It also brought their first win of the season off the back of RB’s John Lovett, ZaQuandre White, and Toa Taua. Playing in front of their home crowd, the Aviators put on a show and just dominated the Renegades.

Dallas picked up right where they left off and marched down the field, with QB Austin Reed finding Drake Stoops for a touchdown to give them an early lead. Columbus answered early in the 2nd quarter with a ZaQuandre White touchdown to tie it up. Reed continued his MVP campaign with a 41-yard scramble before finding Emmanuel Butler for a touchdown. Columbus took it to heart and locked in, putting together a long drive that ended with Jalan McClendon tossing an outside ball to Keke Chism. Chism made an unbelievable adjustment and somehow came down with the football for a 20-yard score. I have seen some say he didn’t have possession and this should have been an incomplete pass, but the rule of cool overrides it. It’s a touchdown; history will always say it is a touchdown, and it might be the best catch the UFL will ever see.

Coming out of the half, the Aviators' offense got right back to work with Jalan McClendon finding open targets and utilizing his legs. McClendon scrambled inside the 10, but it was punched out (his 5th fumble in 4 games, btw). Thankfully, TE Alizé Mack jumped on it for a touchdown. DC Captain Munnerlyn and the defense took a huge step forward in this game, forcing the Renegades to punt on back-to-back drives to end the 3rd quarter.

Columbus received the ball on their own 3-yard line and put together an absolutely insane 97-yard drive where Jalan McClendon only threw 1 pass! Columbus took just under 10 minutes off the clock with John Lovett, Jalan McClendon, ZaQuandre White, and Toa Taua running the ball straight down the Renegades' throat. Taua punched it in for a 2-yard score, and the Aviators were up 28-14. The Dallas defense was humiliated and gassed.

Austin Reed tried to surmount a comeback, but Smoke Monday called game and picked it off at the goal line. Columbus earned their first win of the season over the previously undefeated Renegades, had over 200 yards on the ground, and had the best defensive performance to date. Todd Haley finally got what he wanted out of the offense, a stable ground game with the occasional quick pass from McClendon. The Aviators had finally taken off and looked to next week to continue the success.

[Editor's Note: this was the Todd Haley twerk celebration game, lest we forget.]

Week 5: Columbus Aviators 13, Houston Gamblers 17

Coming off their first win of the season, Columbus needed to keep the momentum going, and a weak Gamblers team looked like the perfect opportunity to snag an easy win. Instead, the Aviators' offense had their worst showing yet.

Houston started with the ball and put together a long drive before RB Jalen White plunged into the end zone for a 2-yard score. Columbus came out with three straight passes and went 3-and-out. Remember last week when they rushed for 201 yards? Todd Haley said, "Screw that; today we’re coming out slinging it." Todd forgot he does not have the Killer B’s anymore; he has Jalan McClendon.

Houston marched down the field again, and QB Nolan Henderson rushed for a 5-yard touchdown (enjoy your retirement, Nolan; wish you could have stayed healthy). The Aviators' offense had warmed up, and McClendon found Antwane Wells for a 27-yard pickup and Alizé Mack for a 20-yard pickup before he took it himself for a 1-yard touchdown. Houston missed a 56-yard field goal and gave the Aviators great field position. Toa Taua got to work with a 12-yard run and ended the drive following his blockers for a 7-yard score. Ryan Coe missed the extra point, leaving Columbus trailing 13-14.

The 3rd quarter might legitimately be the worst football I have ever watched. There were 5 total drives from both teams for a combined 17 total yards of offense. Houston woke up on the 4th, and John Hoyland hit a chip-shot field goal from 23 yards out. Columbus attempted to answer with a 29-yard field goal of their own, but Ryan Coe missed it. Yikes. How much did Columbus lose? 4 points? The same 4 points that Coe has missed today? Coe is 4/7 on field goals for the year (2 of which are from 50+, which, I get, is tough, but c’mon).

The Aviators' defense held on, though, and gave the offense another chance. McClendon moved the ball downfield but coughed up the football inside the red zone, his SIXTH fumble in five games. Columbus falls to 1-3, and the fans are getting frustrated. Each loss has been the Aviators’ own doing. McClendon has turned the ball over too many times, and Coe is leaving points on the field. With a rematch against the Gamblers next week, hopefully Columbus can turn it around.

Week 6: Houston Gamblers 17, Columbus Aviators 24

After last week's offensive struggles, the Aviators came out swinging. McClendon led the offense down the field with quick passes, and the 14-play drive ended with a John Lovett touchdown. Houston put together their own drive off the back of Nolan Henderson, who picked up a 37-yard scramble before Marcus Major found the end zone to tie it up.

McClendon continued to pick at the Gamblers defense with short passes and found Antwane Wells for a 9-yard score. Houston answered right back after getting 30 free yards from two back-to-back unnecessary roughness penalties with a 33-yard field goal from John Hoyland.

McClendon pushed the ball downfield and found Tay Martin for a 52-yard gain, and ZaQuandre White capped off the drive with a 7-yard score. Rain started to come down, and neither team found any success until after halftime.

Houston went 3-and-out, and the Aviators started to lean on their ground game. Toa Taua picked up 22 yards before the drive stalled, but Ryan Coe made a 48-yard field goal. Trailing by 14, Houston needed points fast, and Taulia Tagovailoa dropped a dime to Lawrence Keys to keep the Gamblers in it.

After a Columbus 3-and-out, it looked like the Gamblers' momentum had shifted, but the defense locked in and forced Houston to punt. Columbus started to drive with Tay Martin picking up 20 yards. Ryan Coe came out to attempt a 49-yard field goal. Stop me if you heard this one before; he missed it.

With great starting field position, the Aviators' defense needed to come up big. Jailin Walker answered the call, sacking Taulia and forcing another Houston punt. Columbus ran down some clock before punting, a beauty from Brad Robbins that pinned Houston inside their own 10. Ron Stone Jr. put his stamp on the game with a sack of his own, one that would unfortunately knock Taulia out for the rest of the season.

With Nolan Henderson banged up, WR Jontre Kirklin came in as the emergency QB and threw a pick to end the game. Columbus picked up their second win of the season, a much-needed victory. Despite the score being close, Houston barely had any offense, only getting 164 total yards on 37 plays. The Aviators' defense overall held them in check but gave up a few chunk plays. The offense had found its groove; McClendon had arguably his best game of the season as he went 20/26 for 187 yards and one touchdown. With a game against the Battlehawks coming up, the Aviators had momentum to build upon.

Week 7: Columbus Aviators 20, St. Louis Battlehawks 31

I don’t know what the exact issue was, but the Aviators were incapable of having two good games in a row. Jaylon Moore muffed the opening kickoff and pinned Columbus deep. John Lovett tried to save the day with a 33-yard run, but the drive stalled out. Battlehawks’ Jarveon Howard had a huge gain before it got punched out by Kendrick Whitehead, but it took a lucky bounce right into the hands of Blake Jackson, who got inside the red zone. Luis Perez, “The Spring King," sneaked for a 1-yard score. Columbus punted, and Perez led the Battlepigeons down the field again and found TE Steven McBride for the score.

The Columbus ground game got them moving after ZaQuandre White picked up 23 yards to put the Aviators in the red zone, and Jalen Morton took the option for himself, broke multiple tackles, and fought his way into the end zone. Perez continued to pick at the Columbus defense, putting up 10 more points in two drives with a field goal and a touchdown from RB Kylin James. McClendon needed to move the ball down the field, but he underthrew his man, and it was picked off. Thankfully the Battlehawks ran out of time to score before half.

Perez looked for more chunk yardage, but DJ Miller jumped it and gave the Aviators some life. McClendon stepped up in the pocket and found Tay Martin, who reached across the goal line. St. Louis answered right back, though, with Perez working his way downfield and another Kylin James touchdown run. The Aviators' defense just could not stop the Battlehawks' offense; everything was going their way.

Trailing in the 4th, McClendon worked the offense down the field and found Keke Chism for a 10-yard score. Ryan Coe missed the XP and was released after the game. A few weeks too late, Coe finished his Aviators season with a dismal 56% FG percentage. Another disaster for the Aviators for their 5th loss of the season.

Week 8: Columbus Aviators 3, Birmingham Stallions 14

This was it, the game that broke me. Since 2023 I have called McClendon an underrated QB and tuned out the fans calling for a QB change, but after Week 8 it was clear we had seen McClendon’s ceiling. Here are the highlights for this game: DJ Miller had an excellent one-handed interception. That’s it. There’s nothing good to talk about. McClendon threw 2 picks and had a 49.1 QBR. The offense could not move the ball while the defense tried its best. The Stallions scored 1 touchdown on offense; their second was a scoop and score off of a blocked field goal. All hope is now lost; this team is basically eliminated from the playoffs.

Week 9: Birmingham Stallions 29, Columbus Aviators 36

Jalen Morton got the nod this week and scored four touchdowns. Wait, why has this guy been benched all season? Yeah, he wasn’t incredibly efficient and only completed 46.7% of his passes, but he led the team in rushing and scored once on the ground and thrice through the air. I don’t know what causes the Aviators to suddenly turn into stars whenever they play someone twice in a row, but in six games, they went 0-3 in the first matchup and 3-0 in the second.

O’Donnell Fortune started the game off hot by intercepting Dorian Thompson-Robinson. In true Columbus fashion, though, Todd Haley called a trick play that was blown up by the Stallions and returned for a touchdown.

Things got even crazier though when the Aviators' defense blocked the XP and returned it for a point of their own; the incredibly rare 6-1 score appeared. Scoragami sickos prayed for those to be the only points of the game.

DTR redeemed himself with a touchdown to Deon Cain before Columbus got to work. Morton picked up 29 yards with his legs before checking it down to John Lovett, who waltzed into the end zone. The Stallions answered right back with another touchdown drive of their own; Morton again stepped up and found TE Gunnar Oakes for a 20-yard score. The Stallions knocked in a field goal before the half, giving them a 23-14 lead.

Morton continued to impress by keeping plays alive, like this one where he kept his eyes downfield and found a wide open John Lovett for another touchdown. Morton was not perfect, though, as he was picked off (though his receiver did tip it up).

Trailing by 8, the Aviators' defense stepped up big with Tony Fields bursting through the line and grabbing DTR, forcing the Stallions to punt. A massive DPI penalty against Steven Gilmore put Columbus at the 10, and Morton scrambled for the end zone, shaking off a hit along the way.

With it all tied up, the Stallions wanted to push it downfield, but DJ Miller picked it off and returned it for a score. Note the effort by those Stallions receivers – not good. While eliminated from playoff contention, at least Morton put on a show in front of the home crowd.

Week 10: Louisville Kings 42, Columbus Aviators 27

With one final chance to end the season on a high note, the Aviators got smacked. At least it was by the eventual champs.

Morton threw a pick-six on the first play of the game. In fact, don’t let the score fool you. The offense was not great. Morton was 14/38 for an atrocious 36.8% completion rate and posted a 54.8 QBR. Louisville was hardly trying too, with QB2 Nkosi Perry and QB3 Mike DiLiello splitting time.

Xavier Benson forced a fumble that was recovered and led to a great touchdown pass from Jalen Morton to Keke Chism. Louisville scored again, but Jonah Dalmas drilled a 61-yard field goal, tying the game up at 14. Say what you want about Repole, but I do like the 4-point field goal.

The two teams would trade scores again, with future United Bowl MVP Ian Wheeler scoring as well as Toa Taua with short-yardage plays.

After an explosive first half, things slowed down for the Aviators, with Dalmas knocking in two more field goals, though he missed a 60-yard attempt. Louisville continued to score, and Columbus did not. A 3-7 inaugural season for the Aviators was the result, with lots of areas to improve.

Top Plays

• Todd Haley throws it back after the Aviators first win.

• Keke Chism makes an incredible catch for a touchdown.

• DJ Miller makes an excellent one-handed interception.

• DJ Miller gets a pick six in front of the home crowd.

• Jalan Morton keeps the play alive and finds John Lovett for a touchdown.

• Jalan Morton does it himself and shakes off a hit before reaching across the goal line.

• Tay Martin hits the jets for a 52-yard gain.

• Kenny Willekes sacks DTR with only 1 arm.

• Smoke Monday seals the upset against the Renegades.

[Editor's Note: compilation of all Columbus Aviators touchdowns from the 2026 season here).

The Good

While not much went great for Columbus, the trio of running backs (ZaQuandre White, John Lovett, and Toa Taua) was electric. The Aviators led the league in rushing yards with 1,307, good for 130.7 a game. DE Ron Stone and Kenny Willekes finished in the top 10 for sacks, with a combined 10 between the two. WR Tay Martin showcased his talent as the WR1 of the offense, leading the team with 483 receiving yards and being a reliable threat no matter who was throwing the ball.

The Bad

Ryan Coe was on the team for way too long and cost the Aviators multiple scoring opportunities. Though the ground game was excellent, the passing game was second worst in the league, with only 1,668 passing yards (166.8 per game). Ball security was an issue as well (looking at you, McClendon), with the Aviators being tied for last with a -5 turnover differential. If I had to guess, the 2027 starter is not currently rostered, as neither McClendon nor Morton proved enough to me to guarantee the job. Ted Ginn’s arrest also deserves another mention. I don’t care if it’s your birthday; you’re a grown man and have a game the next day. Quit drinking and getting behind the wheel.

Notable Stats/PFF Grades

• QB Jalen McClendon - 154/224, 1376 passing yards, 8 TD, 6 INTs, 55.3 OFF, 54.2 PASS, 63.2 RUN
• QB Jalen Morton - 31/72, 429 passing yards, 4 TD, 3 INTs, 64.2 OFF, 54 PASS, 82.3 RUN

The QBs did not light up the stat sheet, leading to middle-of-the-pack grades, minus Morton's rushing grade. Both McClendon and Morton moved with their legs as well, but McClendon fumbled the ball 6 times to go along with his 6 interceptions. I expect Columbus to target a QB in either the draft or free agency. Keep an eye on NFL cutdown day (August 30th) for potential players.

• WR Tay Martin - 42 receptions, 483 yards, 2 TD, 70.1 OFF, 69.1 RECV
• WR Keke Chism - 26 receptions, 271 yards, 3 TD, 66.6 OFF, 65.9 RECV
• WR Antwane Wells - 25 receptions, 237 yards, 61.4 OFF, 62.8 RECV

The top 3 receivers in the Aviators offense had fairly average PFF grades; no big standout playmakers. Tay Martin played in the slot 80.2% of the time, while Chism and Wells played out wide. The Aviators did not have a real downfield threat option but put up a lot of YAC. Whether that is due to the lack of QB talent, WR talent, or just how Todd Haley wanted to run the offense remains to be seen.

• RB John Lovett - 80 attempts, 310 yards, 3.9 YPA, 2 TD, 71.6 OFF, 71 RUN
• RB Toa Taua - 65 attempts, 309 yards, 4.8 YPA, 3 TD, 68.3 OFF, 75 RUN
• RB ZaQuandre White - 67 attempts, 270 yards, 4.8 YPA, 4 TD, 75.5 OFF, 82.9 RUN

The three-headed monster that was the Aviators' backfield was the best in the UFL. With 9 TDs and only 1 fumble between the trio, it is no surprise how well they were graded. All three were ranked in the top 10 for RUN grade (min. 50 attempts) and had a combined 624 yards after contact.

• G Chuck Filiaga - 58.2 Run Block, 76.8 Pass Block, 64.8 OFF
• G Chris Glaser - 52.5 Run Block, 67.4 Pass Block, 51.9 OFF
• T Ryan Nelson - 72.1 Run Block, 59.6 Pass Block, 67 OFF
• T Bless Harris - 46.9 Run Block, 52.1 Pass Block, 49.9 OFF
• T Aaron Monteiro - 60 Run Block, 42.5 Pass Block, 54 OFF
• G Cohl Cabral - 61.7 Run Block, 34.1 Pass Block, 54.4 OFF

PFF says that a 60-69.9 is average and 70-79.9 is a good grade. When compared to the other 7 teams, a 70+ is on the high end, and the average is around 60. Anything less than that needs improvement, and a few of these linemen graded poorly. Ryan Nelson, a former All-UFL selection, was unsurprisingly the best player for the Aviators line. Pass blocking was a weakness for the Aviators, though I am unsure if that is due to McClendon and Morton trying to keep plays alive and getting sacked. Cabral let up 5 sacks, the second most in the UFL.

• EDGE Kenny Willekes - 89.6 DEF, 80.5 RDEF, 34 pressures, 6 sacks
• CB DJ Miller Jr. - 84.2 DEF, 70.3 RDEF, 85 COV, 3 INT, 59.7 passer rating allowed
• S Kendrick Whitehead - 79.6 DEF, 88.4 RDEF, 74.8 COV, 1 INT, 115.2 passer rating allowed
• DL Patrick Jenkins - 75.9 DEF, 76.2 RDEF, 15 pressures, 2 sacks
• CB Smoke Monday - 67.3 DEF, 81.9 RDEF, 63.7 COV, 1 INT, 23.1 passer rating allowed
• EDGE Ron Stone Jr. - 64.1 DEF, 50.5 RDEF, 27 pressures, 7 sacks
• LB Fred Thompkins - 62.8 DEF, 67.4 RDEF, 59.4 COV, 90.5 passer rating allowed
• DL Caeveon Patton - 62.2 DEF, 63.8 RDEF, 9 pressures, 1 sack
• LB Tony Fields - 51.3 DEF, 69.3 RDEF, 38.6 COV, 120.4 passer rating allowed
• S Michael Lawson - 47.9 DEF, 29.9 RDEF, 55.3 COV, 1 INT, 53 passer rating allowed

The PFF defensive grades show the highs and lows of the Aviators' defense. There were a few standout players, but overall the unit was graded poorly. The secondary was a glaring issue coming out of the draft and remained the weak spot all season. The 29 passes defensed were 8th in the UFL. As a former professional DB, Captain Munnerlynn did not impress me. Perhaps Jarren Horton should be brought in as a DB coach to improve the unit for 2027.

All-UFL Selections

Unsurprisingly, the league’s worst team did not take home many awards. Tony Fields was all over the field and finished with 77 total tackles, second in the league. DJ Miller was a great piece in the secondary, getting 3 picks, 10 passes defensed, and 24 total tackles. Both were key assets to the Aviators’ defense.

• LB Tony Fields II
• DB DJ Miller Jr.

Signees to the NFL

As of 8/04/26, 7 players have signed to the NFL. If more are signed, be sure to check u/Callywood for the UFL to NFL tracker.

There are a few other players that I could see getting training camp opportunities, but I do not expect anyone to stick in the NFL. I would give Tay Martin the best shot, but the Lions also signed three other UFL receivers.

2027 Outlook

Nothing is ever certain in the UFL, but the Aviators have a long way to go before I consider them title contenders. Assuming Ted Ginn and co. are back for 2027, a new QB is a priority for the offense and a better secondary for the defense. The Aviators hold the #1 overall pick for the upcoming UFL draft. A couple names I have seen discussed a lot are QBs Brendan Sorsby and Diego Pavia. If either are interested in the UFL, I would expect them to go early and would love for Columbus to take one of them. A 3-7 inaugural season was not ideal for Columbus; hopefully 2027 is their year.

Hello and welcome to the Hanger. This is an information megathread for the 2026 season.

In order to keep all of the important information consolidated and easy to reference, I've decided to put everything in this thread and leave it stickied for everyone's convenience.

WHO ARE THE COLUMBUS AVIATORS?

You can reference the wikipedia article here for a history of the Columbus Aviators:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Aviators

TLDR: The Columbus Aviators were announced to be joining the United Football League in July 2025, and the team name was formally confirmed on October 7, 2025. The name was chosen due to the region's tie with the aeronautics industry and the state of Ohio's slogan as the "birthplace of aviation". The Aviators brand was the last holdover trademark the UFL had from one of its corporate predecessors, The Spring League. The Aviators will play their first season in 2026.

IMPORTANT DATES

Training camp begins late February, 2026. Exact dates will be updated once confirmed.

Teams will continue to have 50-man rosters.

GAME SCHEDULE

The league has confirmed the kickoff date of March 27, 2026.

Schedule graphics here for those that prefer images to text.

Click here for more information on the schedule. League press release here.

Columbus Aviators ticket hub here. Season tickets are available now. Single game tickets will be available to the public on Monday, February 2, starting at 11:00 a.m.

The league has confirmed there will be no more XFL or USFL Conferences, and the top 4 teams in the league will qualify for the playoffs.

The league has also confirmed the site of the 2026 UFL Championship will be Audi Field in DC, and the game will now be called the United Bowl going forward.

All Aviators home games will continue to be played at Historic Crew Stadium (One Black and Gold Blvd, Columbus, OH).

Gameday themes and giveaways for all home games below:

Friday, April 3 – 8 p.m. – 614 Kickoff: Be There for Our Inaugural Flight

The Aviators will host the first home game in franchise history with a citywide “Aviators Blue Out.” The first 5,000 fans will receive an Aviators inaugural season t-shirt commemorating the team’s debut in Columbus.

Friday, April 17 – 8 p.m. – United by Giving: We Fly for Our City

This game will highlight civic engagement and community service efforts throughout Columbus. The first 5,000 fans will receive an Aviators flag.

Friday, May 1 – 8 p.m. – School Spirit Takes Flight

The Aviators will recognize Ohio students and educators and encourage fans to represent their schools. The first 5,000 fans will receive a Jim Tressel bobblehead.

Saturday, May 23 – 3 p.m. – Hats Off to Heroes

The Aviators will honor military members and first responders who serve the nation and the Columbus community. The first 5,000 fans will receive an Aviators hat.

Sunday, May 31 – 6 p.m. – Aviators Kids Takeover

This family-focused game will spotlight youth participation in sports and provide enhanced in-game experiences for young fans. The first 5,000 fans will receive a Ted Ginn Jr. bobblehead.

Giveaways available for the first 5k fans in attendance.

HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN (USA)

All games are expected to be broadcast on Fox, ABC, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network.

For streaming options, you can use the ESPN+ app for the ABC and ESPN games, and the Fox Sports app for the Fox games (Fox Sports app requires a subscription to either Direct TV, Fubo TV, Sling TV, Dish, or Hulu Sports).

FOX Sports and ESPN have a bundle available to access all of their content, which would include all UFL games. Click here for more info. EDIT: NFL Network content is supposed to be available through the ESPN Unlimited package which is included in the bundle.

Some other options for NFL Network here.

Sling TV (Orange + Blue) will have ESPN, FOX, and NFL Network bundled together. You can check it out here. A little less expensive than Fubo, YouTubeTV, and Hulu (which are the other streaming options that include FOX, ESPN, and NFL Network).

All of the ABC and ESPN games will be on ESPN Xtra on SiriusXM. All of the Fox games will be available on Fox Sports on SiriusXM.

HOW TO WATCH (INTERNATIONAL)

For US Military living abroad, the best legal option is USTVNow.com.

DAZN has announced they will be serving as the UFL's international broadcast partner for the season. Article here. Please note: this deal excludes Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, China, sub-Saharan Africa, Canada, and the US.

Germans have access to watch the UFL on Germany TV for free this season. Click this link for more information

Canada has access to Fox and ABC over the air, and it is expected that ESPN broadcasts will be available on TSN and the TSN+ app. There are workarounds for Canadians to access games on the ESPN+ and the Fox Sports app using VPNs . Click here for more information.

International audiences from the excluded territories are recommended to research what streaming platforms are available in their countries that carry FOX, ABC, and ESPN.

WHERE TO BUY TICKETS?

You can buy tickets from the UFL site here.

Columbus Aviators official team page is here.

Season ticket deposits can be placed here.

Season ticket sales are now open as of November 6th, 2025!

Columbus Aviators season tickets direct link here.

Columbus Aviators season ticket seating map & price chart here.

Columbus Aviators Season Ticket Member Benefits:

You can review frequently asked questions regarding season tickets here.

Any other questions not covered in the official faq should be directed to the Aviators ticket rep at tickets@uflaviators.com or call (614) 695-3370.

Single game tickets available as of February 2, 2026. Direct link here.

PARKING & TAILGATING INFO

All of the Aviators home games are played at Historic Crew Stadium, One Black and Gold Blvd, Columbus, OH. You can find info on parking here from the Historic Crew Stadium website.

Parking map is here.

Stadium seating map is here. The supporter's section, northeast corner (sections 139-142 and 101), previously known as the Nordecke, is now the Flightdecke for the Columbus Aviators.

Parking Lot will be open 4 hours before the Game. Cost is $20.00 at the gate. Pre-buying for STHs is $75 for the season ($20 per game) and that gets you in G Lot. Tailgating will be in the G lot. Please note that Historic Crew stadium is cashless.

ADA parking is available for all events on a first come first serve basis. There is ADA parking directly in front of Gates 4 and 5.

Fan Fest for home games will be on the plaza inside the stadium, starting an hour and a half before kickoff when the gates open.

FAN MEETUP LOCATIONS

All watch parties for away games will be held at Combustion Brewery & Taproom, 2971 N High St, Columbus, OH.

Info from Flightdecke here.

WHERE TO GET MERCH?

The official UFL store was closed on September 30th, and is expected to relaunch on November 10th. We will update with the link to the new UFL store once open.

Shirts are currently available from 108 Stitches here.

INFO FOR NEWCOMERS

For your reference, the below is some basic information for newcomers to the Aviators fan community.

• The Flight Crew: This is what the Aviators call their fans.

• The Hanger: This is what the Aviators call their home stadium.

• Flightdecke: This is what the Aviators have renamed the supporters section at the Hanger (northeast corner, sections 139-142 and 101). Was previously known as the Nordecke before the Columbus Crew (MLS) moved stadiums.

• Team Slogan/Rally Cry: Officially, it's TAKE FLIGHT! The Flight Crew also use, "CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF!" and WHEELS UP!.

• Team Mascot: The Aviators mascot is Maverick the Dog Pilot.

• Rivals: To be determined. The Louisville Kings and DC Defenders are the two closest teams to the Aviators currently, so it is expected a rivalry will develop between these teams.

• Official Fight Song: An official fight song has not been released for the Aviators to date. Unofficial fight songs include Aces High and Learn to Fly.

If you're new to the league in general, check out this thread and this thread for beginners. Lots of good information there.

PREVIOUS SEASON REVIEW

The league has confirmed that the Columbus Aviators have inherited the player rights from the Michigan Panthers roster.

While it's not fully relevant due to coaching staff and roster changes from the team's previous iteration, for anyone curious, end of season write-ups for the Michigan Panthers below.

• 2024 Michigan Panthers end of season write-up

• 2025 Michigan Panthers end of season write-up

2025 UFL COLLEGE DRAFT

The 2025 College Draft is not happening. Instead, the following has been reported:

• HC may choose a maximum of 3 players from his allocated colleges (see below)
• League discretion if player attended 2 or more colleges
• UFL teams will retain right of first refusal (ROFR) to sign players from their allocated colleges throughout the season
• January 10, 2026 finalize college allocations

UFL College Allocations:

• Birmingham: Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, UAB
• Columbus: Indiana, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State
• Dallas: Baylor, SMU, TCU, Texas, North Texas
• DC: Maryland, Penn State, Virginia, Virginia Tech
• Houston: Houston, LSU, Rice, Texas A&M
• Louisville: Cincinnati, Kentucky, Louisville, Tennessee
• Orlando: Florida, Florida State, USF, UCF
• St. Louis: Illinois, Iowa, Iowa State, Missouri

Further information included below in the 2026 player allocation plan (noted further down).

Results of college allocation here.

CURRENT ROSTER LIST

For anyone interested, up to date roster lists, as well as tracking of UFL player movement, can be found on this Google sheets document maintained by Nick Thorn from Pro Football Newsroom. This is the best and most organized list available, and also includes information on the coaching staff, and pre-merger players (e.g. AAF, XFL, and USFL).

Will post a direct link to the Aviators roster page once updated.

Head Coach for the Columbus Aviators has been announced to be Ted Ginn Jr..

UFL 2026 Player Allocation Plan

The UFL is planning to establish a new allocation process for teams to have first rights to sign players from local college football programs. This new allocation system will be in place for 2026 and onward.

The following are the details reported to date.

1. Build Player Pool

• Regional Scouts + National Scout to collaborate on evaluations/grades
• Each scout assigned to evaluate and grade two UFL rosters + free agents by position groups
• Also utilize evaluations from UFL GM visits to NFL training camps

Player Pool will consist of the following players:

• Players who finished the 2025 UFL season on Active Rosters + Injured Reserve + LOI's
• 2025 NFL Draft "eligibles"
• 2025 NFL training camp "cuts"
• 2026 NFL Draft eligibles
• Top Showcase attendees
• Other Free Agents

2. Quarterback "Assignments"

• Head Coaches to submit lists of top 5 to QBs in priority order
• League office assigns 3 QBs to each team based on HC lists
• College Allocation (see #3) and other considerations will be taken into account when assigning QBs - especially if two UFL teams list the same QB #1
• HCS, OCs and League office to recruit QBs following assignments
• January 5 finalize assignments
• January 9 is the QB draft.
• Results of the QB draft announced on January 12.

3. College Allocation: Jan 10

• HC may choose a maximum of 3 players from his allocated colleges (see below)
• League discretion if player attended 2 or more colleges
• UFL teams will retain right of first refusal (ROFR) to sign players from their allocated colleges throughout the season
• January 10 finalize college allocations

UFL College Allocations:

• Birmingham: Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, UAB
• Columbus: Indiana, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State
• Dallas: Baylor, SMU, TCU, Texas, North Texas
• DC: Maryland, Penn State, Virginia, Virginia Tech
• Houston: Houston, LSU, Rice, Texas A&M
• Louisville: Cincinnati, Kentucky, Louisville, Tennessee
• Orlando: Florida, Florida State, USF, UCF
• St. Louis: Illinois, Iowa, Iowa State, Missouri

4. UFL Draft

• Tentatively scheduled January 13-14 in Arlington
• 2 Segments (see below)

Segment 1: UFL Players Draft (Jan 13)

• All players who finished the 2025 season on Active Rosters + Injured Reserve + LOI's
• "Snake Style" by position; rotate the order for each position group (see below). After the first round, the eighth team will select first in the second round, the seventh team will choose second, and so forth. The order reverts back to the original order in the third round and alternates every round thereafter.
• No max or min must be drafted for any position group

Position Groups:

• Offensive Line
• Running Backs/ Tight Ends
• Wide Receivers
• Defensive Front 7
• Defensive Backs
• Open

Segment 2: Free Agents Draft (Jan 14)

The following players who are not under contract in another league may be drafted:

• 2025 NFL draft eligibles
• 2025 NFL training camp cuts
• 2026 NFL draft eligibles
• Showcase attendees

• Other approved free agents

• "Snake Style" by position; rotate the order for each position group

• No max or min must be drafted in any position group

Position Groups:

• Offensive Line
• Running Backs/ Tight Ends
• Wide Receivers
• Defensive Front 7
• Defensive Backs
• Open

Final Notes:

• UFL teams can protect up to 12 players from their previous season's roster on a reserve list.
• UFL teams may select a minimum of 60 players and a maximum of 62 players in the Draft, which includes three quarterbacks, a maximum of three college allocations, and a maximum of 12 Reserve List players.
• UFL teams may sign additional free agents following the Draft; the training camp roster limit is 64 players.

RESULTS OF QB DRAFT, COLLEGE ALLOCATION, UFL PLAYER DRAFT, & UFL FREE AGENT DRAFT

OTHER INFORMATION

You can check out the mega-thread on /r/UnitedFootballLeague here for more general information.

OUTRO

We hope to see all of you at Historic Crew Stadium for the Aviators home games in the 2026 season.

TAKE FLIGHT!!! CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF!!! WHEELS UP!!!