What will professional outdoor football look like in the heart of Ohio? The Columbus Aviators, a new franchise in the United Football League (UFL), is nearing its inaugural kickoff at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, April 3.
Home Opener Experience
Just announced, Gavin DeGraw will perform at halftime of the home opener vs. the DC Defenders. The UFL is offering 33% off tickets for opening weekend when purchased from March 12 - 26 -- Get them here. The city that sells the most tickets in that window will earn 50% off their team's gear at UFLShop.com for one day.
The Arrival of the Aviators
In late 2025, the league announced a new vision that involved moving away from oversized NFL-sized venues in favor of more intimate stadiums. Columbus was identified as the premier market for this new model.
The Aviators will become the first outdoor professional football team in Columbus since 1992. They were born from the ashes of the Michigan Panthers, a legacy franchise that achieved significant success in 2025, including a trip to the UFL Championship game. Consequently, the Columbus Aviators inherit a championship-ready roster and bypass the typical multi-year struggle associated with expansion teams.
Aviators Roster
The Aviators roster is a mix of former high-round NFL draft picks, established spring football veterans, and some Ohio natives.
The Quarterback Situation
The likely starting quarterback for Columbus will be Jalan McClendon. The former Baylor Bear has played three years in the UFL and started six games for Houston last season. The 6'4" rushing quarterback spent time with the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders prior to his spring football career, and he’s coming off of his best career spring season. His experience and recent success makes him the clear front-runner for the Week 1 start.
Offensive Weapons
The backfield is led by running back Toa Taua, a former standout for the Michigan Panthers. Taua proved to be one of the UFL’s most efficient weapons last season, tying for second in the league in both yards per carry (4.4) and rushing yards per game (51). He also led the league in rushing touchdowns (6).
The receiving corps is headlined by 6'5" Missouri product Keke Chism, a physical playmaker who finished last year tied for third in receiving touchdowns.
Both Taua and Chism are set to thrive behind a revamped offensive line that's projected to be a game-changer this season. While Juwann Bushell-Beatty and Noah Atagi lead the way, the unit's strength lies in its overall depth and talent. Matthew Jones, a former Ohio State standout who joined the roster following the January draft, will be a local favorite.
Defense and Special Teams
The Columbus defense is anchored by Kedrick Whitehead Jr., who arrives after a career-defining 2025 campaign with the Michigan Panthers. His dominant year earned him both All-UFL and UFL Special Teams Player of the Year honors.
One of the exciting additions is linebacker Tony Fields II. A former fifth-round NFL draft pick, Fields brings nearly four years of experience with the Cleveland Browns to the roster, giving him a level of NFL expertise that few in the league can match.
The Aviators also secured an underrated talent in cornerback Michael Lawson. Lawson makes the jump to the UFL following a sensational run in the Arena Football One league (AF1), where he was crowned the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year.
2026 Outlook
The Aviators will compete in 10 regular-season games, with five hosted at Historic Crew Stadium. The most anticipated date on the calendar is April 3, when the Aviators host the reigning champion DC Defenders for their home opener. This game offers Columbus an immediate test against the league’s gold standard.
The schedule includes another must-see matchup against the St. Louis Battlehawks. Coming off a league-leading 8-2 regular season in 2025, the Battlehawks have firmly established themselves as a consistent UFL powerhouse.
UFL analysts are calling the Aviators a sneaky team to watch. While the roster is loaded with trench talent and explosive playmakers, the coaching staff is also impressive.
Legendary Ohio State Alumnus and former NFL first-round pick, Ted Ginn Jr., is set to become Columbus’ first head coach. The Cleveland native, who had a lengthy and successful NFL career, brings deep local ties to the helm.
While this marks Ginn’s debut in the head coaching role, the Aviators have balanced his coaching inexperience with veteran leadership by bringing in Todd Haley. With over two decades of NFL coaching experience, including a stint as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, Haley’s presence should silence any doubts regarding the staff's experience.
Tickets for this season’s games are available here.
