Columbus Aviators lay foundation for the future in memorable inaugural UFL season

The Columbus Aviators entered the United Football League in 2026 as one of the league’s three expansion franchises, finishing their inaugural season with a 4-6 record. While the club fell short of the postseason, the Aviators established a clear identity, earned several signature victories and gave fans in Columbus plenty of reasons to believe the future is bright.

A new franchise takes flight

The journey began on Oct. 7, 2025, when the UFL announced Columbus as one of three expansion cities. League officials wanted the franchise to reflect the city’s deep football roots, making Ohio’s capital a natural fit for spring football.

Just over two months later, the organization found its first head coach when UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon introduced Ohio native Ted Ginn Jr. as the face of the new franchise.

A three-time All-American at Ohio State before spending 14 seasons in the NFL, Ginn embraced the opportunity to return home.

“Today marks a new milestone in my football journey,” Ginn said. “When I heard that the United Football League was going to have a football team in Columbus, I wanted to be a part of creating a new winning tradition in this city that is such an important part of my life.”

Ginn surrounded himself with experienced coaches, bringing in former NFL head coach Todd Haley to coordinate the offense and former NFL defensive back Captain Munnerlyn to lead the defense.

Finding an identity

The Aviators made Historic Crew Stadium their home, and local fans responded immediately. More than 14,000 spectators filled the stadium for the franchise’s home opener, welcoming professional spring football to Columbus.

Early results, however, were difficult to come by.

Still searching for their first victory entering Week Four, the Aviators faced the undefeated Dallas Renegades. Instead of being overwhelmed, Columbus delivered one of the season’s biggest surprises by earning the first win in franchise history.

That game also revealed what would become the team’s identity.

The Aviators rushed for more than 200 yards, including an 18-play, 97-yard touchdown drive that consumed nearly 10 minutes of the second half. From that point forward, Columbus became known for a physical rushing attack designed to wear down opposing defenses and control the tempo.

The same game also produced one of the year’s signature highlights when wide receiver Keke Chism made a spectacular juggling 20-yard touchdown catch near the pylon, a play that quickly became one of the league’s most replayed moments.

Ground game powers the offense

The running game remained the engine of the offense throughout the season.

The Aviators finished second in the UFL by averaging 130 rushing yards per game behind a balanced three-man rotation featuring John Lovett, Toa Taua and ZaQuandre White. Lovett finished sixth in the league in rushing, Taua ranked seventh and White placed 11th, giving Columbus one of the deepest backfields in the league.

Another memorable performance came in Week Nine against the Birmingham Stallions.

Making his first start of the season, Jalen Morton accounted for 309 total yards and four touchdowns in a dramatic 36-29 victory. After leading a 91-yard game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter, DJ Miller Jr. delivered the decisive play with a game-winning interception return for a touchdown.

Building toward the future

The season also produced individual recognition on defense. Linebacker Tony Fields II and defensive back DJ Miller Jr. earned All–UFL honors after standout campaigns.

Fields tied for second in the league with 77 total tackles while adding 39 solo stops and five tackles for loss before signing with the Chicago Bears following the season. Miller finished among the league leaders in both interceptions and passes defended, emerging as one of the UFL’s top defensive playmakers.

The Aviators’ 4-6 inaugural season may not have produced a playoff berth, but it provided a solid foundation for the franchise’s future.

Between Ted Ginn Jr.’s leadership, a punishing rushing attack, emerging defensive stars and an enthusiastic fan base, Columbus closed its first season with plenty of momentum and optimism heading into Year Two.

Source: UFL