UFL Teams Make Key Roster Additions Ahead of Season The UFL season is rapidly approaching, but teams continue to finalize their rosters with strategic signings and acquisitions. In Columbus, the Aviators have added a notable player to their defensive line, while the Orlando Storm and Houston Gamblers have also made moves to strengthen their squads. The Columbus Aviators have signed defensive tackle Jerron Cage, a former Ohio State standout. Cage, who played his college football with the Buckeyes, totaled 33 tackles and three sacks during his time at the university. He made six starts in his final two seasons, transitioning into a more prominent role as the season progressed. His most memorable moment came during a game against Penn State, where he returned a fumble for a touchdown. Cage has previously played in the NFL with the Saints and the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes. His addition to the Aviators is seen as a local boost, as he aims to establish himself professionally in the UFL. The Aviators’ move to sign Cage raises questions about his potential impact compared to existing players like Olive Sagapolu, who has already demonstrated success at the professional level. If Cage fails to contribute early, Sagapolu may be brought back to bolster the team’s depth. Meanwhile, the Orlando Storm have claimed cornerback Brandon Sebastian off waivers. Sebastian, a three-year starter for the St. Louis Battlehawks, has been a reliable presence for the team when healthy. His recent move to Orlando reunites him with former teammates Anthony Becht and Donnie Abraham. However, his career has been marred by recurring injuries, with two consecutive seasons spent on injured reserve. Despite this, Sebastian is expected to quickly integrate into the Storm’s defense, leveraging his familiarity with the system.#columbus_aviators #ufl #orlando_storm #jerron_cage #brandon_sebastian
UFL Coaches Return to Hometowns, Embracing Local Roots Quarterback Jalan McClendon, now with the Columbus Aviators, recalled the surprise of a large crowd at a recent fan fest, where thousands gathered to support his team. The event highlighted the growing enthusiasm for the UFL, with fans showing up in greater numbers than expected. Among the most celebrated figures at the event was Ted Ginn Jr., the Aviators’ head coach, who drew the biggest cheers. Ginn, a former Ohio State star, had a standout career with the Buckeyes, including a touchdown return in the 2004 BCS National Championship game. His 14-year NFL career included stints with six teams, but he remains deeply connected to his hometown of Cleveland, where he grew up and played high school games at Historic Crew Stadium, the Aviators’ home venue. Ginn’s return to Columbus is significant, as it allows him to focus solely on coaching without the distractions of other teams or college programs. “It’s very special,” he said, emphasizing the opportunity to build a winning team in his hometown. This approach aligns with the UFL’s strategy to prioritize local ties, a decision driven by new investor Mike Repole, founder of Vitaminwater and BodyArmor. Repole emphasized the importance of hiring coaches who resonate with their communities and have both on-field and off-field credibility. The UFL’s coaching staff includes several first-time head coaches, such as AJ McCarron, who led the University of Alabama to two national championships and now coaches the Birmingham Stallions. McCarron, who previously played in the UFL, described the transition to coaching as both challenging and rewarding. “It’s been awesome,” he said, noting the shift from competing against players to guiding them.#columbus_aviators #jalan_mcclendon #ted_ginn_jr #mike_repole #historic_crew_stadium
Columbus Aviators Announce 2026 Roster for Inaugural UFL Season Columbus, Ohio – March 23, 2026 – The Columbus Aviators officially unveiled their 50-player roster for the upcoming 2026 season, marking the start of their first campaign in the United Football League. The team concluded its final training camp practice on Wednesday, setting the stage for their debut season. The roster features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, including three athletes who earned All-UFL honors in 2025: offensive tackle Ryan Nelson, tight end Gunnar Oakes, and cornerback Kedrick Whitehead Jr., who was also named UFL Special Teams Player of the Year. Among the standout performers from the previous season, running back Toa Taua led the league in rushing touchdowns with six despite playing in only seven games. Quarterback Jalan McClendon ranked third in passing yards (1,464), completions, and attempts during that same span. The Aviators’ roster includes three quarterbacks, three running backs, six wide receivers, three tight ends, eight offensive linemen, eight defensive linemen, six linebackers, 10 defensive backs, and three specialists. The team’s 2026 schedule kicks off with a road game on Sunday, March 29, at 8 p.m. ET against the Orlando Storm. They will return to Historic Crew Stadium for their home opener on Friday, April 3, at 8 p.m. against the DC Defenders. The “614 Kickoff” celebration will feature GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer Gavin DeGraw performing during halftime. As part of the opening weekend, UFL teams are promoting a special incentive for fans to participate in the UFL Kickoff Challenge. Fans can receive a 33 percent discount on home opener tickets purchased during a two-week window.#columbus_aviators #ufl #orlando_storm #dc_defenders #gavin_degraw
