Orlando Storm Secures Third Straight Win with Dominant Performance Over Defenders ORLANDO, FL – May 22, 2026 – The Orlando Storm continued their strong season with a 27-19 victory over the DC Defenders in their regular season home finale. The win extended Orlando’s winning streak to three games and solidified their position as the top team in the UFL, while the Defenders fell to 5-4 following their third consecutive loss. The Storm’s dominance was evident from the outset, as former DC receiver Chris Rowland made a powerful return to his old team. Rowland delivered a standout performance, hauling in eight receptions for 117 yards and scoring a 62-yard touchdown on Orlando’s opening drive. His explosive play set the tone for the game, showcasing his ability to make defenders miss and create big plays. The Defenders responded quickly, with Matt McCrane kicking a 43-yard field goal to give DC a 3-0 lead. However, the Storm’s defense forced a turnover, allowing Spencer Sanders to connect with Keke Coutee on a 45-yard pass. Deon Jackson then capped the scoring drive with a three-yard touchdown, giving DC a 10-7 edge. Orlando’s offense answered immediately, as quarterback Jack Plummer demonstrated his playmaking ability. Plummer found Elijah Badger for a 41-yard touchdown, extending the Storm’s lead to 14-10. Later in the half, Plummer orchestrated another scoring drive, completing a 35-yard pass to Cam Camper before hitting Badger again for a two-yard touchdown. The Storm led 21-10 at halftime, with the Defenders unable to close the gap despite McCrane’s 67-yard field goal attempt falling short. The second half saw the Defenders rally, with McCrane drilling a 56-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 21-13. Orlando’s Michael Lantz responded with a 35-yard field goal, pushing the lead to 24-13.#orlando_storm #dc_defenders #chris_rowland #jack_plummer #spencer_sanders
Louisville Kings' Chandler Rogers Takes Control as Team Prepares for DC Defenders Clash LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Chandler Rogers, the quarterback for the Louisville Kings, has emerged as the team’s de facto leader and offensive focal point as they gear up for their upcoming matchup against the DC Defenders. While Rogers did not start the season as the team’s primary signal-caller, his relentless work ethic and leadership during training camp have solidified his role as the quarterback the Kings trust to carry the offense. Rogers’ transformation from a backup to a key player has been evident throughout the season. His dedication to improving his game was apparent even before the season began. Head coach Chris Redman highlighted how Rogers took initiative during preseason camp, often conducting solo walkthroughs with the offensive line and receivers at the hotel before the season started. “He was doing his own walkthroughs in camp by himself when he wasn’t even the starter,” Redman said. “That’s the kind of leadership he brings to the table.” Redman’s praise for Rogers’ work ethic extended beyond the practice field. The coach noted how Rogers’ resilience in the face of adversity mirrored his own early career. “I see a little myself in him,” Redman admitted. “I saw a guy who got knocked around in a game, got up like nothing bothered him, and played his best. That’s the ultimate way to earn respect in football.” Rogers, however, downplayed the comparison, joking about whether he had watched old footage of Redman’s playing days. “I haven’t,” he said, adding that the coach was kidding about the reference. “He’s saying that’s how he used to be. I’ve heard the stories, and I mean, Coach Logan played against him before. He said he’d do for like 596 or something like that, so I know he was slinging it around.#dc_defenders #louisville_kings #chandler_rogers #chris_redman #lynn_family_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
