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
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
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
