The 2026 Columbus Aviators season was the inaugural season for the Columbus Aviators. They are members of the United Football League (UFL) and play their games at Historic Crew Stadium, and are led by head coach Ted Ginn Jr..
In Week 9, despite their win over Birmingham, the Aviators were eliminated from playoff contention courtesy of wins by Louisville and St. Louis that same week.
Offseason Coaching changes On December 17, 2025, Ted Ginn Jr. was named the team's inaugural head coach. On February 23, 2026, the Aviators announced their full 2026 coaching staff.
On April 11, 2026, Ted Ginn Jr. was arrested for driving while intoxicated in Tarrant County, Texas, ahead of a game versus the Dallas Renegades. He was released the same day on a $1,000.00 bond. Offensive coordinator Todd Haley served as the interim coach for the game, which the Aviators would lose 28–23.
On April 14, 2026, it was announced that Ted Ginn Jr. would continue coaching the Aviators.
Draft
Teams were allowed to protect up to 12 players from their 2025 rosters. Following this process, the Columbus Aviators were allocated players from the roster of the defunct Michigan Panthers.
Staff Columbus Aviators staffHead coach Head coach – Ted Ginn Jr.
Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator – Todd Haley Running backs – Bob Saunders Wide receivers – Tito Overton Offensive line – Ronnie Vinklarek Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Captain Munnerlyn Defensive line – Curtis Terry Linebackers – Larry Grant Defensive backs – Rasul Spain Sources:
Final roster
Schedule
Week Date Time TV Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance 1 March 29 8:00 p.m. ESPN at Orlando Storm L 16–23 0–1 Inter&Co Stadium 11,127 2 April 3 8:00 p.m. Fox DC Defenders L 26–44 0–2 Historic Crew Stadium 14,810 3 April 12 12:00 p.m. ABC at Dallas Renegades L 23–28 0–3 Toyota Stadium 5,133 4 April 17 8:00 p.m. Fox Dallas Renegades W 28–14 1–3 Historic Crew Stadium 8,729 5 April 26 12:00 p.m. ABC at Houston Gamblers L 13–17 1–4 Shell Energy Stadium 5,166 6 May 1 8:00 p.m. Fox Houston Gamblers W 24–17 2–4 Historic Crew Stadium 8,347 7 May 8 8:00 p.m. Fox at St. Louis Battlehawks L 20–31 2–5 The Dome at America's Center 18,563 8 May 17 1:00 p.m. Fox at Birmingham Stallions L 3–14 2–6 Protective Stadium 4,824 9 May 23 3:00 p.m. ABC Birmingham Stallions W 36–29 3–6 Historic Crew Stadium 9,127 10 May 31 6:00 p.m. Fox Louisville Kings L 27–42 3–7 Historic Crew Stadium 10,705
Game summaries Week 1: at Orlando Storm
Week 2: vs. DC Defenders
Week 3: at Dallas Renegades
Week 4: vs. Dallas Renegades
Week 5: at Houston Gamblers
Week 6: vs. Houston Gamblers
Week 7: at St. Louis Battlehawks
Week 8: at Birmingham Stallions
Week 9: vs. Birmingham Stallions
Week 10: vs. Louisville Kings
Standings
References