Columbus Aviators, coached by Ted Ginn Jr., open UFL tenure with 23–16 loss at Orlando

A new franchise begins on the road

The Columbus Aviators’ first game in the United Football League ended with a 23–16 defeat to the Orlando Storm on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando. The matchup marked the regular-season debut for both expansion teams and the head-coaching debut of Ted Ginn Jr., a former Ohio State standout and long-time NFL wide receiver.

Orlando improved to 1–0, while Columbus left Week 1 at 0–1 ahead of its first home game in Columbus.

How the numbers shaped the result

Orlando finished with a 356–315 advantage in total yards and posted 6.5 yards per play compared with Columbus’ 5.5. The Aviators held the ball longer (32:20 time of possession to 27:40), but Orlando paired efficiency with a clean turnover margin. Columbus committed the game’s only turnover.

The Storm’s offense was anchored by quarterback Jack Plummer, who completed 17 of 22 passes for 240 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. The most productive target was wide receiver Elijhah Badger, who totaled 127 receiving yards on four catches, providing the game’s most significant downfield gains.

• Orlando: 356 total yards, 0 turnovers
• Columbus: 315 total yards, 1 turnover
• Explosive production: Badger (127 receiving yards), a key separation point

Orlando’s rushing touchdowns prove decisive

While the Storm generated key passing plays, their scoring punch came on the ground. Running back Jashaun Corbin carried 15 times for 66 yards and scored twice, giving Orlando reliable red-zone production and a consistent response when Columbus sustained longer possessions.

For Columbus, quarterback Jalan McClendon completed 21 of 32 passes for 212 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. The Aviators moved the ball—particularly with a productive rushing total of 120 yards—but did not translate that yardage into enough points to match Orlando’s two rushing touchdowns.

What the opener suggests for Columbus

In a league with a short regular season, early results can carry added weight in playoff races. Columbus’ opener provided two clear benchmarks: the offense was able to sustain drives and control possession, but the margin for error narrowed with a turnover and an absence of touchdown passes. Orlando, by contrast, combined explosive receiving yardage with finishing ability in the run game.

Final: Orlando Storm 23, Columbus Aviators 16 — Week 1 of the 2026 UFL season.