A rough defensive effort from Columbus anchored the home opener as the reigning champion DC Defenders ran through the Aviators 44-26. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Columbus Aviators hosted the DC Defenders in its first-ever home game. Ted Ginn Jr., a former Ohio State superstar, led the Columbus expansion team with his dad, Cleveland Glenville legend Ted Ginn Sr., in attendance. 

Ginn Sr. spoke to The Silver Bulletin before the game, expressing his excitement as a proud father, not only to his son Ted Ginn Jr., but also to defensive line coach Curtis Terry. “I’m so proud of Ted and guys like Curtis Terry. These are my kids,” Ginn Sr. said. 

The Glenville coach continued saying, “I’ve been at the same place for fifty years because my purpose is there. I choose to stay because of the lives I get to impact in the community for days like this, seeing them thrive and multiply more young men with great character and values. It’s bigger than just football to me.” 

An energetic crowd of 14,810 filled Historic Crew Stadium as Columbus reminded the public that Ohio is, and always will be, a football state. Former Ohio State quarterback Cradale Jones was also in attendance, rallying the crowd and leading a few OH-IO chants, followed by “Go Aviators!” Traditional Stadium Ohio rang out as well throughout the home opener. 

Fans since Day 1. Strong crowd for the @UFLAviators tonight.

Ohio is, and always will be, a football state. #UFL pic.twitter.com/z7414PbdYF

— Blake T. Biscardi (@BlakeBiscardi) April 4, 2026

Deon Jackson punched in the first touchdown of the game for the Defenders, giving them a 7-0 lead. DC marched down the field quickly, thanks to three chunk plays before stalling in the red zone to later be bailed out by a pass interference penalty, setting up the score. 

Aviators quarterback Jalan McClendon’s legs were the story of the opening drive. Columbus marched down the field in a punishing 13 plays, which accounted for 60 yards covering 6:51. McClendon’s six-yard rush capped off the drive with an exclamation point in the end zone. 

End 1Q: Tied 7-7

DC tacked on a field goal, while Columbus missed its attempt. Already up 10-7, the Defenders pounded the ball down the field as running back Xazavian Valladay punched it in from 10 yards out. He accounted for the final four carries on the drive and totaled 33 of the 59 yards. 

The Aviators’ defense continued to struggle in the run game and gave up big plays. Columbus was unable to force a stop in the first half, giving up three touchdowns and a field goal on its four defensive drives. 

Deon Jackson returned to the field and picked up where he left off, scoring his second touchdown of the night. DC extended its lead to 17 with 1:56 remaining in the first half. On an ensuing Aviators punt, DC returner Keke Coutee muffed the catch, and Columbus recovered for its first momentum swing of the night. 

Ted Ginn Jr.’s team finally responded with a strong answer. ZaQuandre White flew into the end zone from five yards out to cut the lead to 10 right before halftime. That drive reengaged the home crowd and brought juice back to the Columbus sideline. 

Despite being only two games into existence as a team and fan base, the stadium felt like the fandom had history. That’s the rich football tradition of the state of Ohio carrying the day. 

A muffed snap led to a quick throw that resulted in an interception for Defenders quarterback Jordan Ta’amu. Columbus linebacker Michael Lawson stole it out of the air to set up the Aviators at the DC 41-yard line with 42 seconds to go. 

That momentum wouldn’t last long for the home team as quarterback Jalan McClendon returned the interception with one of his own to safety Sam Kidd. DC took a knee to end the half, leading 24-14. 

Halftime: DC up 24-14

An early theme of the second half for the Aviators was their inability to hold onto the football, fumbling twice on their first two possessions. The second fumble ultimately led to a 49-yard touchdown run by Deon Jackson, who has broken out in this game. 

Another failed possession for the Aviators backed them deep in their own territory as DC found the end zone again to go up 38-14. Nevertheless, Columbus found an answer as McClendon hooked up with Alize Mack over the top, but the Aviators missed the two-point attempt. DC took a 38-20 lead into the fourth quarter. 

End 3Q: DC up 38-20

DC added another field goal to go up 41-20. However, Columbus didn’t quit as McClendon found Tay Martin for a late touchdown to cut into the lead by six. Still, it proved to be too little too late for the Aviators, as the deficit was too much to overcome. The Defenders rushed for 231 yards on 34 carries, averaging 6.8 yards per attempt.

The inaugural game in Columbus was spoiled by a potent run game from the reigning champion Defenders. Ted Ginn Jr.’s team was out-manned in the loss as major concerns on the defensive side of the ball emerged. Addressing and rectifying the issues are the first critical coaching moments in Ginn Jr.’s young career, as his team falls to 0-2. 

Final: DC Defenders 44 Columbus Aviators 26