The Battlehawks return home for their matchup against the Columbus Aviators as the UFL begins its final stretch of the regular season. The Battlehawks are fresh off their 4th victory of the season, while in the midst of a quarterback change from Harrison Frost to Luis Perez. The Aviators sit at 2-4, as they recently defeated the Houston Gamblers in hopes of staying the playoff race.
Columbus Aviators vs. St. Louis Battlehawks Week 7 Game Preview
Gameday Info
Date: Friday, May 8th, 2026
Kickoff Time: 8:00 pm EST
Location: The Dome at the America's Center, St. Louis, Missouri
Network: FOX
Game Betting Odds (via DraftKings)
Spread: Battlehawks -5.5
O/U Total: 43.5
Moneyline: Aviators +200, Battlehawks -245
What to Watch for: St. Louis Battlehawks
The stage is set for the return of the "spring king" as Luis Perez will be making his 2026 debut. Perez was traded to St. Louis after several seasons with the Dallas Renegades. The change to Perez will be the main factor on offense for St. Louis as the team has seen erratic offensive outputs through the first six weeks of the season. St. Louis also looks to be without Kevon Latulas who has been a major cog in their offense on the ground and in the passing game. Jarveon Howard, and Kylin James will continue to shoulder the load while Gary Jennings may find himself lining up in the backfield as well.
Defensively the Battlehawks defense remains one of the more consistent and elite units in the UFL. Carlos Davis has emerged as a perennial All-UFL canindate (despite several personal fouls), with Jordan Mosely and Sean Fresch continuing to be high level performers. Look for EDGE rushers Pita Taumoepenu and Travis Feeney to continue bringing havoc on the Aviators offensive tackles if Jalan McClendon holds on to the football too long.
What to Watch for: Columbus Aviators
This game will heavily rest on the offensive line of the Aviators. Columbus has been one of the more run-heavy teams in the UFL, allowing them to control the clock, and less reliant on Jalan McClendon. McClendon has been extremely competent this season, not overextending himself however he's the second most sacked quarterback in the UFL being brought down 15 times in six games. The brightside, he did managed to avoid Houston defenders in week six, as the journeyman finished the game without being brought down once. Look for St. Louis to take advantage of that coming off a six-sack performance, with the unit going after the football as McClendon has fumbled six times this season.
Defensively, Columbus is going to have to hope that Perez isn't yet on the same page with his St. Louis receivers. Look for Perez to find "replace the space" if Columbus plays zone and have pinpoint accuracy if in man-to-man. While not the most consistent the Battlehawks have dedicated more emphasis on their rushing attack with Columbus to be challenged by the UFL's leading rusher.
Battlehawks-Aviators Prediction
Overall, this is the "best" I've felt about a Battlehawks victory this season. While the underlying storyline of Ginn v. Proehl, coupled by the return of the "Greatest Show on Turf", the Battlehawks on paper are the superior team. St. Louis should win this game easily behind a strong defensive effort up front, along with a consistent offensive attack led by Perez.
Battlehawks 33, Aviators 17