The Columbus Aviators are set to play their first game as a team as they travel to Orlando to play the Storm in Week 1 of the 2026 UFL season, but one thing is already set in stone before kickoff: Jalan McClendon is QB1.
McClendon entered training camp as the favorite, as he has established himself as one of the most underrated quarterbacks in spring football since the XFL in 2020. Last season, he started more than half the season for the Houston Roughnecks, passing for 1,464 yards and six touchdowns to three interceptions, adding 94 rushing yards and another score.
Despite having a new team to lead, McClendon seems to be at ease with his new role as a Day 1 starter. He spent time with reporters to discuss his experience with the new coaching staff, Week 1 preparation, and his return to the UFL.
Jalan McClendon talks about preparation against the Orlando Storm
McClendon and the Aviators are in an interesting situation: they haven't seen this Storm team play yet, but know most of the coaching staff, led by head coach Anthony Becht, from when they were with the St. Louis Battlehawks. When UFL NewsHub asked McClendon how preparations are going for the game, he discussed what they are doing to get ready.
"Pretty good. We're installing everything and just like Week 1 kinks, you know, like nobody has real true game film or tape on anybody. So just looking at like joint practices and things and the St. Louis film because it's the staff from the previous year. But man, it's looking good. Like, I think things are coming together. Things are clicking on all cylinders. So just trying to fine-tune some things and just keep things turning in the right direction."
It's a different approach to the 2026 season for McClendon, as he has been used to being the backup for teams like the Roughnecks, DC Defenders, Vegas Vipers, and LA Wildcats, but this is the first time he has been named the starter for Week 1. Even with the job being his, McClendon refuses to take it easy now that his moment has come.
"It feels good. I think that's everybody's goal. Everybody wants to play and start Day 1. And finally, having that happen for me, I think it's a good thing. But more than anything, I try to keep the same chip on my shoulder. In my mind, I visualize it as they look at me as a QB3 still. So, I take that same approach every day and never take it for granted, but always take advantage of it and just be thankful and grateful for the opportunity."
Columbus Aviators' coaching staff with Ted Ginn Jr. and Todd Haley
McClendon is working with a whole new coaching staff led by first-time head coach Ted Ginn Jr. Even though he may not have the experience at the position, Ginn's quarterback is liking what he is seeing so far.
"Yeah, I love Coach Ginn. And obviously, he's a wide receiver, like an offensive guy. But surprisingly, like he does spend time on offense, but he spends a lot of time on the defense. I think he's doing a good job of leading guys and being the head coach. And obviously, I think he's a player's coach, but more than anything, he wants to take care of business. And he makes sure that we take that same approach and that we definitely get that feeling and vibe from him that, yeah, off the field we can be cool, but, between the lines, it's definitely business. Make sure you take care of business and, like, he'll take care of what— so he's doing a good job of leading everybody, leading the staff, and, like, getting the staff to be on the same page and teaching up. Giving us information. So I think he's doing a phenomenal job, and I think you guys all see that in the near future."
Ginn isn't the only new coach McClendon is working with as the Aviators' offensive coordinator; Todd Haley, who has been a head coach at the NFL and the spring football level. McClendon talked about what it has been like working with Haley.
"In his Hard Knocks days with the Browns, he was a completely different guy. But, now I think he's kind of took a more calm approach. From my understanding, he wants the QB to, take control of this thing. Like, he wants it to be QB ran. He wants to give us the freedom to call it and run it. He just wants to really have this thing be a QB-led offense. And I love that. And he refers to his time with the Steelers and how Ben (Roethlisberger) used to just run the show and stuff like that. So I think he kind of takes that same approach, and he just wants to let his players play. Obviously, put us in the best position, but he also wants to let us be free and let us go out and play and execute and have fun."
UFL experience in 2026 versus what it has been like in the past
Most UFL fans have noticed that the vibes this season are very different from those in past years. For McClendon, he's got the same feeling as he credits new UFL co-owner Mike Repole on how his approach has been to the league.
"I think it's more like organized and like put together. Not saying that the previous leagues and ownership wasn't put together, but I think it's more like tight-knit, and like the trajectory of it is like going in the right direction. I think Mike Repole is doing a really good job of making sure he's taking this thing and lead us in the right direction, and I know he's a big marketing guy and pushing the markets for Louisville, and Columbus, and Orlando. And with the halftime performances, those are pretty big names. It's some pretty big people coming to do the halftime performances. So I think he's doing a good job of wanting to be a fan fun kind of event. That everybody can attend, that it's not like an expensive thing. It can really be a family-oriented weekend, and you can enjoy yourselves watching football and having a good time."
McClendon will have the opportunity to prove his worth as QB1 coming up in Week 1 against the Storm.