ALL-UFL TALENT ANCHORS INAUGURAL SQUAD
The Columbus Aviators today announced their 50-man roster ahead of the franchise’s inaugural UFL season. The team concluded its final practice of training camp on Wednesday.
The Aviators enter their first season with a blend of proven production and emerging opportunity, including three players who earned All-UFL honors in 2025—offensive tackle Ryan Nelson, tight end Gunnar Oakes, and cornerback Kedrick Whitehead Jr., who was also named UFL Special Teams Player of the Year.
Running back Toa Taua led the UFL in rushing touchdowns (6) last season despite appearing in just seven games, while quarterback Jalan McClendon ranked third in passing yards (1,464), completions, and attempts over that same stretch.
The Columbus roster includes three quarterbacks, three running backs, six wide receivers, three tight ends, eight offensive linemen, eight defensive linemen, six linebackers, 10 defensive backs, and three specialists. (Cage)
The Aviators open their schedule on the road this Sunday, March 29 at 8 p.m. ET against the Orlando Storm, before returning to Historic Crew Stadium for their home opener on Friday, April 3 at 8 p.m. against the DC Defenders.
Highlighting the “614 Kickoff” celebration, GRAMMY® Award-nominated, multi-platinum singer and songwriter Gavin DeGraw will perform at halftime.
As part of the opening weekend, UFL teams are offering a special incentive for fans to participate in the UFL Kickoff Challenge, including a 33 percent discount on home opener tickets purchased during the two-week window. The offer provides fans an opportunity to secure a discounted seat for opening weekend—including the chance to experience the home opener celebration and performance by DeGraw. All ticket information can be found at UFLAviators.com.
2026 COLUMBUS AVIATORS ROSTER 26.3.23
0 Ross Devin WR Colorado
1 Fields II Tony MLB West Virginia
2 Morton Jalen QB Prairie View A&M
3 Chism Keke WR Missouri
4 White ZaQuandre RB South Carolina
5 Lovett John RB Penn State
6 Wells Antwane WR Mississippi
7 Moore Jaylon WR Tennessee-Martin
8 McClendon Jalan QB Baylor
9 Smith Cam CB South Carolina
10 Dawkins Noah OLB Citadel
11 Thompkins Fred ILB UNLV
12 Sayin Aidan QB Penn
13 Fortune O'Donnell CB South Carolina
15 Dent Akeem FS Florida State
18 Taylor Roc WR Memphis
20 Jackson Storey ILB Liberty
21 Miller Jr. D.J. CB Kent State
22 Jones Tre'Von CB Minnesota
23 Shelton Nehemiah CB San Jose State
25 Fuller Quashon DE Maryland
28 Woods Kyree CB San Diego State
30 Benson Xavier LB Oklahoma State
32 Whitehead Jr. Kedrick CB Delaware
33 Black Henry SS Baylor
35 Taua Toa RB Nevada
40 Coe Ryan K California
41 Lawson Michael CB Western Illinois
48 Willekes Kenny DE Michigan State
50 Bunch Payton LS Virginia
52 Plant Jr. Adam DE UNLV
56 Stone Jr. Ron DE Washington State
57 Walker Jailin MLB Indiana
58 Harris Bless T TCU
64 Glaser Chris G Virginia
65 Quarshie Wisdom G Temple
67 Monteiro Aaron G Boston College
69 Cabral Cohl C Arizona State
71 Farniok Matt G Nebraska
75 Nelson Ryan T Virginia
77 Filiaga Chuck OL Minnesota
81 Martin Tay WR Oklahoma State
83 Robbins Brad P Michigan
84 Oakes Gunnar TE Eastern Michigan
87 McDonald Cam TE Florida State
88 Mack Alizé TE Notre Dame
96 Patton Caeveon DE Texas State
98 Jenkins Patrick NT Tulane
99 Palmore Walter DT Missouri