Professional football in the spring will officially return to the city of Orlando next weekend as the Orlando Storm make their debut at Inter & Co Stadium against the Columbus Aviators. The Storm represent a new brand in the UFL after replacing the San Antonio Brahmas after Mike Repole took over strategic planning for the UFL. For Orlando fans, the Storm have a talent-laden roster that has weaved together several playmakers from the Saint Louis Battlehawks, San Antonio Brahmas, and with some players that are new to the UFL sprinkled in to maximize available talent.
The stage is set for the Orlando Storm to the be the best professional football team that has ever called the City of Orlando home. In addition, the new focal point of the UFL is to play in smaller stadiums that create a more intimate atmosphere for each team's fan base and the team's playing into those stadiums. Home games at Orlando should be significantly more intense compared to the San Antonio Brahmas three-year run in the massive Alamo Dome in San Antonio, Texas.
A Star-Studded Coaching Staff
The Orlando Storm's success in 2026 will start with a clear leadership structure. Head coach Anthony Becht is taking the wheel for the Storm after winning 22 games in the last three seasons with the Saint Louis Battlehawks. During his time in the UFL, Becht has proven that he understands how to build both a roster and a coaching staff, as well as design effective game plans. Supporting Becht on defense, Donnie Abraham will serve as defensive coordinator, continuing the role he held in Saint Louis and bringing his reputation for building sound, physical defensive units. Offensively, offensive line coach Marc Colombo and tight ends coach Colin Thompson will serve as co-offensive coordinators, with Colombo focusing on line play and Thompson on skill positions.
Iron Sharpens Iron in the Storm Quarterback Room
Another factor in the expectations for a successful 2026 season for the Orlando Storm is their quarterback room, which features several players vying to lead Becht's offense. The projected starting quarterback for the Storm is former Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson due to his ability to become a dual-threat quarterback that Anthony Becht prefers to build his offensive game plan around. Along with Thompson-Robinson, the Storm also has NFL prototype quarterback Jack Plummer, who can be an outstanding pocket passer in the UFL. And rounding out the Storm's quarterback room, Hank Bachmeier has demonstrated a strong arm and a stronger mindset, both developed while playing for the Boise State Broncos.
A Roster Loaded with Talent
Along with a strong quarterback room, the Storm also has several experienced playmakers spread throughout its roster. The Storm's offensive backfield is loaded with talent at the running back position, including 2025 All-UFL running back Jashaun Corbin, who is considered to be a bell-cow quality back in the UFL. Complementing Corbin, the Storm has running back Elijah Dotson and Tre Stewart. Along with the Storm's strong backfield, Houston also has speedy wide receiver K.J. Hamler, who will be used to stretch the field for the Storm's offense.
Storm Ready to Make Home Debut To Open the 2026 Season
Next Sunday, March 29th, the Orlando Storm will make their official UFL debut at home against the Columbus Aviators. The Aviators are a rebrand of the Michigan Panthers from the last two UFL seasons. The UFL will treat the Orlando market as its flagship, which should help the Storm maintain a stable foundation this season and beyond. Unlike the first two UFL seasons, all 8 teams will compete in a single league-wide division rather than being split into smaller divisions. To make the UFL playoffs in 2026, the Storm must finish in the Top 4 of the standings. Winning every game is important for teams aiming to reach the playoffs.
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