Renegades and Aviators Run It Back in Columbus

by Ethan Berch

ARLINGTON, TX – April 16, 2026 – Just five days after meeting in Dallas, the Renegades and Aviators will run it back in Columbus this Friday night. Dallas captured chapter one in a tight 28-23 victory at Toyota Stadium.

Storylines to watch:

Dallas Renegades

Rick Neuheisel’s Renegades are a perfect 3-0 so far this season and have been the best offense in the UFL. They lead the league with 31.7 points per game and average 326.3 total yards per contest. 

They have been extremely balanced offensively with both their pass and rush attack. Austin Reed leads the UFL with 763 passing yards and nine touchdown passes. Reed has been in sync with his receiving corps from the jump, but no connection has been stronger than his with Tyler Vaughns. 

Through just three games, Vaughns leads the UFL with 331 receiving yards and four trips to the end zone. Vaughns reeled in five receptions for 41 yards last week and will look for a bigger performance in Week Four. 

Dallas may be the most complete team in the UFL with its stellar defensive outlook. The Renegades have allowed just 13.5 points per game, second-best in the league. They are not winning shootouts, they are controlling games on both sides of the ball. 

Their defense has also generated four interceptions, including two defensive touchdowns. Shaun Wade leads the league with an eye-popping three picks already. 

Last week, Dallas faced a tough test with a Tuesday night game against St. Louis leading into Sunday’s battle with Columbus. With just four days’ rest, the Renegades still found a way to pull out the win. 

The difference in round one was the turnover battle. Dallas forced two takeaways while Reed protected the football and tossed a pair of scores. 

Columbus Aviators

The Aviators remain winless and are still searching for the first victory in franchise history. They return to Historic Crew Stadium this week for another shot at the UFL’s top team. 

Without a doubt, Columbus has excelled at running the football this season. The Aviators rank second in the UFL with 118 rushing yards per game. However, their passing game has lagged behind at just 177 yards per contest. 

They have relied on grinding drives rather than explosive aerial plays, a trend that may need to change. Columbus has struggled all season to generate chunk plays, and to beat a team as explosive as Dallas, Jalan McClendon may need to create more of them. 

Defensively, the Aviators have struggled. Through three weeks, they have allowed 33.5 points per game and 338 total yards per game, including more than 180 rushing yards per contest. Those numbers loom large in this matchup against the UFL’s top offensive unit. 

They have also produced just one takeaway this season. Columbus turned the ball over twice last week, and it ultimately proved costly. 

Captain Munnerlyn’s defense will need a spark against Dallas this weekend in order to walk away with a victory. Overall, the entire unit must be more dynamic if Columbus hopes to earn its first win.

X-Factor:

Last week, Columbus caught Dallas on a short week and still outgained the Renegades, but lost the turnover battle 2-0. Winning the turnover battle and creating explosive plays will be critical if the Aviators hope to take down Dallas.