Stallions Bring Win Streak Into Columbus Rematch
by Ethan Berch
ARLINGTON, TX – May 19, 2026 – Less than a week after their Week Eight showdown in Birmingham, the Stallions and Aviators meet again, this time in Columbus. Birmingham enters red-hot, winners of three straight and suddenly back in the middle of the playoff picture. Meanwhile, the Aviators sit at 2-6 and are running out of time, needing both wins and plenty of help to extend their season into June.
Storylines to watch:
Birmingham Stallions
No team enters Week Nine hotter than the Birmingham Stallions. After opening the year 1-4, they’ve stormed back into the playoff race with three consecutive victories and currently hold the fourth and final postseason spot.
The path to clinching this week is complicated. Birmingham needs a win over Columbus paired with victories from DC, Dallas, and St. Louis. Still, the Stallions control plenty of their own destiny after securing the tie-breaker advantage over the Louisville Kings, who also sit at 4-4.
During Birmingham’s 14-3 victory last week, the temperatures were blazing, with the heat becoming a major factor. With the rematch shifting to a Saturday afternoon in Columbus, both teams should look a bit more refreshed offensively.
Last week, Birmingham delivered the blueprint for slowing down the UFL’s top rushing attack. Entering Week Eight, Columbus averaged 138 rushing yards per game and built its identity around controlling the clock and wearing defenses down.
Defensive coordinator Kevin Sherrer completely flipped the script. The Stallions held the Aviators to just 61 rushing yards and bottled up all three backs throughout the afternoon. Tae Crowder starred again with 11 tackles, an interception, and two tackles for loss, while both Crowder and Kyahva Tezino continue to rank among the UFL leaders in tackles.
Steven Gilmore delivered the knockout blow. Gilmore blocked a field goal and returned it for a touchdown to seal the game, while also adding an interception in one of the biggest defensive performances of the season.
The formula remains simple for Birmingham: stop the run and force Jalan McClendon to beat them through the air, something he has struggled with this year.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson has provided a spark since taking over, going 3-1 as the starter while ranking near the top of the UFL in both completion percentage and passing efficiency.
The Stallions have also become one of the league’s most explosive offenses. Jaydon Mickens leads the UFL with 519 receiving yards, while Justyn Ross and Deon Cain continue to stretch defenses vertically.
Last week proved Columbus can be challenged downfield despite its strong secondary, and if DTR settles in early, Birmingham could break through and put together a big offensive afternoon.
Columbus Aviators
Despite entering Week Nine at 2-6, the Aviators are still mathematically alive. The road is steep and requires help from around the league, but Columbus still has an opportunity to keep its season going.
Now riding a two-game losing streak, the Aviators have officially entered must-win territory. The good news? Their final two games will be played at Historic Crew Stadium.
After Birmingham completely shut down the rushing attack last week, Columbus faces a major decision offensively. The Aviators can continue leaning into their identity with one of the deepest backfields in the league, or they can allow Jalan McClendon to push the ball vertically and open things up through the air.
McClendon struggled in last week’s loss, finishing with 151 passing yards, two interceptions, and a 48.1 quarterback rating. Columbus also converted just 5-of-15 third downs and 1-of-3 fourth downs.
If the Aviators want to flip this matchup, they need more balance offensively. Establishing a passing threat could allow their rushing attack to open up.
Oddly enough, Columbus still dominated possession last week, controlling the football for more than 36 minutes. The issue was finishing drives and capitalizing on opportunities, a lingering issue in 2026 for the Aviators.
Defensively, the Aviators were strong for much of the afternoon outside of one explosive connection to Jordan Thomas. Columbus held DTR to just 126 passing yards and limited Birmingham to only 49 rushing yards. If that defensive performance repeats itself at home, the Aviators will absolutely have a chance with the home crowd behind them.
Field position could become a massive factor. Columbus needs takeaways, shorter fields, and momentum swings to minimize the margin for error offensively.
It’s desperation time for the Aviators, but that can also make a team dangerous. With nothing to lose and their season hanging in the balance, Columbus suddenly becomes one of the tougher outs in the league.
X-Factor:
If the Stallions once again shut down the run and force McClendon into obvious passing situations, they’ll be in prime position to control the game defensively.
If the Aviators can finally find offensive rhythm, whether through the ground game or McClendon stretching the field, their defense is good enough to give them a chance against anybody in the UFL.