ARLINGTON, TX – November 10, 2026 – The second year of the Columbus Aviators era is already underway, and head coach Ted Ginn Jr. will look to build on his first season at the helm. The Aviators finished with just three victories in 2026 and will look to turn things around with a bounceback season in 2027.
If I were in Ginn Jr.’s shoes, here are three areas I would address during the 2027 UFL Draft next week.
1: Acquire a Quarterback
The Aviators own the first pick in the draft, and the direction seems clear to me: they need to select a signal-caller. Quarterback is the most important position in football, and without a reliable leader under center, it is difficult to win consistently.
Columbus finished seventh in the UFL with just 1,668 passing yards, averaging fewer than 170 yards through the air per game. The Aviators also threw just 12 passing touchdowns, leaving plenty of room for improvement in the passing game. With the offense struggling to consistently move the ball through the air, the team leaned heavily on its rushing attack, which finished among the league’s best.
Jalen Morton provided a spark late in the season, leading an inspiring come-from-behind victory over the Birmingham Stallions in Week 9. However, the win came too late for the Aviators, who faced elimination that same week.
Even with Morton and Jalan McClendon expected to return, using the top pick on a young quarterback could be the most logical approach for Columbus. The first overall selection presents an opportunity to add a potential franchise leader, and it is imperative that Ginn Jr. brings in a player who can make a difference.
If the Aviators ultimately decide not to use the top pick on a quarterback, I would recommend exploring a trade. Moving the No. 1 overall selection could allow Columbus to acquire proven talent while adding valuable draft capital to continue building its roster.
2: Supply QB1 with Weapons
Whoever is under center for the Aviators in 2027 will need weapons. Columbus’ top receiving target from last season has already parlayed his spring opportunity into a chance to continue his career in the NFL.
Tay Martin finished third in the league with 42 receptions, adding 483 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Martin was a versatile threat who also contributed on special teams, ultimately earning an opportunity with the Detroit Lions. Ginn Jr., a former NFL wide receiver himself, knows the importance of having playmakers around his quarterback.
The Aviators’ rushing attack was one of the best in the league last season, averaging 130.7 yards per game. However, the passing game held the offense back. With Martin no longer in the picture for 2027, adding talent to the receiving room is critical. A reliable target, or an explosive playmaker, could help make the transition to a new quarterback smoother while giving the offense another way to attack opposing defenses.
3: Address the Run Defense
Columbus’ defense was lopsided in terms of yards allowed last season. Its base 4-2-5 nickel set helped hold opponents to just 133.2 passing yards per game, the best mark in the league. However, the Aviators surrendered 120.8 rushing yards per game, ranking second-worst in the UFL. They also allowed a league-high 4.9 yards per carry, making run defense a significant area of concern.
Given the team’s defensive structure, I believe one way to address that weakness is by adding an impact linebacker. With only two linebackers on the field in the base nickel look, those players have an important role in diagnosing runs, filling gaps, and preventing opposing backs from reaching the second level.
Finding a linebacker who can play downhill, consistently make tackles, and help limit opposing rushing attacks could give Columbus a valuable piece to improve its run defense. The Aviators do not necessarily need to change their defensive identity, they need to find the personnel to make it more effective.
The Aviators are in a unique position with the first overall pick in the 2027 UFL Draft. In fact, Columbus will select first in each of the first two rounds, putting the team in a prime position to add multiple impact players.
The priority, in my eyes, should be finding a quarterback, then supplying him with help in the receiving room to complement an already strong rushing attack. On the other side of the ball, addressing the run defense should be just as important. The Aviators have areas to improve, but with a successful draft, the outlook could change quickly for Ginn Jr. and Columbus heading into year two.