Clear Skies or Chaos? Aviators Meet Storm in Opener

Clear Skies or Chaos? Aviators Meet Storm in Opener

by Ethan Berch

ARLINGTON, TX – March 26, 2026 – Sunday night doesn’t just mark the first game of the season for Columbus and Orlando, it marks history for both franchises. The two expansion teams will clash, signaling the birth of both the Aviators and the Storm. 

Storylines to Watch

Training camp’s most competitive quarterback battle took place in Orlando, featuring two highly talented passers. Jack Plummer ultimately won the job over Dorian Thompson-Robinson and will be the team’s signal caller. Standing at 6-foot-5, Plummer has spent the past two seasons with the Carolina Panthers after finishing his collegiate career at Louisville. He’s been described as a quarterback who excels at navigating the pocket, protecting the football, and getting the ball out quickly to avoid pressure. 

Head coach Anthony Becht, formerly the leader in St. Louis, is set to make his debut with the Orlando Storm. He brings familiarity with him, adding defensive coordinator Donnie Abraham and co-offensive coordinator Marc Colombo to his staff. He also brought over Martin Bayless (special teams/defensive backs) and La’Roi Glover (defensive line) from last year’s St. Louis coaching staff. 

Much of the intrigue in Sunday night’s matchup also comes from the opposite sideline, where NFL veteran and Columbus legend Ted Ginn Jr. will make his head coaching debut. Ginn Jr. comes from a strong coaching lineage, as his father, Ted Ginn Sr., is a highly successful high school head coach with multiple state championships. Ginn Jr. has said he feels like he’s been both coached and a coach his entire life. 

While many expect the transition to be challenging, Ginn Jr. has reassured the media that he’s ready for his first opportunity and is excited to lead in Columbus. 

Ginn Jr. put together an impressive staff, surrounding himself with experienced voices. Todd Haley steps in as offensive coordinator, while Captain Munnerlyn takes over as defensive coordinator. Haley is a former NFL head coach, and Munnerlyn, who enjoyed a 10-year NFL career, now makes his debut calling plays. 

With proven coaching experience on the offensive side for Columbus, the focus shifts to the defense. Orlando is expected to feature an aggressive offense, built around a strong rushing attack that opens up the passing game. Munnerlyn’s defense has been described as scrappy, capable of making big plays, but also prone to giving them up. 

Becht, an offensive-minded head coach, will look to take advantage with a talented group. Jashaun Corbin highlights the backfield after leading the UFL with 514 rushing yards. 

If Orlando can establish the run early, Plummer should be able to settle in. His top weapons to watch include KJ Hamler, Chris Rowland, and Aron Cruickshank. 

Days out from kickoff, many expect Jalan McClendon to start at quarterback for Columbus, though Ginn Jr. has yet to officially name a QB1. There have also been strong murmurs out of camp that Aidan Sayin impressed and could see time in Week One.