2026 UFL Week 2: Viewing Guide, Key Insights, and Top Storylines

The UFL returns for Week 2 (April 3-7) with a full slate of games across multiple networks. The marquee matchup sends the expansion Columbus Aviators against defending champion DC Defenders at Historic Crew Stadium.

Broadcast and streaming details

The Aviators-Defenders game airs Friday at 8 p.m. ET on FOX. Joel Klatt and Curt Menefee will handle play-by-play and analysis on FOX UFL Friday.

FOX UFL Friday is a dedicated night of league coverage during the 10-week regular season. All 40 regular-season games will appear across FOX, FS1, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and NFL Network.

Viewers can stream games on FOXSports.com, the FOX Sports app and FOX One. Playoffs are scheduled for Sunday, June 7, and the championship game will be Saturday, June 13.

Friday in Columbus: Aviators vs. Defenders

Kickoff is at 8 p.m. ET at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The Aviators are one of three new franchises this year.

DC returns Shannon Harris, last season’s UFL Coach of the Year, after guiding the club to the title. Jordan Ta’amu remains under center, joined by Seth Williams, Kai Nacua, Abram Smith, Cornell Powell and Ty Scott.

The Defenders struggled in Week 1. They were sacked seven times and managed only 153 offensive yards and 10 points.

Matt McCrane drilled a 60-yard field goal on the team’s opening drive. That kick counted as the league’s first 4-point field goal.

Columbus is coached and led on offense by former NFL receiver Ted Ginn Jr. Jalan McClendon starts at quarterback. Running options include Toa Taua and Zaquandre White.

The Aviators reached the end zone just once on five trips in Week 1 and committed a costly turnover. They will seek a quick offensive correction in Week 2.

Saturday: Kings at Storm

Saturday’s game kicks off at 8 p.m. ET at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando. ESPN will carry the contest.

Jason Bean leads the Kings at quarterback. Benny Snell Jr. provides the lead back presence. Chris Redman coaches the Kings.

Bean threw a fourth-quarter interception that sealed a two-point loss in Week 1. The Kings will look to clean up late mistakes.

Orlando’s Storm are coached by Anthony Becht. Jack Plummer, Elijhah Badger and kicker Michael Lantz headline the roster. The Storm produced 356 total yards in their opener.

Sunday: Stallions vs. Gamblers

Sunday’s midday kickoff is noon ET at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. ESPN2 will televise the matchup.

The Stallions feature quarterback Matt Corral and receivers Deon Cain, John Ross and Jaydon Mickens. Anthony McFarland Jr. leads the backfield.

Birmingham’s franchise has won three straight spring titles across leagues. Those trophies include USFL championships in 2022 and 2023, and the inaugural UFL title in 2024.

The Stallions won their opener by two points and recorded three takeaways. That was the most takeaways by a defense in any season opener.

The Gamblers are coached by Kevin Sumlin. Their Week 1 loss was the biggest margin, at 19 points. Quarterback play is unsettled, with both Nolan Henderson and Hunter Dekkers taking snaps.

The franchise reverted to the Gamblers name for 2026, a nod to Sumlin’s 2022 tenure in the legacy USFL.

Tuesday: Battlehawks at Renegades

Tuesday’s matchup begins at 8 p.m. ET at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. FS1 has the telecast.

Ricky Proehl replaced Anthony Becht as head coach of the Battlehawks. Brandon Silvers starts at quarterback for St. Louis.

Defensive standout Pita Taumoepenu led the Battlehawks’ pass rush in Week 1. He recorded 2.5 sacks and totaled six tackles as St. Louis sacked the Defenders seven times.

The Renegades are led by coach Rick Neuheisel after moving operations to Arlington. Austin Reed started at quarterback and delivered a historic debut.

Reed completed 26 of 40 passes for 376 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. His 376 passing yards set a league record for a regular-season game.

Neuheisel’s decision to start Reed over Luis Perez drew attention. The choice paid off in an emphatic Week 1 victory.

Viewing guide, key insights and top storylines

• Offensive line performance will determine the Defenders’ bounce-back. They allowed seven sacks in the opener.
• The Aviators need more red-zone production. Week 1 yielded one touchdown on five trips.
• Quarterback play remains a focal point across the league. Several teams seek stability under center.
• Defenses made headlines in Week 1. The Stallions recorded three takeaways in their opener.
• Austin Reed’s historic passing line has reshaped the Renegades’ early narrative.

How to follow

Full regular-season schedules and ticket details are available at Filmogaz.com. Single-game, season and group options remain on sale.

Use the league’s broadcast partners or streaming platforms to watch live action. Check local listings for network and start-time confirmations.