The Columbus Aviators defeated the Houston Gamblers 24-17 on Jim Tressel bobblehead night, marking their second franchise win. The Aviators dominated in rushing yards, outpacing the Gamblers 179-82.
Key points
Columbus Aviators won 24-17 against Houston Gamblers
The Aviators entered the game with a 1-4 record, the worst turnover ratio (-5) and most sacks allowed per game. Despite the struggles, the Aviators boast the most rushing yards per game and per attempt in the UFL, and that helped them score 21 points in the first half. The Aviators outrushed the Gamblers 179-82.
Kevin and Salena DaLuz pose for a photo before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
Columbus Aviators warm up before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
Fans enter the stadium before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
Q&A
What was the final score of the Columbus Aviators vs Houston Gamblers game?
The final score was Columbus Aviators 24, Houston Gamblers 17.
How many wins do the Columbus Aviators have this season?
The Columbus Aviators have two wins this season.
What significant event occurred during the Aviators game against the Gamblers?
The game was held on Jim Tressel bobblehead night, celebrating the former coach.
How did the Aviators perform in terms of rushing yards against the Gamblers?
The Aviators outrushed the Gamblers 179 yards to 82 yards.
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Free bobbleheads of Jim Tressel for fans before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
Fans receive a bobblehead of Jim Tressel before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
A fan receives a bobblehead of Jim Tressel before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
A fan receives a bobblehead of Jim Tressel before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
Scarlett Laferty, 7, fist bumps Crew Cat before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
Twins Zach and Alex King smile after taking a photo with their Jim Tressel bobbleheads before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
Columbus Aviators warm up before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
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Highlights of Columbus Aviators vs Houston Gamblers UFL matchup
Kevin and Salena DaLuz pose for a photo before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
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Highlights of Columbus Aviators vs Houston Gamblers UFL matchup
Kevin and Salena DaLuz pose for a photo before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
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Highlights of Columbus Aviators vs Houston Gamblers UFL matchup
Columbus Aviators warm up before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
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Highlights of Columbus Aviators vs Houston Gamblers UFL matchup
Fans enter the stadium before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
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Highlights of Columbus Aviators vs Houston Gamblers UFL matchup
Free bobbleheads of Jim Tressel for fans before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
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Highlights of Columbus Aviators vs Houston Gamblers UFL matchup
Fans receive a bobblehead of Jim Tressel before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
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Highlights of Columbus Aviators vs Houston Gamblers UFL matchup
A fan receives a bobblehead of Jim Tressel before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
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Highlights of Columbus Aviators vs Houston Gamblers UFL matchup
A fan receives a bobblehead of Jim Tressel before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
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Highlights of Columbus Aviators vs Houston Gamblers UFL matchup
Scarlett Laferty, 7, fist bumps Crew Cat before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
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Highlights of Columbus Aviators vs Houston Gamblers UFL matchup
Twins Zach and Alex King smile after taking a photo with their Jim Tressel bobbleheads before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
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Highlights of Columbus Aviators vs Houston Gamblers UFL matchup
Columbus Aviators warm up before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
The Aviators outpossessed the Gamblers by more than nine minutes in the first half and had 222 total yards of offense, the most of any half for the team to date. After losing a fumble that cost the Aviators a chance to beat the Gamblers last week, quarterback Jalan McClendon played a turnover-free game and completed 20 for 26 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown.
Leading 14-10 with eight minutes remaining in the second quarter, McClendon threw his best pass of the day, a bullet to wide receiver Tay Martin, who pushed downfield for 52 yards.
After McClendon's pass, running back Zaquandre White took the next four carries for 20 yards, ending with a rushing touchdown to put the Aviators ahead 21-10 with five minutes left in the second quarter.
Free bobbleheads of Jim Tressel for fans before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
Free bobbleheads of Jim Tressel for fans before the UFL game against the Houston Gamblers at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
Gamblers quarterback Nolan Henderson, who had no turnovers and a rushing touchdown in the win against the Aviators last week, appeared to injure a leg on the Gamblers' first scoring drive. He played the rest of the first half but did not return for the second half.
Backup quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, brother of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, entered the game and led a five-play, 57-yard touchdown drive to get the Gamblers within a touchdown entering the fourth quarter.
Though the Aviators played lockdown defense, their offense stalled, aside from a 48-yard field goal by kicker Ryan Coe on their first drive of the second half. Coe attempted a 49-yard field goal with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter but missed short and right.
Houston Gamblers linebacker Anthony Hines III (57) attempts to tackle Columbus Aviators tight end Gunnar Oakes (84) in the first quarter of the UFL game at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
Houston Gamblers linebacker Anthony Hines III (57) attempts to tackle Columbus Aviators tight end Gunnar Oakes (84) in the first quarter of the UFL game at Historic Crew Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
With the ball on the Gamblers' 39-yard line, the Aviators' defensive front stepped up. Linebacker Jailin Walker sacked Tagovailoa on third down, forcing a three-and-out. The Aviators chewed the clock down to 57 seconds remaining on the next possession. Punter Brad Robbins, a Westerville South graduate who leads the UFL in punt-yards average, booted the ball 56 yards, and Houston started its attempt at a game-tying drive on the 16-yard line.
On the first play of the final drive, defensive end Ron Stone Jr. hammered Tagovailoa to the ground for a loss of nine yards. Tagovailoa winced in pain and was helped off the field. Instead of putting in third-string quarterback Hunter Decks, the Gamblers put in wide receiver Jonte Kirklin under center, and he threw an interception to safety Kedrick Whitehead Jr. to seal the game.
The Aviators (2-4) are tied for fifth in the UFL standings.
