Clear Skies or Chaos? Aviators Meet Storm in Opener
by Ethan Berch
ARLINGTON, TX – March 26, 2026 – Sunday night time doesn’t simply mark the primary sport of the season for Columbus and Orlando, it marks historical past for each franchises. The two growth groups will conflict, signaling the beginning of each the Aviators and the Storm.
Storylines to Watch
Training camp’s best quarterback battle came about in Orlando, that includes two extremely gifted passers. Jack Plummer in the end gained the job over Dorian Thompson-Robinson and would be the workforce’s sign caller. Standing at 6-foot-5, Plummer has spent the previous two seasons with the Carolina Panthers after ending his collegiate profession at Louisville. He’s been described as a quarterback who excels at navigating the pocket, defending the soccer, and getting the ball out rapidly to keep away from stress.
Head coach Anthony Becht, previously the chief in St. Louis, is about to make his debut with the Orlando Storm. He brings familiarity with him, including defensive coordinator Donnie Abraham and co-offensive coordinator Marc Colombo to his employees. He additionally introduced over Martin Bayless (particular groups/defensive backs) and La’Roi Glover (defensive position) from final 12 months’s St. Louis teaching employees.
Much of the intrigue in Sunday night time’s matchup additionally comes from the alternative sideline, the place NFL veteran and Columbus legend Ted Ginn Jr. will make his head teaching debut. Ginn Jr. comes from a robust teaching lineage, as his father, Ted Ginn Sr., is a extremely profitable highschool head coach with a number of state championships. Ginn Jr. has mentioned he looks like he’s been each coached and a coach his total life.
While many count on the transition to be difficult, Ginn Jr. has reassured the media that he’s prepared for his first alternative and is worked up to steer in Columbus.
Ginn Jr. put collectively a formidable employees, surrounding himself with skilled voices. Todd Haley steps in as offensive coordinator, whereas Captain Munnerlyn takes over as defensive coordinator. Haley is a former NFL head coach, and Munnerlyn, who loved a 10-year NFL profession, now makes his debut calling performs.
With confirmed teaching expertise on the offensive aspect for Columbus, the main target shifts to the protection. Orlando is anticipated to function an aggressive offense, constructed round a robust dashing assault that opens up the passing sport. Munnerlyn’s protection has been described as scrappy, able to making large performs, but in addition vulnerable to giving them up.
Becht, an offensive-minded head coach, will look to take benefit with a gifted group. Jashaun Corbin highlights the backfield after main the UFL with 514 dashing yards.
If Orlando can set up the run early, Plummer ought to be capable to settle in. His high weapons to observe embrace KJ Hamler, Chris Rowland, and Aron Cruickshank.
Days out from kickoff, many count on Jalan McClendon to start out at quarterback for Columbus, although Ginn Jr. has but to formally identify a QB1. There have additionally been sturdy murmurs out of camp that Aidan Sayin impressed and will see time in Week One.
