Ted Ginn Jr. kicks off Columbus Aviators 2026 UFL training camp

The Ted Ginn Jr. era of Columbus professional football officially began Monday as the Columbus Aviators took the field for their first training camp practice.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 5:50pm

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The Columbus Aviators of the United Football League (UFL) held their first training camp practice on Monday at the league's headquarters in Arlington. The Aviators' coaching staff is led by former Ohio State standout Ted Ginn Jr. as the head coach, along with veteran NFL coach Todd Haley as the offensive coordinator and former Buckeye linebacker Larry Grant overseeing special teams and linebackers. The team is carrying a 64-man preseason roster and must trim it down to 50 players by March 20 under UFL rules.

Why it matters

The opening of the Aviators' training camp marks the start of a new era for professional football in Columbus, with the city's first major league team since the Columbus Destroyers of the Arena Football League. The Aviators' coaching staff brings a wealth of Ohio football pedigree, which should help generate excitement and support from the local community.

The details

The Aviators' coaching staff includes several names familiar to Ohio football fans. In addition to head coach Ted Ginn Jr., the team has veteran NFL coach Todd Haley as offensive coordinator and former Buckeye linebacker Larry Grant overseeing special teams and linebackers. The team is also bringing in former Buckeye Curtis Terry Sr. to lead the defensive line.

  • The Aviators held their first training camp practice on Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • The team must trim its 64-man preseason roster down to 50 players by March 20, 2026, under UFL rules.

The players

Ted Ginn Jr.

The head coach of the Columbus Aviators and a former standout wide receiver at Ohio State University.

Todd Haley

The offensive coordinator for the Columbus Aviators and a veteran NFL coach, having served as a head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs and offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns.

Larry Grant

The special teams and linebackers coach for the Columbus Aviators and a former linebacker for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Curtis Terry Sr.

The defensive line coach for the Columbus Aviators and a former defensive lineman for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

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What’s next

The Aviators must trim their 64-man preseason roster down to 50 players by March 20, 2026, under UFL rules.

The takeaway

The launch of the Columbus Aviators and their coaching staff's deep Ohio football roots are generating excitement for the city's first major league professional football team in years, as the Aviators aim to build a winning culture and connect with the local community.