Columbus Aviators top Houston Gamblers 24-17

On Jim Tressel bobblehead night , the Columbus Aviators (2-5) picked up their second franchise win, taking down the Houston Gamblers 24-17 on May 1. It's the second time in a row the Aviators have lost to a team on the road, then beat the same team the week after at home. 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. 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. TURNED ON THE JETS FOR 52 YARDS ✈️ pic.

twitter. com/kfTnxbqwam — Columbus Aviators (@UFLAviators) May 2, 2026 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. 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.