Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Historic Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
TV/Streaming: FOX; streaming on Fubo / NFL+ / theUFL.com app
Series: Second meeting of the 2026 season (Dallas won the first matchup 28-23 on April 12 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX).
Weather Update
Game-time conditions at Historic Crew Stadium (open-air) are forecast to be mild and mostly clear for mid-April, with evening temperatures in the mid-to-upper 60s°F (around 64-68°F at kickoff, cooling into the low 60s). Humidity around 50-60%, with light northwest winds at 8-12 mph and only a 10-20% chance of isolated showers. No significant weather impact expected — these conditions should play neutral for both passing and running games, with the total set around 46-47 points.
Team Records & Recent Form
Dallas Renegades (3-0, 2nd in UFL standings, PF 95, PA 55): Dallas has looked like the league’s most complete team early, averaging 31.7 PPG while allowing just 18.3. They are 3-0 in their last three (including a gritty 28-23 home win over these same Aviators on April 12). Offense has been explosive through the air; defense has been opportunistic with low turnovers allowed. Road record this season: 0-0 (first true road test).
Columbus Aviators (0-3, 8th in UFL standings, PF 65, PA 95): Columbus remains winless and sits at the bottom of the league. Recent form: competitive 23-28 loss to Dallas (April 12), 26-44 home loss to DC Defenders (April 3), and 16-23 road loss to Orlando Storm (March 29). The offense has shown flashes (21.7 PPG) but the defense has been gashed (31.7 PPG allowed). Home record: 0-1.
Injury Report
Dallas Renegades (mostly healthy entering Week 4):
OT Josiah Ezirim — questionable (ankle/knee tweak from Week 3; limited in practice but expected to start or be available).
No other major Week 4 designations reported; the roster is relatively intact after the short week.
Columbus Aviators (depth issues persisting on defense):
LB Storey Jackson — out (knee/lower body; missed Week 3).
CB Michael Lawson — out (shoulder; Week 3 absence carried over).
Additional probables from recent reports: Ryan Nelson (WR), Cohl Cabral (OL), Walter Palmore (DL), Patrick Jenkins (LB), Alize Mack (TE) — all listed as day-to-day but expected available unless new setbacks.
Columbus is thinner on the defensive side of the ball, particularly in coverage and linebacker play, which could be exploited in a rematch.
Probable Quarterbacks & Key Player Matchups
Dallas Renegades: QB Austin Reed (strong arm, record-setting 376-yard, 3-TD performance in Week 1; efficient and mobile in recent wins).
Columbus Aviators: QB Jalan McClendon (dual-threat leader; top-5 in league in both passing and rushing yards but under pressure behind a shaky line).
Key Position Player Matchups/Notes (based on 2026 trends and the April 12 H2H):
Dallas threats: WR Tyler Vaughns (explosive deep threat; 144 yards in opener) and RB Dae Dae Hunter / Lorenzo Lingard (backfield duo that wears down defenses). The Renegades’ passing attack should test Columbus’ depleted secondary.
Columbus threats: WR Tay Martin (emerging star per McClendon) and RB Zaquandre White (power runner). The Aviators must establish the run and force Reed into quick decisions.
Overall edge: Clear advantage to Dallas in talent, depth, and offensive firepower. Columbus’ mobile QB creates some chaos potential, but the Renegades’ defense has been stingy.
Series History
The clubs met just five days ago (April 12), with Dallas pulling out a 28-23 home win in a back-and-forth contest. Dallas controlled the clock and passing game late; Columbus showed fight with a late rally but came up short. This is the only scheduled 2026 regular-season meeting between them.
Betting Trends
Dallas is 3-0 and has covered in every game; short-week rematches in UFL have favored the stronger team. Columbus is 0-3 and has failed to cover as home underdogs. Overs have hit in 2 of Columbus’ 3 games; Dallas’ offense pushes totals higher. Road favorites coming off narrow wins have been reliable in early-season UFL play.
GAME ODDS
Dallas Renegades – 5.5
Columbus Aviators 47.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 16, 2026
