Venue: The Dome at America’s Center — St. Louis, Missouri
Kickoff: 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT
Broadcast: ESPN / ESPN+
St. Louis returns home looking to keep pace atop the UFL standings, while Columbus enters desperate to avoid falling into the bottom tier of the league. The Battlehawks’ home‑field advantage remains one of the strongest in spring football, and Columbus arrives with a roster that has struggled to finish games late.
WEATHER UPDATE (INDOOR VENUE)
The Dome at America’s Center is fully enclosed, so weather will not impact on‑field play. However, fan conditions outside the stadium:
Temperature: 72°F at kickoff
Wind: Light 5–7 mph
Humidity: 58%
No precipitation expected
No weather‑related handicapping factors apply.
INJURY REPORT
Columbus Aviators
QB Jalen McClendon — Probable (ankle) Expected to start; mobility slightly limited.
RB Darius Bradshaw — Questionable (hamstring) Game‑time decision; major impact on Columbus’ run game.
WR Tyrell Simmons — Out (shoulder) Removes a key vertical threat.
CB Marcus Hodge — Questionable (groin) If out, Columbus’ secondary becomes extremely vulnerable.
St. Louis Battlehawks
QB A.J. McCarron — Probable (rib soreness) Expected to play; no structural damage.
WR Hakeem Butler — Probable (knee) Trending toward full participation.
LB Willie Harvey — Out (ankle) Weakens St. Louis’ second‑level run defense.
S Qwynnterrio Cole — Questionable (illness) Expected to be available.
TEAM RECORDS & RECENT FORM
Columbus Aviators (2–4)
Last 3 games: L–W–L
Point differential: –27
Offense: Inconsistent; averaging 18.3 PPG
Defense: Allowing 24.8 PPG; struggles in red zone
Trend: Competitive early, collapses late (outscored 44–13 in 4th quarters this season)
St. Louis Battlehawks (4–2)
Last 3 games: W–L–W
Point differential: +31
Offense: Efficient; 24.2 PPG
Defense: Top‑3 scoring defense in UFL
Trend: Dominant at home; strong situational football
SERIES HISTORY
St. Louis leads the all‑time series 2–0
Both matchups decided by 10+ points
Columbus has never scored more than 20 points vs. St. Louis
St. Louis has averaged 27.5 PPG in the series
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
1. QB Jalen McClendon (COL) vs. St. Louis Pass Rush
McClendon under pressure: 52% completion, 2 INT, 5 sacks last two games
St. Louis ranks 2nd in sacks and 1st in QB hits Advantage: St. Louis
2. WR Corps (COL) vs. Battlehawks Secondary
Columbus missing Simmons removes deep‑shot capability
St. Louis allows only 178 passing yards per game Advantage: St. Louis
3. A.J. McCarron (STL) vs. Columbus Secondary
Columbus allows 7.8 yards per attempt
McCarron at home: 68% completion, 5 TD, 1 INT Advantage: St. Louis
4. Columbus Run Game vs. St. Louis Front Seven
If Bradshaw sits, Columbus’ run game drops from 4.3 YPC to 3.1 YPC
St. Louis missing LB Harvey softens interior run defense Advantage: Slight edge to St. Louis unless Bradshaw plays
BETTING TRENDS
Columbus
1–3 ATS in last 4
0–2 ATS on the road vs. winning teams
Under is 4–2 in their games
Slow starts: scoreless in 1st quarter in 3 of last 4
St. Louis
3–1 ATS in last 4
2–0 ATS at home
Over is 3–1 in last 4 home games
McCarron is 6–2 ATS in last 8 home starts
GAME ODDS
Columbus Aviators 43.5
St. Louis Battlehawks – 4.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 7, 2026
