The Orlando Storm (1-0) made their 2026 debut on Sunday night against another newcoming team, the Columbus Aviators (0-1) from Inter&Co Stadium.
On the opening kickoff, Columbus returner Tre’Von Jones had the ball stripped by Andrew Parker and recovered by Josh Minkins, giving the Storm great field position at the 34-yard line. The Storm moved the ball to the 15-yard line before running back Jashaun Corbin broke several tackles to score the touchdown on a three-play drive for 34 yards. They attempted a two-point conversion, but did not get it. The Storm led the Aviators 6-0.
For the rest of the first quarter, Columbus kicker Ryan Coe made a 35-yard field goal and a 37-yard field goal to tie the game 6-6 heading into the second quarter. In the second quarter, the only points scored were Orlando kicker Michael Lantz making a 55-yard field goal. The Storm led the Aviators 9-6 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Orlando running back Jashaun Corbin rushed for a 13-yard touchdown. Kicker Michael Lantz made the extra point for a 16-6 lead to cap off a seven-play drive for 80 yards. Later, Orlando’s offense moved the ball to the nine-yard line. On the next play, quarterback Jack Plummer threw a touchdown pass to Chris Rowland for a 23-6 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Columbus came back. It started when kicker Ryan Coe made a 33-yard field goal. The Aviators trailed the Storm 23-9. Late in the fourth quarter, Columbus running back Zaquandre White scored a three-yard touchdown, and the Aviators trailed the Storm 23-16.
Columbus had one more chance to tie the game, but Orlando’s defense stepped up, and time ran out. The Orlando Storm defeated the Columbus Aviators 23-16.
Orlando’s offense had 361 yards (245 yards passing, 139 yards rushing), 22 first downs, and the team was penalized three times. Quarterback Jack Plummer completed 17 of 22 passes (77.3%) for 245 yards, one touchdown, and three carries for 11 yards. Running back Jashaun Corbin had 15 carries for 66 yards, two rushing touchdowns, and two catches for seven yards.
Wide receiver Elijhah Badger made four catches for 132 yards, while Chris Rowland made four catches for 28 yards and one touchdown. The defense made 59 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, four pass breakups, and one forced fumble.
Columbus had 308 yards on offense (195 yards passing, 200 yards rushing), 19 first downs, and the team was penalized four times. Quarterback Jalan McClendon completed 20 of 30 passes (66.7%) for 195 yards and four carries for 30 yards. Running back Zaquandre White had three carries for 48 yards, one rushing touchdown, and two catches for eight yards.
Wide receiver Tay Martin led the receivers with six catches for 69 yards, while Antwane Wells made two catches for 27 yards. The defense made 63 tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks, and one pass breakup.
Next Friday, the Columbus Aviators host the D.C. Defenders on Friday at 8 pm on Fox, while the Orlando Storm hosts the Louisville Kings on Saturday at 8 pm on ESPN.
