Week 3 of the 2026 United Football League season delivered drama on and off the field. Undefeated teams stayed hot, there was a record-setting rout, and one of the strangest endings in recent spring-league history. The Orlando Storm and DC Defenders improved to 3-0 and 2-1, respectively. The Dallas Renegades remained perfect at 3-0 in a nail-biter. But the headlines belonged to a bizarre overtime finish, another long-range field goal, ongoing empty-seat issues, and an arrest.
The Wildest Ending You’ll See All Season: Orlando Storm 29, Louisville Kings 27 (OT)
Friday night’s rematch at Lynn Family Stadium in Kentucky was already a shootout before overtime turned it into pure chaos. Regulation ended in a 27-27 tie after both quarterbacks lit it up. Orlando’s Jack Plummer threw for 250 yards and three touchdowns. Louisville’s Jason Bean went for 352 yards and three scores. UFL overtime is a two-point conversion shootout from the 5-yard line. Teams get three attempts each; if still tied, it goes to sudden death.
If a defense commits two live-ball penalties during the OT period, the offense is automatically awarded two points. Neither team converted in the first three rounds. On Orlando’s third try, Louisville cornerback Mekhi Garner was flagged for pass interference. Storm wideout Elijhah Badger drew a holding call on Corey Mayfield Jr. That was the second defensive foul—game over. Orlando was awarded the two points for a 29-27 walk-off win.
Fans littered the field with trash in frustration. Louisville coach Chris Redman was blunt afterward: “That’s the rules… I didn’t make them up.” The Kings fell to 0-3; the Storm stayed unbeaten at 3-0.
DC Defenders Make History (Again): 45-7 Rout of Houston Gamblers
Reigning champions DC turned Audi Field into a statement game. They delivered the largest margin of victory in UFL history with a 38-point thrashing of the Houston Gamblers. This makes the second time this season that Houston was blown out.
The Defenders led 28-0 at halftime thanks to three Houston turnovers (including a pick-six) and explosive plays. Kicker Matt McCrane continued his mastery of the league’s 4-point field goal rule. McCrane drilled his second 60-yard bomb of the season (the first came in Week 1), extending the lead early. He finished 3-for-3 on field goals. Houston managed just 7 points and dropped to 1-2.
Dallas Renegades 28, Columbus Aviators 23 – And the Seats Stayed Empty
The Renegades stayed undefeated, but the real story was in the stands at Toyota Stadium in Frisco. Official tickets sold: just 5,133—another new record low for the franchise. It is also the lowest announced crowd of the young season.
Dallas has now set (and broken) its attendance low multiple weeks in a row despite sitting at 3-0. The game itself was closer than expected. Columbus led early, Dallas pulled ahead with a pick-six and a third-quarter surge. The Aviators made it 28-23 late before failing on a fourth-and-12 instead of an onside kick. Still, the sparse crowd was the loudest talking point.
Ted Ginn Jr. Arrested for DWI Day Before Coaching in Dallas
In the most unfortunate off-field news, Columbus Aviators head coach Ted Ginn Jr. was arrested on a driving-while-intoxicated charge.
The 41-year-old was booked around 3:30 p.m. CT, released on bond that evening, and still coached the next day against the Renegades (his team’s third straight loss). Ginn later issued a statement: “I made a serious mistake and take full responsibility.” The timing added an extra layer of distraction for the Aviators.
Other Notable Storylines
- St. Louis Battlehawks 34, Birmingham Stallions 30: A back-and-forth thriller decided by late heroics from Battlehawks QB Harrison Frost. St. Louis improved to 2-1; Birmingham fell to 1-2 in another high-turnover game.
- Standings Snapshot: Orlando and Dallas sit atop the standings at 3-0. DC and St. Louis are 2-1. The Kings and Aviators remain winless at 0-3.
- Rule Changes in Spotlight: The four-point field goal and the new OT defensive-penalty clause are already creating memorable moments.
Final Thoughts
Week 3 reminded fans why spring football can be must-watch. There were high-scoring games, rule quirks that spark debate, and the constant grind of a short season. With attendance concerns in some markets surfacing, the UFL will hope the on-field excitement keeps growing the league’s footprint.
Next up: more divisional battles and the chance for some 0-3 teams to finally break through. Stay locked in—the UFL is delivering.
