The Columbus Aviators are starting to find their rhythm. On a special Jim Tressel bobblehead night at Historic Crew Stadium, the Aviators soared to a 24-17 victory over the Houston Gamblers on May 1, improving to 2-5 in the 2026 UFL season.

It was a sweet case of déjà vu for Columbus. For the second straight week, the Aviators avenged a road loss by defeating the same opponent at home. After falling to the Gamblers away, they turned the tables in front of their own fans.

Despite entering the game with the league's worst turnover ratio (-5) and the most sacks allowed per game, the Aviators leaned on their undeniable strength: a ground game that leads the UFL in rushing yards per game and per attempt. That dominance was on full display as Columbus exploded for 21 first-half points and outrushed Houston 179-82.

For a team that started 1-4, this back-to-back win pattern signals a potential turning point. The Aviators are proving that when their rushing attack clicks, they can compete with anyone in the league. And with the crowd buzzing over those Tressel bobbleheads, the energy in Columbus is finally shifting from hope to belief.