As the 2026 UFL training camp approaches, the Columbus Aviators and Houston Gamblers are actively adjusting their rosters in preparation for the season. The Aviators have added quarterback Aidan Sayin to their lineup, while the Gamblers have made several significant changes, aiming to strengthen their squad for the upcoming competition. These moves come as both teams look to improve on last season’s performances and build momentum early in the offseason.
Detailed Changes to Both Teams’ Player Lineups
The Houston Gamblers removed wide receiver Monarary Baldwin and outside linebacker Toby Ndukwe from their roster. Meanwhile, the Columbus Aviators have boosted their team by adding safety Henry Black, tight end Cam McDonald, and the newly signed quarterback Aidan Sayin. Additionally, the Gamblers brought in cornerback Roman Parodie to reinforce their secondary. A notable trade occurred between the two teams, with Columbus sending defensive tackle Patrick Jenkins to Houston in exchange for tight end Briley Moore.
REMOVED FROM ROSTER:HOUSTONWR, Monarary BaldwinOLB, Toby Ndukwe
ADDED TO ROSTER:COLUMBUSSS, Henry BlackTE, Cam McDonaldQB, Aiden Sayin
HOUSTONCB, Roman Parodie
**TRADE**COLUMBUS TRADES:NT, Patrick JenkinsDC TRADES:TE, Briley Moore
— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) February 11, 2026
Columbus Aviators Add a Record-Setting Quarterback and Valuable Playmakers
With quarterback Clayton Tune no longer part of their plans, the Aviators have turned to Aidan Sayin for leadership under center. Sayin, a former University of Pennsylvania quarterback, stands out as a unique newcomer to the UFL. During his collegiate career at Penn, Sayin set multiple school records, including the most completions with 719 and second-most passing yards with 7,177. He also was the first Quaker to achieve four games with more than 350 passing yards in one season, totaling 45 touchdowns as well.
New Aviators QB @aidan_sayin might be an underrated 💎
1st in completions (719), 2nd in passing yards (7,177), 4th in touchdowns (45) and 5th in completion percentage (62%) all-time at Penn.#LetsFly ✈️ pic.twitter.com/IwbUJgF3R9
— Columbus Aviators Dude (@MIPanthersDude) February 11, 2026
While Sayin requires further development to excel at the professional level, the Aviators believe he is well-suited to thrive within Todd Haley’s offensive scheme as their offensive coordinator. Alongside Sayin, Camren McDonald, a tight end from Florida State University, has joined the team. McDonald, standing 6’4″ and weighing 245 pounds, offers considerable receiving skill and upside. At FSU, he was a full-time starter for his last three seasons, accumulating 861 yards and five touchdowns. Although he was not primarily known for his blocking, McDonald’s ability to catch contested passes has drawn attention. He had earlier signed with the Houston Gamblers but now makes his way to Columbus.
Thank you @FSUFootball for capturing such an incredible moment. Moments like this last forever. ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/YpDpsnmiMA
— Camren McD (@CamrenMcD) October 4, 2021
The Aviators also re-signed safety Henry Black, who had been a draft pick but was released late last year. Black appeared in all 10 games during the 2025 season with the San Antonio Brahmas as a rotational defensive back. Although he did not start, he contributed 22 tackles and was active on special teams with six tackles. Black played college football at Baylor, where he made 119 tackles along with two sacks and two interceptions. His collegiate performance led to NFL interest in 2020, and he signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent, contributing notably during the 2021 season.
Houston Gamblers Adjust Their Defensive and Offensive Lineups
The Gamblers have signed Roman Parodie, a seasoned cornerback who bolsters their secondary. Parodie played 51 games in college at Ohio University, amassing 124 tackles, three interceptions, four tackles for loss, and 28 pass breakups. He impressed during an NFL preseason with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, notably returning an interception for a 39-yard touchdown, although he did not secure a futures contract with the team. His addition aims to strengthen Houston’s pass defense against the league’s top receivers.
Roman Parodie with the @Buccaneers PICK-6! pic.twitter.com/dIV2SGiQTQ
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2025
On the other hand, Houston has parted ways with promising wide receiver Monarary Baldwin, who was expected to bring explosive speed to the offense but will now sit out the season without having played a down. They also released Toby Ndukwe, a defensive end who contributed as a rotational player last season. Given Houston’s depth on the defensive line, the decision to cut Ndukwe aligns with the Gamblers’ plans to tighten their roster for 2026.
Upcoming Challenges and Outlook for Both Franchises
The Aviators’ acquisition of Aidan Sayin represents a calculated risk, betting on a talented but relatively unproven quarterback in a competitive league. His historical success at the University of Pennsylvania offers hope to a franchise looking for stability and growth behind center. The additions of Camren McDonald and Henry Black provide valuable depth on offense and defense, enhancing the overall balance of the team.
Meanwhile, the Houston Gamblers’ roster shake-up reveals a focus on shoring up their defense, particularly at cornerback with Roman Parodie’s arrival. However, the loss of Monarary Baldwin may hamper their explosive passing potential, creating a challenge for the offensive unit to compensate. The coming practices and preseason games will be essential for both sides to evaluate chemistry and performance amid these changes.
As training camp approaches, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how these roster adjustments translate on the field, shaping each team’s chances in the 2026 UFL season.
REMOVED FROM ROSTER:
HOUSTON
WR, Monarary Baldwin
OLB, Toby NdukweADDED TO ROSTER:
COLUMBUS
SS, Henry Black
TE, Cam McDonald
QB, Aiden SayinHOUSTON
CB, Roman Parodie**TRADE**
COLUMBUS TRADES:
NT, Patrick Jenkins
DC TRADES:
TE, Briley Moore— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) February 11, 2026
New Aviators QB @aidan_sayin might be an underrated 💎
1st in completions (719), 2nd in passing yards (7,177), 4th in touchdowns (45) and 5th in completion percentage (62%) all-time at Penn.#LetsFly ✈️ pic.twitter.com/IwbUJgF3R9
— Columbus Aviators Dude (3-7) (@MIPanthersDude) February 11, 2026
Thank you @FSUFootball for capturing such an incredible moment. Moments like this last forever. ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/YpDpsnmiMA
— Camren McD (@CamrenMcD) October 4, 2021
Roman Parodie with the @Buccaneers PICK-6! pic.twitter.com/dIV2SGiQTQ
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2025
