Ted Ginn Jr. and the Columbus Aviators are all of a sudden very active in free agency. This week, the team added eight pieces to the roster, each of whom were UFL Showcase attendees over the past couple of months.
The Aviators added five offensive pieces (3 WR, 1 TE, 1 OL), and three defensive backs. Let’s take a look at the new faces, and what they could bring to the table in training camp.
WR Jake Thaw
Right off the bat, Jake Thaw is an intriguing prospect – one who took full advantage of his showcase opportunity. At 6’1”, 192lbs., Thaw brings physicality and versatility to this roster.
Jake began his career at Michigan. He was part of the 2023 National Championship team, fielding 16 punts for 101 yards that season.
Thaw then transferred to Delaware, finding a legitimate role with the Blue Hens. Jake racked up almost 800 receiving yards, to go along with several touchdowns across two seasons. Thaw thrives in the slot, and is the type of playmaker who will boost this wide receiver group that lost Antwane Wells to the Falcons.
WR Jayden Ballard
Jayden Ballard joins this team as someone with immediate comparisons to Tay Martin, now a part of the Detroit Lions’ 53 man roster. At 6’2”, with 4.35 speed, Ballard is the type of product who can do a little bit of everything – and just needs the chance to fully unleash.
Jayden committed to Ohio State, playing for the Buckeyes for four seasons. He was a part of a loaded wideout room over that span, meaning that his target share was lower than others at this level. Jayden recorded 329 yards and three touchdowns collegiately – but the statistic that stands out is the 19.4 yards per reception he averaged throughout. Put the ball in Jayden’s hands down the field, and good things happen.
Considering that Jayden has plenty of experience on special teams as well in various roles, he’s someone who immediately makes Columbus better.
WR Qian Magwood
Another Ohio native, Qian Magwood is an under-the-radar wideout who joins this roster for training camp. Qian stuck with Ball State throughout his entire collegiate career, playing for five seasons. He racked up 83 receptions for 885 yards, to go with six touchdowns (38 games).
Magwood is known for generating YAC, utilized often in quick screen and slant concepts collegiately. Qian averaged 16.8 yards per reception during his final season.
TE James Faulkner
The Aviators featured no shortage of tight ends who could contribute in 2026, but add to that room with James Faulkner. While a bit smaller than some of the TE’s this roster features, Faulkner makes up for that with his ability to generate offensive production.
At Notre Dame College (not to be confused with Notre Dame), Faulkner earned First-Team All-MEC honors during the 2023 season. That year, he racked up 384 yards on 34 receptions, leading the team in receiving touchdowns (3).
James transferred to Gannon for his final year – and simply went off the rails. During the 2025 season, Faulkner compiled 666 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 46 receptions, averaging 14.5 yards per reception. Faulkner is the perfect hybrid tight end, with the ability to get down the field and create mismatches against smaller linebackers and safeties.
OL Ryan Johnson
With the loss of Chris Glaser to the Dallas Cowboys this past offseason, the Aviators need guard depth. Ryan Johnson provides them with exactly that. At 6’2”, 306lbs., he isn’t the biggest guard to take the field – but he makes up for it with strong interior play, and an excellent resume.
Originally a product with the Duquesne Dukes, Johnson made a name for himself once he transferred to Youngstown State. There, he made 22 starts across his last two seasons. This led to NFL opportunities with Tampa Bay and New England, including a short practice squad stint with both.
DB DeQuan Finn
If you’re wondering why DeQuan Finn sounds similar to the quarterback you used to watch at Toledo – that’s because he is. Finn, who played quarterback for the majority of his career, is making the switch to defensive back in the UFL.
DeQuan is an athlete. He was best known in college for his dual threat capabilities. As a quarterback, he amassed 8,841 yards and 75 touchdowns – while also recording 2,302 rushing yards and 31 scores on the ground. Finn primarily saw his action at QB at Toledo, earning 2023 MAC MVP honors.
Now, Finn makes the shift to DB, after a couple of years at Miami (OH) and Baylor. He’s 6’1”, 215lbs., giving him the frame needed to play in the secondary. With all of his experience as a quarterback, Finn’s knowledge of how the QB’s mind works could lead to legitimate success on the other side. Expect DeQuan to make a transition into more of a safety/nickel corner role, as opposed to outside corner.
DB Darrian Lewis
Darrian Lewis is an interesting pickup for Columbus’ secondary. Last year, the team featured quite a bit of length and height, with the rare exception to that being Kedrick Whitehead. Lewis brings upside at the nickel/slot position to the table. He’s 5’9”, 194 lbs., but don’t let his stature fool you – Darrian can make plays.
Lewis has Ohio roots, having played for three years at Akron. There, he logged 122 tackles and was a rotational starter for the Zips. The move to West Virginia proved to be the right decision, though, posting 75 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a few pass breakups during his senior season with the Mountaineers.
With all of the talent that Columbus features on the backend, it’s going to be an uphill battle to make this roster. That said, Lewis has continually proved people wrong his entire career.
S Markel Linzer
Linzer joins Columbus with tons of experience at the safety position. Throughout his career, he amassed 123 tackles, seven interceptions, 16 pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.
It was his final season at Grambling State that really put the spotlight on what he was capable of. Markel earned First-Team All-SWAC honors, after totaling 34 tackles, four interceptions, and seven pass breakups across 11 games.
The Aviators play an aggressive style of defense, led by former NFL cornerback Captain Munnerlyn. With Linzer’s ability to create turnovers at any point of the game, he’s an excellent signing by Columbus’ brass.
Final Thoughts
With a couple of the losses that Columbus had on both sides of the ball, these signings all make perfect sense for Ginn & company. They’ve got serious upside with the dynamic athletes in Jayden Ballard and DeQuan Finn, while guys like Darrian Lewis and James Faulkner are “secret weapons” waiting to be unleashed.
Right now, all UFL teams can only sign players from the UFL Showcases. Once the draft happens on November 18th, it opens the door for other free agents to sign.
What are your thoughts on these signings for the Columbus Aviators? Who will make the 2027 roster? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
