UFL Championship 2026 Betting Preview: Predictions, Odds, & Best Bets

DC Defenders (+325)

The DC Defenders present an intriguing but ultimately flawed championship case to go back-to-back at +325.

Their offensive firepower is undeniable. QB Jordan Ta’amu’s 17 touchdown passes lead the second and second with 2,153 yards passing. He threw only four interceptions to limit the mistakes. As one of the most experienced spring football players in the UFL, he should continue to have success.

Stretching the field.

Jordan Ta’amu’s best throws of 2025 💥 pic.twitter.com/RtQwX8OGTH

— DC Defenders (@UFLDefenders) February 10, 2026

That said, WR Chris Rowland’s playmaking ability won’t be present, as he’s with the Orlando Storm now. Ta’amu’s arm can beat any defense in the league on any given day, so he should still be in good shape regardless. However, their mediocre running game makes them too one-dimensional at times.

Despite winning the championship, the Defenders’ defense was inconsistent. That suspect run defense becomes a massive liability in playoff football when teams lean on ball control and clock management. They were fifth out of eight teams with over 117 rushing yards allowed per game in the UFL.

The Defenders made it work last year, though they didn’t do anything to address their suspect defense. If Ta’amu regresses at all, the Defenders are in trouble. At +325, you’re betting that an offense-only team can outscore everyone for multiple consecutive games.

The value simply isn’t there when it should be tough to duplicate what they did last season, and I expect slight regression for them after winning the championship. Ta’amu will nevertheless make games fun to watch.

Birmingham Stallions (+350)

The Stallions at +350 represent solid value for a team that’s been the UFL’s most dominant franchise. Birmingham posted the league’s best point differential at +77 while cruising to a 7-3 record and another USFL conference title.

It’s even more impressive that they ranked second in scoring despite rotating through multiple quarterbacks due to injuries. Imagine what they’ll do with former Ole Miss QB Matt Corral healthy and back under center for a full playoff run. Corral led the Stallions to a championship in 2024 and can do it again.

Corral finds Davis in the end zone

📺: ABC pic.twitter.com/M7h3xza6kL

— Birmingham Stallions (@UFLStallions) June 8, 2025

Their defense gives them the foundation championship teams need, ranking in the top half against both the pass and rush. The continuity factor matters too, with their core returning from back-to-back title runs.

Sure, there’s a new head coach in AJ McCarron, the youngest in professional football, but he inherits a proven system and veteran roster that knows how to win when it counts.

The pressure of being the premier franchise could weigh on some teams, but Birmingham has thrived under expectations. They’ve navigated adversity all season long and still dominated the XFL Conference.

With +350 odds to win the UFL Championship, you’re getting championship-caliber value on a team that’s proven they belong in this conversation. The Stallions have the talent, experience, and timing to make another deep run for the title.

Columbus Aviators (+475)

The Columbus Aviators face serious questions at +475 despite their impressive offensive pieces. They’ve got an experienced offensive line and dual-threat capability with QB Clayton Tune and QB Jalan McClendon under center, plus RB Toa Taua coming off a six-touchdown campaign in seven games. He wasn’t even the featured back in Michigan and still had a nose for the end zone.

New Columbus Aviators QB Jalan McClendon could end up being a serious problem for opposing defenses. 👀#LetsFly ✈️ pic.twitter.com/znqOtR50hC

— Columbus Aviators Dude (@MIPanthersDude) January 13, 2026

Those elements look solid on paper, but context matters here.

This is an expansion franchise in year one, which historically spells trouble in spring football leagues. First-year teams need time to develop chemistry and identity, luxuries you don’t have in a short season. Also concerning is Ted Ginn Jr.’s lack of head coaching experience at any level.

That’s a massive variable before making your 2026 UFL Championship picks. The defense should be questionable, especially with a defense in the box that has holes. Despite having a couple of playmakers in the secondary with Kedrick Whitehead and Michael Lawson, a lack of a pass rush and run stopping unit is concerning.

At +475, the market is already skeptical, and rightfully so. The implied probability suggests Columbus is just about a longshot, and the growing pains of being an expansion team combined with defensive vulnerabilities make this number feel about right rather than offering hidden value.

There are safer places to invest money for your UFL Championship betting picks.