Brendan McNeill, who has served on the Ohio State Club Football coaching staff since 2023, was recently selected for a coaching fellowship with the Columbus Aviators of the United Football League (UFL).
In partnership with the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches (NCMFC), the UFL is in its third year of offering coaching fellowships to coaches that offer professional development and direct access to the league’s professional football operations.
In his role with the Aviators, McNeill will assist with coaching the defensive line throughout training camp in Arlington, Texas and at all home games in Columbus. The Aviators are set to open their season on the road March 29 against the Orlando Storm before playing their first home game April 3 against the D.C. Defenders. The Aviators are led by head coach and former Ohio State star Ted Ginn, Jr.
McNeill has been a pillar of Ohio State’s success since joining the coaching staff in 2023. Originally hired as a defensive line coach, he has since added the titles of recruiting coordinator and special teams coordinator to his resume. He has coached back-to-back NCFA Defensive Players of the Year in Matthew Humphreys (2024) and Trey Jones (2025) with five defensive linemen being named All-Americans in his first three years with the program.
A native of Columbus, McNeill has captured three conference titles and two NCFA National Championships with the Buckeyes and will now pursue a UFL title with the Aviators. McNeill’s new position with the Aviators is not expected to impact his current position with the Buckeyes for 2026 and beyond.
Ohio State Club Football 