Let the world know: Jim Tressel bobblehead night has been saved for the Columbus Aviators.
Columbus’ UFL team planned to give away 5,000 bobbleheads of Ohio State football's early-aughts savior in a sweatervest at its Friday night game against the Houston Gamblers. For several hours today, the Aviators left the nation disappointed as it was announced that shipping issues left them without the nodding-headed figurines for the contest.
Then, hours before kickoff, the Aviators learned that the bobbleheads would arrive on time.
We love being wrong about bobbleheads!
— Columbus Aviators (@UFLAviators) May 1, 2026
First 5,000 fans can pick up their FREE Jim Tressel bobblehead at tonight's game!
: https://t.co/Hj4I3UPbiP pic.twitter.com/NLu2p1Ljoi
Customs issues were the initial cause for concern. Word that the bobbleheads were stuck there spread like wildfire, catching the attention of the entire United States through the Pat McAfee show.
The Columbus Aviators were supposed to have a Jim Tressel bobblehead night..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 1, 2026
The bobbleheads aren't gonna make it #PMSLive https://t.co/2Dym8yPAaz pic.twitter.com/ei3YcSSwE6
McAfee's crew insisted that they and other fans of the brand-new spring league football team would withdraw their support after learning this news, especially those who showed up to Historic Crew Stadium eager to obtain the miniature polyresin version of one of their Buckeye heroes. Oh no indeed – no longer for the fans, but for those show hosts! Aviators heads armed with their Tressel bobbleheads will rain fury upon the Gamblers Friday night.
Assuming a good number of them show up after Columbus' 1-4 start to the season, anyway, which includes a loss at Houston just last week. Kickoff is at 8 p.m., with FOX carrying the television broadcast.
