Albany 60, Michigan 57 – Quarterback Sam Castranova threw for 316 yards and nine touchdowns Saturday night as Albany (6-0) held off host Michigan (1-5) at Dow Event Center. Castranova, the reigning AF1 league and playoff MVP, completed 29 of 39 passes, receiver Isiah Scott caught nine passes for 107 yards
Arena Football One says it is seeing major growth in digital engagement during the 2026 season, fueled by viral highlights, expanded streaming audiences and exposure on ESPN’s “SportsCenter.” The league announced Tuesday that a Week 4 game-winning play by the Kentucky Barrels generated 5.6 million views after being
At 3-1, the Monsters have positioned themselves among the early contenders in the nine-team AF1, doing so with a formula that looks noticeably different from many of the league’s more pass-heavy offenses. Minnesota has leaned into physical football, defensive pressure and ball control
Minnesota 31, Michigan 28 OT – Aiden Johnson connected on a 29-yard field goal on the Monsters' first possession in overtime at The Dow Event Center in Saginaw, Michigan. Minnesota quarterback Ja’Vonte Johnson threw two touchdown passes and completed 17 of 32 passes for 135 yards for Minnesota (3-1)
The IFL said the shift in distribution represents a multi-thousand percent increase compared to its YouTube-only model from two years ago, when live audiences were significantly smaller.
AF1 is a professional arena football league, the circuit of the Minnesota Monsters, focused on high-scoring gameplay and fan accessibility. Games are streamed live each weekend on the league’s official website, with additional content available across its social media platforms.
Arena football doesn’t have the luxury of history carrying it. It has to build trust in real time. It has to convince viewers that what they’re watching matters, that the people involved care, that the whole thing isn’t just temporary noise.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Arena Football One reported significant growth in digital engagement following the opening week of its 2026 season, according to league data released Wednesday. The league said it recorded sharp increases across multiple platforms in a year-over-year comparison with Week 1 of the 2025 season, including an 1,800%
Albany wide receiver Duane Brown emerged as the league’s top scoring threat in Week 1, finishing with two touchdown receptions and a league-high 12 points.
By Howie Hanson Defending champion Albany opened its 2026 Arena Football One season by overwhelming the Minnesota Monsters 50-23 on Saturday night, using a dominant second half to turn a competitive game into a runaway at MVP Arena. Albany led just 21-17 at halftime before seizing control after the break.
The structure of the opening weekend leaves little room for gradual buildup. For Albany, it is a chance to reaffirm its position. For Minnesota and the rest of the field, it is an early test of whether preseason projections hold or begin to shift.
By Howie Hanson, 50 Yard Football Several teams in America Football One made roster moves Friday, adding size along the lines and adjusting depth at quarterback and defensive back. Washington signed defensive lineman Javier Edwards (6-foot-2, 350 pounds) out of Colorado. Oregon made five additions, including defensive lineman Isaiah Pedack
A veteran emphasis may define the Monsters’ identity more than anything else. Clark said he deliberately avoided inexperienced arena players, opting instead to load camp with proven winners. At least 16 players on the current roster, he said, have won arena championships.
The looming television and streaming announcement may become the league’s most visible milestone yet. It will not just determine how fans watch games. It will determine how sponsors value the league, how players view its legitimacy and how teams recruit talent.
AF1’s approach — structured evaluation, real coaching, honest feedback and decisive action — has turned the National Scouting Combine into more than a showcase. It has become a proving ground. And for those who proved themselves once the pads went on, it has already paid off.
