Minnesota must limit QB1 Ja’Vonte Johnson’s turnovers and create points through defense or special teams. Albany must protect its quarterback, prevent explosive returns and force the Monsters to sustain drives.
The Minnesota Monsters will host the Beaumont Renegades in the Arena Football One regular-season finale at 6 p.m. Saturday at Amsoil Arena. Minnesota (7-4) has secured the No. 3 seed and will host a first-round playoff game the following weekend. The Monsters’ opponent will be either
The moves reflect an aggressive approach by the Monsters as the regular season enters its final stretch. Rather than standing pat, Minnesota has continued to reshape its roster in pursuit of a postseason berth.
ALBANY, N.Y. — Malik Henry threw for five touchdowns and the Michigan Arsenal handed the Albany Firebirds their first loss of the 2026 Arena Football One season with a 57-39 victory Friday night at MVP Arena. The loss ended Albany's 20-game winning streak dating to the
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
BEAUMONT, Texas — Joshua Kulka threw six touchdown passes and the Albany Firebirds overwhelmed the Beaumont Renegades in an Arena Football One matchup Saturday afternoon. Kulka was efficient and explosive throughout, completing 17 of 26 passes for 281 yards and one interception as Albany dictated the tempo from the opening possession.
Albany quarterback Josh Kulka was named Arena Football One Player of the Week after throwing five touchdown passes in a 50-23 win over Minnesota on Saturday night. The Firebirds (1-0) visit Oregon (1-0) on Saturday night.
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.
Castronova’s signing validates the league as a legitimate proving ground. Producing talent that advances to the UFL strengthens AF1’s credibility. At the same time, it underscores the league’s challenge: retaining elite players long enough to build recognizable stars.
“The guys are expected to play fast, know what they're doing, communicate, make sure they stay in the weight room, eat well, and take care of their bodies because you can't make the club in the tub.” -- Minnesota Monsters head coach Daron Clark Jr.
“As a league, we’re proud of where we stand entering our second year and even more excited about where we’re headed. We’re committed to growing the game and taking Arena Football to the next level." -- AF1's Gary Compton
“We’re not coming into a new league to blend in. We’re coming to compete, and compete at the highest level.” -- Minnesota Monsters' Ja’Vonte Johnson
Defending Arena Football One playoff champion Albany Firebirds collected the No. 1 ranking in the annual 50YardFootball.com AF1 preseason poll, released Tuesday. The Nashville Kats, the 2025 playoff runner-ups, ranks second. The Minnesota Monsters are third in as they transition after capturing The Arena League championships in 2024
Week 1: vs. Minnesota Monsters — Apr. 11 Week 2: BYE Week 3: vs Oregon Lightning — Apr. 25 Week 4: vs Washington Wolfpack — May 2 Week 5: at Kentucky Barrels — May 9 Week 6: BYE Week 7: BYE Week 8: at Oceanside Bombers — May 30 Week 9: vs Beaumont Renegades — June
1. Vegas Knight Hawks (IFL) 2. Albany Firebirds (AF1) 3. Green Bay Blizzard (IFL) 4. Nashville Kats (AF1) 5. Arizona Rattlers (IFL) 6. Minnesota Monsters (AF1) 7. Fishers Freight (IFL) 8. Orlando Pirates (IFL) 9. Quad City Steamwheelers (IFL) 10. Tulsa Oilers (IFL) "Vegas has to be considered the
