UCF offensive linemen reunite in Orlando, ready to dominate for the Storm. College roommates aim for undefeated success in their professional debut.
Professional spring football begins in Orlando this Sunday, and two former UCF offensive linemen — Samuel Jackson and Cole Schneider — prepare to make their debut with the Orlando Storm.
The duo returns to Orlando, where they spent their collegiate careers at UCF. Jackson and Schneider were roommates during their time with the Knights, and their friendship helps make the days pass more quickly, especially during training camp.
"Having a guy out there that you can count on and who's someone that's going to push you and be a leader and help out, and just kind of have the same goals that you have, it helps a lot," Jackson told Sons of UCF.
The Storm's training camp took place in Arlington, Texas, where the United Football League's headquarters are located. It's an interesting tidbit, given the team plays its games in Orlando.
Jackson said he's told family and friends multiple times that he's only in Orlando for a short time.
"They're like, 'Oh, I see you're in Orlando. You'll be closer to home.' And I'm like, 'Yeah, for like one day, I guess,'" Jackson said.
The UCF alums both have appearances playing in the UFL. Jackson played for the Ottawa Blackhawks in 2024 and the Houston Roughnecks last year.
Schneider has one more year of experience and championship DNA on his resume. He played for the Birmingham Stallions in 2023 and 2024, winning back-to-back championships.
The Stallions were part of the United States Football League in 2023, until they merged with the UFL the following year. Spending three years in the league, Schneider said he's noticed the influx of talent that makes it harder to compete.
"Every year you get guys that, you know, it's just the level of competition is rising every year," Schneider told Sons of UCF. "It's getting that much harder to stay in this league and being able to compete in this league."
Schneider, Jackson and the Orlando Storm have one goal in mind despite the rising competition: going undefeated.
"We're gonna fall back on our practice and what we do in the meeting rooms, and we just kind of want to make that our identity," Schneider said.
The Orlando Storm open their season on Sunday against the Columbus Aviators at 8 p.m. at the Inter&Co Stadium on ESPN.
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