The United Football League (UFL) is set to implement significant changes for its 2026 season, which kicks off on March 27. The league has announced it will award four points for field goals of at least 60 yards and prohibit most punts from inside the opponent”s 50-yard line.
This initiative aims to invigorate offensive play as the UFL looks to enhance the excitement of its games. According to Dean Blandino, the league”s head of officiating, the focus is on innovation while preserving the essence of the sport. “The game that we want and the game that we”ve strived for is exciting, with a good flow, good pace, not a lot of stoppages and really big plays. We”re going to promote scoring,” he stated.
The idea for the four-point field goal originated from Mike Repole, an investor who joined the UFL last summer and has become heavily involved in its operations. Repole”s vision is to encourage teams to adopt a more aggressive strategy once they cross midfield. Even if a penalty forces a team back, they will have the option to attempt a long field goal or go for it on fourth down. However, there is one exception: teams are allowed to punt inside the 50-yard line after the two-minute warning in either half.
Recent seasons in the NFL have shown a marked increase in long field goal attempts, with teams converting 16 out of 37 attempts from 60 yards or more. Notably, Brandon Aubrey, a kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, has stood out with five successful kicks of 60 yards or longer.
Blandino emphasized the significance of the new rule. “Kicking a 65-yard field goal is a lot harder than one from 35. Why should they count the same? So it promotes excitement. Those are really, really exciting plays, whether it”s an end to half or end of game, and it”s also going to change the strategy of the game as well,” he said.
In addition to the field goal rule, the UFL has made several other adjustments. They have banned the “tush push” short-yardage play, which had been considered for adoption by NFL owners but was ultimately set aside. The league defines this prohibited maneuver as one where the quarterback, after receiving the snap, is propelled forward by teammates.
Another change involves the point-after-touchdown options. The two-point conversion will now align with NFL standards, moving it to the 2-yard line from the previous 5-yard line, which many coaches found overly challenging. Teams now have the option to kick for one point from the 33-yard line or attempt a three-point conversion from the 8-yard line.
Furthermore, the UFL has adjusted the kickoff rules to allow more space for returners. The kickoff team will now line up five yards further back, moving from the 40-yard line to the 45. The receiving team can line up between the 35 and 40-yard lines, which could enhance average field positions and scoring opportunities.
Lastly, the league has adopted the NCAA rule requiring only one foot to be in bounds for a completed catch. This adjustment aims to simplify officiating and potentially reduce injuries by decreasing the number of falls players experience while making catches.
Players are currently reporting to training camp in Arlington, Texas, as the UFL prepares for its exciting 10-week season beginning later this month.
