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United Football League games will look significantly different once the 2026 season begins.
The spring football league announced several rule revisions for its upcoming season, including a new twist on field goals. Any team that makes a field goal of at least 60 yards will receive four points instead of the traditional three.
“We want to create an exciting game. We want a good flow. We want big plays. We want to promote scoring,” UFL officiating manager Dean Blandino told USA Today Sports.
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Generic view of a Columbus Aviators UFL football before the introductory press conference at Historic Crew Stadium on October 9, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/UFL/Getty Images)
Another notable change concerned the restrictions on rowboats. Teams will not be allowed to punt “anywhere inside the 50-yard line,” the UFL said, except after a two-minute warning in each half.
The last two NFL seasons have seen a slight increase in field goal attempts beyond the 60-yard mark. Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, who played spring football in the USFL from 2022 to 2023, kicked a 64-yard field goal last season.
A general view of the UFL logo on an end zone pylon during the second half of the UFL game between the DC Defenders and the San Antonio Brahmas at Audi Field on April 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Scott Taetsch/UFL/Getty Images)
“Making a 65-yard field goal is a lot harder than a 35-yard field goal,” Blandino added, according to ESPN. “Why should they count the same? So it promotes excitement. These are really, really exciting plays, whether it’s the end of the half or the end of the game, and it’s also going to change the strategy of the game.”
Other changes in the rules overhaul included banning the “tush push.” The short yardage game has almost been banned by NFL team owners in 2025.
A general view of the UFL logo on the field before the game between the Memphis Showboats and the San Antonio Brahmas at the Alamodome on May 16, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. (Tim Heitman/UFL/Getty Images)
Kickers will begin throwing the ball from the 30-yard line during the 2026 season.
UFL players have already reported to training camp. The 2026 season begins March 27 on FOX.
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