The 2026 season of the United Football League will bring some noticeable changes to the game.
Recently, the Spring Football League revealed new rules, including a significant alteration to field goal scoring. From now on, a field goal of 60 yards or more will earn a team 4 points, rather than the typical 3 points.
“We want to create an exciting game with good flow and plenty of scoring opportunities,” said Dean Blandino, the UFL Director of Umpires.
There are additional changes, particularly regarding punting. Teams will no longer be allowed to punt from “anywhere within the 50-yard line,” except in situations occurring after a two-minute warning in either half.
In recent NFL years, there has been an uptick in attempts at longer field goals. For instance, Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey successfully made a 64-yard field goal last season while playing in the USFL.
Blandino pointed out the inherent difficulty in longer kicks: “Kicking a field goal from 65 yards is a lot harder than kicking one from 35 yards. Why should they be valued the same? This rule change is about excitement, which can shift game strategies significantly.”
Moreover, the league has banned the “tush push,” a short-yardage play that was also nearly outlawed by NFL team owners last year.
For the 2026 season, kickoffs will start from the 30-yard line.
UFL players are already in training camp, with the new season set to kick off on March 27.
