UFL adding 4-point field goals, bans punts inside 50

Four-point field goals and a ban of the "tush push" are among the rules changes implemented by the United Football League for the 2026 season.

A field goal of 60 yards or longer will be worth four points when the spring league kicks off on March 27.

The "tush push" play popularized by the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles is no longer allowed.

Punting from inside an opponent's territory will only be allowed in the last two minutes of a half.

After touchdowns, teams will now have multiple options: a 1-point kick from the 33-yard line, a 2-point conversion from the 2-yard line, or a 3-point conversion from the 8-yard line.

In addition, only one foot is required inbounds for a successful catch, similar to college football. During the two-point conversion duel in overtime, each team will now get at least three attempts and home team decides whether it starts on offense or defense.

Dean Blandino, the UFL's vice president of officiating, told The Athletic that the league serves as a testing ground for potential innovations for the NFL or college football.

"We look at the NFL as a partner," Blandino said. "The NFL is saying, 'Could you try this?' We're using NFL officials in their first couple years for additional snaps. When we first tried the kickoff, you would have thought we were changing the fabric of the game. Four years later, the NFL is using it. It's not innovation to be gimmicky."

NFL kickers made 12 of 22 field goals of 60 yards or longer during the 2025 regular season, including Cam Little's record-setting 68-yarder for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"These are exciting plays. How do we incentivize our coaches to create more of these types of plays?" Blandino told The Athletic. "A 65-yard field goal is more difficult than a 35-yard field goal, and there's greater risk if you miss, so there should be greater reward."

--Field Level Media