UFL introduces four-point field goal in rule change overhaul

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United Football League matches will look noticeably different when the 2026 season starts.

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 head of officiating Dean Blandino told USA Today Sports.

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Generic view of a Columbus Aviators banded UFL football before the inaugural press conference at Historic Crew Stadium on October 9, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/UFL/Getty Images)

Other notable changes centered around pointing restrictions. Teams will be barred from punting “anywhere inside the 50-yard line,” the UFL said, except after the two-minute warning in both halves.

The past few seasons in the NFL have seen an increase in field goal attempts beyond the 60-yard mark. Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, who played spring football in the USFL starting in 2022-23, connected on 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)

“Kicking a 65-yard field goal is a lot harder than one from 35,” Blandino added to ESPN. “Why would they count the same? So it promotes excitement. It’s really, really exciting play, whether it’s an end of the half or the end of the game, and it’s going to change the strategy of the game as well.”

Other changes in the rule overhaul included a ban on “tush push”. The short yardage game was almost 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 punting from the 30-yard line in the 2026 season.

UFL players have already reported to training camp. The 2026 season starts March 27 on FOX.