The UFL, which first tested the NFL’s dynamic kickoff rule criticized by Donald Trump, is adding a 4-point field goal and banning the tush push
17:57 ET, 24 Feb 2026
President Trump has made his feelings clear about the new NFL kickoff rule
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President Trump has made his feelings clear about the new NFL kickoff rule
The spring football league that helped reshape the NFL’s kickoff is preparing to experiment again, this time with even bolder ideas.
The United Football League, entering its third season following the merger of the XFL and USFL, announced a series of rule changes for 2026 that include a four-point field goal, restrictions on punting in opponent territory, and a ban on the “tush push” play.
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The UFL’s previous innovation, the “dynamic kickoff” alignment, was first tested in the XFL before being adopted by the NFL. The format, designed to reduce high-speed collisions while increasing returns, has drawn public criticism from President Donald Trump, who pardoned five former NFL players last week, with one allegedly being involved in the trafficking of cocaine.
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“I can’t watch the new NFL Kickoff,” Trump posted on Truth Social earlier this year. “Who has the right to make such a change? The ridiculous new Kickoff Rule takes away the prestige and power of the game.”
In a separate appearance, he added: “I think it’s terrible. What are they doing? I think it’s ugly, it doesn’t look like football.”
While Trump has pushed for the NFL to scrap the rule, the UFL is doubling down on its role as a testing ground.
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“We look at the NFL as a partner,” UFL vice president of officiating Dean 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.”
Among the headline changes for 2026 is a four-point field goal for kicks of 60 yards or longer. Blandino said the move reflects the evolving range of modern kickers.
“You look at what Brandon Aubrey and Jake Bates have done; these are exciting plays. How do we incentivize our coaches to create more of these types of plays?” Blandino said. “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.”
The NFL officially implemented the new "dynamic kickoff" rule for the 2024 season
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The NFL officially implemented the new 'dynamic kickoff' rule for the 2024 season(Image: Getty)
The UFL will also prohibit punts from inside opposing territory, except in the final two minutes of each half. The goal is to encourage more aggressive fourth-down decisions and, potentially, more long-range kick attempts.
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“A punt from the plus-45 that has a fair catch at the 10 is a non-action play, and we want to promote action plays,” Blandino said. “Same reason the NFL adopted the spring football kickoff, because there were so many non-action plays with touchbacks. The game is trending that way.”
After touchdowns, teams will now have three options: a one-point kick from the 33-yard line, a two-point attempt from the 2-yard line, or a three-point attempt from the 8-yard line. The UFL has experimented with multi-point conversions in previous seasons, but the distances have been adjusted to balance risk and reward.
The league is also banning the “tush push,” the quarterback sneak variation popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL.