The Rock's UFL Bans Tush Push, Unveils New 4-Point FG and Punt Rule Changes for 2026 Season

The UFL is rewarding teams that attempt longer-range field goals with more points in 2026.

Field goals made from 60 yards back or further will receive four points rather than three starting this season, the UFL announced Tuesday.

Other UFL rule changes include banning of the tush push, as well as preventing punts inside the 50-yard line unless in the final two minutes of a half.

These changes were made in order to create a "more exciting, fast-paced game," the UFL said in a statement.

UFL head of officiating Dean Blandino said in a video that changes made by the league could ripple across other levels of football.

"When something works here, the rest of the sport takes notice," Blandino said.

Blandino cited Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, who played for the USFL's Birmingham Stallions for two seasons before he signed an NFL contract in 2023, as part of the reason behind the field goal change.

Aubrey went 3-for-4 on attempts from 60 yards or further in 2025. The NFL overall went 12-for-22 from that mark, by far the best long-range rate in league history, per NBC Sports' Michael David Smith.

The UFL is also introducing a one-foot inbound rule similar to the NCAA, and changing overtime rules to give each team at least three scoring chances from the five-yard line.

The league is additionally changing kickoff rules to introduce two touchback spots. Balls kicked into the end zone start at the 40-yard line, while teams start at the 20-yard line for getting one in the landing zone.

The UFL defined the now-banned tush push as "a play in which after the quarterback takes the snap, he immediately drives forward as the offensive line surges and is assisted by additional players behind him who physically push him forward into the surging offensive line."

The ban comes shortly after NFL competition committee co-chairman Rich McKay said Sunday the league is not expecting to consider banning the tush push ahead of the 2026 season, per ESPN's Mike Reiss and Kevin Seifert.

A proposal to ban the play was put up to team owners ahead of the 2025 season before failing by two votes.

How much the ban impacts play in the UFL this season could potentially be a topic of discussion if NFL owners decide to debate the legality of the tush push again ahead of the 2027 season.

The UFL began play under its current branding following the merger of the XFL and USFL in early 2024. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is part of the ownership group that controls half of the five-team league.

The 2026 UFL season is set to kick off March 27 and run through May 31.