The XFL and USFL decided to stop butting heads ahead of the 2024 season and joined forces, forming a single, eight-team spring league now known as the UFL. This new alliance aims to establish a dominant presence in the spring football market.
The UFL didn’t just merge teams; it also blended the rules from both the USFL and XFL. While many of these rules mirror those of the NFL, the UFL has made some unique changes to set itself apart. These tweaks might seem like gimmicks to football purists, but they inject extra excitement and intrigue into the spring season. First-time viewers might find the rules a bit confusing, especially during the playoffs, but the NFL is keeping a close eye on these innovations, possibly considering some for future adoption.
Here’s a breakdown of the key ways the UFL’s rules stand out from the NFL’s:
UFL overtime rules
The UFL is borrowing a page from the playbooks of college football and the NHL with its innovative overtime format. Instead of playing a full extra period, each team gets three attempts at a two-point conversion from the opponent’s 5-yard line. The team with the most successful conversions after these three attempts wins the game.
If the score is still tied after the initial three attempts, the teams will alternate single possessions in a “sudden death” format until a winner emerges.
This rule not only shortens the game but also ramps up the excitement, as seen in the 2021 Penn State vs. Illinois game that ended in a nine-overtime thriller with the Fighting Illini coming out on top.
This method has been a staple in recent spring leagues since the 2020 reboot of the XFL. USFL fans got a taste of this high-drama conclusion during the 2023 East Division championship between the Michigan Panthers and Pittsburgh Maulers, and it was a hit.
So, for fans who love edge-of-the-seat endings, the UFL’s overtime rules are a game-changer, quite literally.
UFL’s 3-point tries and tiered extra-points
In the UFL, forget about the traditional extra point kicks after touchdowns. Instead, teams must go for additional points by getting into the end zone, with options for one, two, or three points.
A one-point attempt starts from the 2-yard line, a two-point attempt from the 5-yard line, and a three-point attempt from the 10-yard line. Coaches choose their desired conversion type and inform the officials before the play begins.
But what if the defense turns the tables and scores on a conversion attempt? They earn points equal to the offense’s intended conversion. For instance, if they intercept a pass on a three-point try and take it to the house, they score three points. Similarly, a defensive score on a one-point attempt nets them one point.
This rule dramatically impacts game dynamics, ensuring that any game within an 18-point margin remains a two-score affair. This twist has been a big win for the UFL, injecting late-game excitement and keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
UFL’s double forward pass rule
In its merger with the USFL, the UFL decided to keep a quirky XFL innovation: the double forward pass. Teams can throw two forward passes on a single play, but there’s a catch—the first pass must be completed behind the line of scrimmage to make the second pass legal.
If either forward pass hits the turf, it’s ruled an incompletion. This rule reduces the risk compared to the NFL’s lateral-based trick plays, where a dropped lateral results in a live-ball fumble, often turning a potential highlight reel into a disaster.
This gimmick opens up creative play-calling, allowing offenses to keep defenses guessing and fans entertained with unexpected and exciting plays.
UFL kickoff rules
Ironically, the UFL adopted the USFL’s kickoff method—a more traditional approach similar to the NFL’s. Meanwhile, the NFL decided to borrow the XFL’s kickoff model to amp up excitement and reduce injuries.
In the UFL, the kicking team boots the ball from its own 20-yard line. Eight players from the receiving team must line up in a setup zone that starts 10 yards from the kickoff spot and ends at the kicking team’s 40-yard line.
Here’s the kicker: if the ball sails out of bounds, the receiving team starts their drive from the 50-yard line. This rule encourages kickers to keep the ball in play, sparking more return opportunities. Touchbacks still bring the ball out to the 25-yard line, so big-legged kickers can aim for the end zone to avoid returns if they choose.
For a peek at the NFL’s new kickoff rule inspired by the XFL, check out this play from the XFL’s 2020 season.
The UFL’s kickoff rule minimizes high-speed collisions, making the game safer and more thrilling as blockers and tacklers won’t crash into each other at full tilt.
UFL Onside Kick Rule
Wondering about the UFL’s take on onside kicks? They’ve got a clever twist. UFL teams can attempt traditional onside kicks, but if they’re trailing in the fourth quarter, they have the option to attempt a fourth-and-12 conversion from their regular kickoff spot to retain possession.
This tweak has injected a hefty dose of late-game drama into the league, with several teams successfully converting their fourth-and-12 tries. This rule helps keep two-score games within reach, ramping up fourth-quarter excitement and delivering the nail-biting finishes fans crave.
UFL ‘super challenge’, replay review rules
The UFL has adopted a centralized replay system, meaning all plays can be reviewed by replay officials. The dynamic duo of Mike Pereira and Dean Blandino spearheads the UFL replay center, and coaches can challenge plays just like in the NFL.
However, the UFL adds a twist with its unique “super challenge” rule. Coaches can use this once per game to challenge anything on any given play, whether it’s a false start, pass interference, or the more traditional reviews like whether a player made the line to gain or scored a touchdown.
To successfully use a “super challenge,” a coach must clearly explain what they are contesting. For instance, in the Week 10 clash between the Brahmas and the Battlehawks, Anthony Becht challenged a two-point conversion, arguing that San Antonio’s left tackle, Julie’n Davenport, was illegally downfield. His detailed challenge was upheld, leading the Battlehawks to victory.
UFL Game Timing
The UFL spices things up with a 35-second play clock, a departure from the NFL’s standard 40-second clock. This change is designed to increase the number of offensive plays during the game.
Additionally, the game clock keeps running on incomplete passes and out-of-bounds plays before the two-minute warning in each half. This tweak helps prevent the game from dragging on if either team struggles to complete passes.
In a nod to college football, the UFL game clock stops on first downs after the two-minute warning. This rule change aims to facilitate comebacks, making it easier for teams to rally even if they are trailing by two scores late in the game.
