UFL Insider Mike Mitchell was able to get his hands on the 2025 UFL rule book before it has been release to the public. The 2024 UFL rule book was 124 pages. The 2025 rule book is now 144 pages. Most of the new content is relating to clarify past rules.
This biggest change from 2024 to 2025 is the kickoff. But that is not the only changes going into the 2025 United Football League season.
XFL Style Kick Off Returns
During the Super Bowl media rounds UFL Executive Vice President Of Football Operations, Daryl Johnston, made it know that the league was planning to go back to the XFL Style Kick-Off in 2025. Here is the change straight from the rule book.
RULE 6 FREE KICKS
Rule 6, Section 1, Article 2
2024 version:
The restraining lines for a kickoff were:
- Kicking team: 20-yard line
- Receiving team: 10-yards in advance of the kicking team’s restraining line.
2025 version:
The restraining lines and zones are now:
“(a) ‘Kicker’s Restraining Line’ – the restraining line for the kick by the kicking team shall be its 30-yard line for a kickoff or safety kick unless it is adjusted because of a distance penalty.
(b) ‘Kicking Team’s Restraining Line’ – the restraining line for the remaining 10 players of the kicking team shall be the receiving team’s 40-yard line.
(c) ‘Receiving Team’s Restraining Line’ – the restraining line for the receiving team shall be the receiving team’s 35-yard line.
(d) The ‘setup zone’ for the receiving team is the 5-yard area between the receiving team’s restraining line the 35-yard line and its 30-yard line.
(e) The ‘landing zone’ shall be the area from the receiving team’s 20-yard line extending to its goal line.”
The UFL is using a different kick-off point and touchback than the NFL, but the general idea is the same. Touchbacks in the UFL is the 35 where in the NFL it is the 30. The kick-off point line in the UFL is the 30, in the NFL it is 35. The United Football League is interested in no touchbacks and better field position.
Allowed Number of Challenges
Rule 15, Section 1, Article 2
2024 version:
A team was permitted a single challenge per game. Right or wrong, that is all they have.
2025 version:
“If a challenge is successful, the team will be permitted a second challenge subject to
normal rules. A third challenge is never permitted.”
Minor Rule Changes
There are other minor ones like Replay can now be used to “Disqualification of a player” or “if a foul is called for intentional grounding and there is clear and obvious video evidence that the passer was out of the pocket area or not facing an imminent loss of yardage.”
Most of the changes related to the new kick-off and clarifying other rules.
What are your thoughts on the return of the XFL kick-off in 2025. Let us know in the comments.
3 Comments
by Ray
I like the change. But! I created an idea that would attract more viewers.
Redesign the trophy to hold the football used in the championship, whether it’s a score in the game or the winning score.
Not only will be a trophy but it will hold history.
Secondly get rid of divisions and conferences this way the true top 2 teams play for the title. As fans we want to see close games and this would promote that chance.
by 4th&long
Disappointing rule chg on the kickoff. The old style-NFL aka USFL aka UFL season 1 kickoff is the most fun.
The XFL style is better than no K/O but this is a step backward.
Also preferred the USFL PAT and XFL college style one foot catch rule.
by Ken Granito
I prefer an option for a point after kick as well as the other point, however I feel the 2 and 3 point plays would be shortened. Two feet or one body part should always be a catch. They are trying to make the NFL. It’s funny on the divisions. I originally felt the divisions should be North & South, but I have actually grown to like the XFL &. USFL divisions. Just a thought, however…..Bands or stars sometimes get political and are pro democratic or republican it already disrespects half of your possible audience. I KNOW that if Seattle comes back and the other team is a new team say the Kentucky Thoroughbreds, as a. USFL fan, I would feel VERY disrespected by the league. To me the team would need to be the New Jersey Generals, Oklahoma Outlaws, Oakland Invaders, Denver Gold or the Canton Bulls, Philadelphia Stars, Pittsburgh Maulers or Boston, New Orleans or Portland Breakers. It is already bad enough they switched the Gamblers to the Roughnecks. Hint: If there is a team in New Jersey, it should not be the New York/New Jersey Guardians. There are so many things the league management feels they can’t do something. Do something for your fans.