The UFL is yet another Spring football league that is attempting to establish itself as a reliable development league for the NFL. The new league is the product of a merger between the XFL and the USFL, two Spring leagues that struggled financially in their first season. Despite the hurdles these leagues have proven to be beneficial for players looking to receive attention from the NFL.
The league is split into the XFL conference and the USFL conference which are made up of four teams from each league. The XFL conference includes the Arlington Renegades, who won the XFL championship in their last season. Alongside returning teams like the D.C. Defenders, San Antonio Brahmas and the St. Louis Battlehawks.
The USFL conference is led by the two time champion Birmingham Stallions, and is accompanied by the Houston Roughnecks, Memphis Showboats and the Michigan Panthers.
The UFL welcomes back seasoned coaches from both leagues. Wade Phillips is returning to lead the San Antonio Brahmas after winning a championship with the Roughnecks in the XFL’s season. Former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops will also be returning to his Renegades team after leading them to back-to-back championships in the USFL.
The league has a few former NFL quarterbacks like AJ McCarron, the former NFL QB that won two national championships with Alabama and Matt Corral, the third round pick for the Panthers in 2022. McCarron is the starter for the St. Louis Battlehawks who also feature WR Ja’Marcus Bradley and Wayne Gallman II. Luis Perez will also be making his debut in the UFL with experience in both Spring leagues.
The UFL has introduced some rules that are aimed at increasing excitement and strategic depth in their games. Instead of utilizing an onside kick in the fourth quarter, teams can rely on their offense to convert a 4th and 12 from their own 28-yard line. Additionally, If a game reaches overtime, The UFL are introducing a best of three goal line showdown from the opponents 5-yard line to create more excitement for the game.
Another rule for extra points was taken directly from the XFL, giving teams three options for receiving extra points following a touchdown. A two yard line conversion for one point, five yard line conversion for two points, and a 10 yard conversion for three points.
Recently, the NFL implemented a new type of kickoff which was inspired by the XFL in 2020. This new kickoff prevents injuries by removing the high speed collisions due to the way players are lined up. We have seen rules being implemented into the NFL that are influenced by these leagues because of the sample size they are able to provide.
The UFL will play ten games this season, running from March 30th to June 2nd. Two playoff matchups will be played between the top two teams of each division and they will meet each other in the championship, which will take place in June.
The UFL presents another opportunity to influence change in the NFL by experimenting with different ways to play the game. The league is backed by the strong fan bases of each Spring league and should see continued growth as a developmental league for the NFL.