As the 2026 UFL season kicks off, ESPN’s commentators preview the game-changing rules, sites and more

A new United Football League season begins this weekend on ESPN and with it comes a wave of offseason changes designed to elevate the game and enhance the fan experience.

ESPN’s commentator teams for kickoff weekend break down what’s new and how those updates will enhance the platform’s audio, action and access it provides to fans every snap this spring.

See more on ESPN’s UFL production plans for Week 1 and beyond, here.

NEW MARKETS (LOUISVILLE, COLUMBUS & ORLANDO)

Joe Tessitore, play-by-play: The new markets are proven football towns. They feel like the right-size cities with hungry sports fans always looking for growth and proving themselves as big-time sports markets.

• Louisville in the spring is special with the [Kentucky] Derby buzz.
• Columbus, with a Buckeyes legend as head coach [Ted Ginn, Jr.] and proven UFL talent in the field, makes sense.
• Orlando is the hub on the Florida football-obsessed wheel.

5 DAYS LEFT till Opening Day vs the Columbus Aviators! Kickoff is March 29th at 8pm Live on ESPN. Click the link for a “Coaches Special Offer” single game tickets!👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
Go @UFLStorm!!#ShowUpOrlando💜🧡https://t.co/IgvmpuhmDr… pic.twitter.com/rqo69mFnYW

— Anthony Becht (@Anthony_Becht) March 24, 2026

NEW VENUES (HOUSTON, DALLAS & THE NEW MARKETS ABOVE)

Roddy Jones, analyst: The new venues across the league are perfect for creating the type of environment that makes spring football so exciting to view in person. Intimate and close to the action, they are going to create atmospheres that will look great on TV as well.

Sam Acho, analyst: I’m excited to see some of the new stadiums. It will be more of an intimate feel for players and fans alike. Small venues, big action. Live sports at its best.

NEW HEAD COACHES

Chris Redman – Louisville; Rick Neuheisel – Dallas; AJ McCarron – Birmingham; Kevin Sumlin – Houston; Anthony Becht – Moved from St. Louis to Orlando; Ricky Proehl – St. Louis; Ted Ginn Jr. – Columbus

Jordan Rodgers, analyst, on Columbus-Orlando coaching matchup: Becht brings instant credibility and has a knack for building an elite culture. I expect Orlando to be one of the best offenses in the UFL and that stadium will start to fill up quick. Ginn Jr. was a home-run hire for Columbus — a local guy with legendary status from his time at Ohio State. He brings instant energy and excitement to a new team and city that is poised to be one of the best stadium environments. Columbus is a sleeper team to watch!

Mark Jones, play-by-play, on Louisville: It’s easy to get excited about the new head coach in Louisville, former University of Louisville quarterback Chris Redman, who still holds passing records at the university. Born and raised just minutes from the [Louisville] Kings’ facility, who better to lead the franchise in their inaugural season than a Louisville lifer?

Meet Mike Repole, the primary force behind coaching changes for seven of the UFL's eight teams as well as the person who directed two of the league's most notable rule changes for 2026: a four-point field goal and a ban of the tush push short-yardage play.

Full story:… pic.twitter.com/r1G5zpaZmt

— ESPN (@espn) March 26, 2026

NEW RULES

(See full list of rule changes at ESPN.com)
Tom Luginbill, analyst, on the four-point field goal: This is just another ace to keep in your pocket if you need it. You need a consistently functional kicker that you feel confident could make a 60+-yard field goal. Late in a half or in the game, if you were down by four or less, then you may be left with no choice, which adds excitement.

Harry Douglas, analyst, on one foot in bounds needed for a completed catch: I like the rule change. This league is about excitement and entertainment. The more plays that can be made on offense, the better for the league. Fans enjoy that.

Cole Cubelic, analyst, on elimination of the “tush push” short-yardage play: Personally, I’m excited the tush push will be left out. I’d rather see an actual football play. Based on the leverage and numbers, it just isn’t one in my opinion. This will lead to more action for fans in person and at home.