College basketball transfer portal rankings 2024: Illinois star Coleman Hawkins commits to Kansas State
United Football League Announces Rules Changes For Upcoming 2025 Season
The United Football League announced Tuesday its rules changes for the upcoming 2025 season.
The Arlington Renegades are set open the season with a Texas showdown against the San Antonio Brahmas at Choctaw Stadium on March 29. The game will be part of FOX's opening weekend.
Here's a look at the new rules for the upcoming season:
New kickoff formationSports Roundup
The UFL's kickoff rules this season will be based on a combination of the kickoff used by XFL Legacy during its 2023 season and the NFL Dynamic Kickoff used by the NFL during the 2024 season. These changes include:
— Kickoffs will now start from the 30-yard line after being at the 20-yard line last season.
— The 10 remaining players on the kickoff team will line up at the receiving team's 40-yard line. All kicking team players were at the 20-yard line, including the kicker, last season.
— The receiving team's set up zone will stretch from its 35-yard line to the 30-yard line and must have at least nine players in that zone. Last season, the receiving team had to have a minimum of eight players, but no more than nine players, in their set up zone, which was the kicking team's 30- to 40-yard lines (10-yard zone).
— The landing zone will be from the receiving team's 20-yard line to the goal line.
— The ball must reach the landing zone, or it will be spotted at the 40-yard line.
— There will be two touchback spots: the 35-yard-line for balls kicked into the end zone and the 20-yard line for balls that hit in the landing zone and then enter the end zone. All touchbacks were placed at the 25-yard line last season.
Head coach's challengeThe Head Coach's Challenge will be expanded in 2025. This extension will feature:
— Each head coach will earn a second challenge if the first challenge is successful.
— The head coach can challenge any officiating decision as long as the team has a timeout remaining.
Onside kicksThe league has eliminated this option. The kickoff team will be able to retain possession of the ball with a fourth down and 12-yard scrimmage play from its own 28-yard line.
The following noteworthy rules will be retained this season:
— Teams will have three scrimmage play options (run or pass) to elect to go for one, two, or three points after a touchdown:
— 2-yard line = 1 point for a successful try
— 5-yard line = 2 points for a successful try
— 10-yard line = 3 points for a successful try
— Overtime will consist of alternating attempts to score from the opponent's five-yard-line with no kicks allowed. It will remain a best-of-three format until a winner has been determined.
— A double forward pass on one play from behind the line of scrimmage is legal. In these situations, the ball cannot cross the line of scrimmage at any time prior to the second forward pass being thrown.
Find more sports coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Houston Gears Up For An Electrifying UFL Season With FOX Sports' Curt Menefee Leading The Charge
By Francis Page, Jr.
Click here for updates on this story
February 25, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — The city of Houston is about to experience a football frenzy like never before. With the United Football League (UFL) kicking off its 2025 season on Friday, March 28th, the Houston Roughnecks are ready to bring gridiron glory back to H-Town—this time, with even more swagger, energy, and an electrifying gameday experience. Adding to the excitement, FOX Sports legend Curt Menefee is set to take center stage, bringing his seasoned play-by-play expertise to Houston's much-anticipated season opener against the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Curt Menefee: The Voice of Football Brings Star Power to Houston Curt Menefee, a household name in sports broadcasting, has been the anchor of FOX NFL Sunday for over two decades, offering his charismatic presence and sharp insights to millions of football fans every Sunday. Now, his journey comes full circle as he returns to the spring football stage, leading FOX Sports' coverage of the UFL alongside Joel Klatt. From Atlanta to New York and now to Houston, Menefee's career has been nothing short of legendary. His deep-rooted passion for football, coupled with his ability to seamlessly blend storytelling with play-calling, makes him the perfect voice to set the stage for the UFL's grand return. His presence in Houston not only amplifies the league's credibility but also underscores the Roughnecks' role in the evolving landscape of professional football.
Houston Roughnecks: Ready to Dominate The Houston Roughnecks have been on a mission to solidify their place as the team to beat. Led by Head Coach CJ Johnson, the Roughnecks are doubling down on their commitment to high-energy football and community engagement. • 🚀 New Coaching Talent: The 2025 season introduces Tom Cable as the run game coordinator. A seasoned NFL coach with Super Bowl-winning experience, Cable brings an aggressive, smash-mouth football philosophy that is sure to elevate Houston's ground attack. • 🏈 Returning Stars: The Roughnecks retained Eric Price (pass game coordinator) and Chris Wilson (defensive coordinator/linebackers coach)—ensuring continuity and a refined playbook. • 🌟 A Team That Represents H-Town: From its relentless defense to its high-octane offense, this team mirrors the hustle and grit of Houston itself. With single-game tickets going on sale Feb. 27, fans have an opportunity to secure their seats for what promises to be a historic season at TDECU Stadium.
More Than Just Football: Roughnecks Invest in Houston The Roughnecks are not just about scoring touchdowns; they're about building a legacy in the community through the UFL's "More of What You Love" initiative. • 💙 Roughnecks Reach: Supporting education, veterans, youth sports, and cultural initiatives, the Roughnecks have partnered with Mighty Oaks Foundation and BEAR Houston to uplift local communities. • 🎟️ Community Ticket Program: Local businesses and individuals can donate tickets to underserved communities, allowing families and youth groups to experience the thrill of live football. • 🍻 Roughnecks Rig Crew: A Houston Bar Network is being established, ensuring fans have dedicated spots across the city to gather, cheer, and celebrate their team. The UFL's Grand Return – A League with a Future The UFL, formed through the merger of the XFL and USFL in 2024, is ushering in a new era of spring football with eight powerhouse teams across the country. The league is divided into two conferences: • USFL Conference: Birmingham Stallions, Houston Roughnecks, Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers • XFL Conference: Arlington Renegades, DC Defenders, San Antonio Brahmas, St. Louis Battlehawks With FOX Sports and RedBird Capital Partners backing the league, the UFL is setting the stage for sustained success, offering a pipeline for future NFL talent while delivering an unrivaled spring football experience.
Get Ready, Houston! The 2025 UFL season promises hard-hitting action, unforgettable moments, and a fan experience like no other. With Curt Menefee calling the shots, CJ Johnson leading the Roughnecks, and the Houston community rallying behind its team, there's never been a better time to embrace the H-Town football spirit. Houston Style Magazine readers, secure your tickets starting Feb. 27, gear up in Roughnecks red and blue, and let's show the world why Houston is the heart of football. 🚀
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2025 UFL Schedule: Dates, Times, When Does The Regular Season Start?
The 2025 UFL regular season is set to kick off next month, and we've rounded up everything you need to know about this year's schedule.
When does the 2025 UFL season start?Action begins with UFL Kickoff Weekend on Friday, March 28, as the St. Louis Battlehawks visit the Houston Roughnecks. The kickoff game will be the first of many games held on a Friday this year, as the league adds Friday night football to its 2025 campaign. All games in the new time slot will be broadcast on FOX.
Opening weekend continues with the San Antonio Brahmas facing the Arlington Renegades on Saturday, March 29. Then, on Sunday the 30th, the Memphis Showboats host the Michigan Panthers, followed by the reigning UFL champion Birmingham Stallions hitting the road to battle the DC Defenders.
[Read more: 2025 UFL Championship odds: Birmingham Stallions early favorites to win it all]
The 2025 season will consist of a 10-week regular-season schedule, with no bye weeks, followed by a two-week postseason consisting of XFL and USFL conference title games and the 2025 UFL Championship Game on June 14.
All games will once again be aired on FOX, ABC and ESPN.
[Read more: UFL to NFL pipeline: 21 players now on 2024 NFL rosters]
Complete 2025 UFL scheduleSeason tickets for the 2025 season are officially on sale, and fans can secure seats by visiting theufl.Com/tickets. Season tickets will be available in Arlington, Birmingham, D.C., Houston, Memphis, San Antonio and St. Louis.
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