The United Football League (UFL) has moved to prohibit the contentious Tush Push play ahead of the 2026 season, despite the NFL narrowly voting against banning it. While the NFL fell 24 votes short of the majority needed to outlaw the play, UFL President Russ Brandon has decided to eliminate the quarterback sneak tactic from league games. This decision highlights a contrasting approach between the two leagues concerning the legality of the maneuver.
The Tush Push refers to a short-yardage quarterback sneak where teammates push the ball carrier forward to gain critical yards. This play has been notably utilized by the Philadelphia Eagles, contributing to their success in close situations. Last year, several NFL teams including the Green Bay Packers advocated for banning the play, but their efforts ultimately did not succeed.
Overview of 2026 UFL Season and Team Lineup Changes
The upcoming 2026 season marks the third year of competition for the United Football League, featuring eight participating teams following some notable departures. The Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers, and San Antonio Brahmas are no longer part of the league due to issues with stadium availability and market viability. Specifically, the Michigan Panthers will not return because of complications securing Ford Field in Detroit and the league’s strategic shift towards smaller venues.
The season kicks off on Friday, March 27, 2026, with the Louisville Kings hosting the Birmingham Stallions. Unlike previous seasons that used a division-based schedule, the 2026 lineup will run a 10-week regular season totaling 43 games, with each team playing an equal split of home and away contests. The postseason will culminate in the UFL Championship Game scheduled for June 13, 2026.
Detailed Schedule Breakdown for the 2026 UFL Season
The league’s broadcasting partners include FOX, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, and the ESPN App, providing broad coverage throughout the season. Below is the full week-by-week schedule for the regular season and playoffs:
Week 1
Friday, March 27: Birmingham at Louisville, 8pm (FOX)
Saturday, March 28: DC at St. Louis, Noon (ESPN); Houston at Dallas, 4pm (FOX)
Sunday, March 29: Columbus at Orlando, 8pm (ESPN)
Week 2
Friday, April 3: DC at Columbus, 8pm (FOX)
Saturday, April 4: Louisville at Orlando, 8pm (ESPN)
Sunday, April 5: Birmingham at Houston, Noon (ESPN2)
Tuesday, April 7: St. Louis at Dallas, 8pm (FS1)
Week 3
Friday, April 10: Orlando at Louisville, 8pm (FOX)
Saturday, April 11: Houston at DC, Noon (ESPN)
Sunday, April 12: Columbus at Dallas, Noon (ABC); Birmingham at St. Louis, 3pm (ABC)
Week 4
Thursday, April 16: Louisville at Houston, 8pm (ESPN App)
Friday, April 17: Dallas at Columbus, 8pm (FOX)
Saturday, April 18: St. Louis at DC, 12:30pm (ABC); Orlando at Birmingham, 4pm (FOX)
Week 5
Friday, April 24: DC at Birmingham, 8pm (FOX)
Saturday, April 25: St. Louis at Orlando, 7pm (ESPN)
Sunday, April 26: Columbus at Houston, Noon (ABC); Louisville at Dallas, 3pm (ABC)
Week 6
Thursday, April 30: St. Louis at Louisville, 8pm (FS1)
Friday, May 1: Houston at Columbus, 8pm (FOX)
Saturday, May 2: Dallas at DC, Noon (ABC)
Sunday, May 3: Birmingham at Orlando, 4pm (FOX)
Week 7
Friday, May 8: Columbus at St. Louis, 8pm (FOX)
Saturday, May 9: Louisville at DC, 1:30pm (FOX); Dallas at Birmingham, 8pm (ESPN)
Sunday, May 10: Orlando at Houston, 6pm (FS1)
Week 8
Friday, May 15: Orlando at Dallas, 8pm (FOX)
Saturday, May 16: DC at Louisville, Noon (ABC); Houston at St. Louis, 3pm (ABC)
Sunday, May 17: Columbus at Birmingham, 1pm (FOX)
Week 9
Friday, May 22: DC at Orlando, 8pm (FOX)
Saturday, May 23: Birmingham at Columbus, 3pm (ABC)
Sunday, May 24: Dallas at Louisville, 4pm (FOX); St. Louis at Houston, 7pm (ESPN2)
Week 10
Friday, May 29: Dallas at St. Louis, 8pm (FOX)
Saturday, May 30: Houston at Birmingham, 3pm (ESPN2)
Sunday, May 31: Orlando at DC, Noon (ABC); Louisville at Columbus, 6pm (FOX)
UFL Playoffs
Sunday, June 7:
Playoff Game No. 1: 3pm (ABC)
Playoff Game No. 2: 6pm (FOX)
Saturday, June 13:
UFL Championship Game: 3pm (ABC)
Anticipated Impact of the UFL’s Tush Push Ban and Season Adjustments
The UFL’s proactive ban on the Tush Push following the NFL’s narrow failure to outlaw it indicates a decisive shift in gameplay philosophy aimed at preserving competitive balance and safety. This move may influence tactical preparations across all teams, altering short-yardage and goal-line strategies during the 2026 campaign. Additionally, the removal of the Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers, and San Antonio Brahmas reflects ongoing challenges relating to stadium agreements and market strategies, especially impacting teams like the Panthers, who have exited their Detroit market amidst venue complications at Ford Field.
With a balanced 10-week schedule and nationwide broadcast across major networks, the 2026 UFL season has a strong platform to engage fans and shape its identity in its third year. The league’s emphasis on smaller venues suggests a more localized fan experience, while the structured postseason ensures high stakes leading into June.
While the NFL no longer is discussing a Tush Push ban, the UFL will announced today that is eliminating the Tush Push.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 24, 2026
