The uca college nationals 2026 results confirmed a weekend of elite athleticism, precision, and school pride as the nation’s top collegiate cheer and dance programs gathered in Orlando, Florida, to determine this year’s national champions. Across multiple divisions, teams delivered season-defining performances marked by high-difficulty stunts, powerful tumbling, synchronized motion, and emotionally charged finishes that brought arenas to their feet.
From traditional cheer powerhouses to innovative dance programs, the 2026 championships showcased how far collegiate spirit sports have evolved. Every routine reflected months of preparation and the pressure that comes with performing on the biggest stage in the sport.
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The Stage and the Stakes
The annual UCA College Nationals serve as the final proving ground for college cheer and dance teams in the United States. Programs qualify through regional events and enter the national stage knowing that one routine, often lasting less than three minutes, can define an entire season.
Judges evaluated performances on difficulty, execution, synchronization, creativity, crowd engagement, and overall effect. With hundreds of athletes competing across divisions, only the most complete and consistent routines advanced to the finals.
Division IA Traditional Cheer: A Battle of Power Programs
The Division IA Traditional Cheer category drew the largest crowds and the highest expectations. This division featured universities with deep rosters, complex pyramids, and some of the most demanding tumbling sequences in collegiate cheer.
The final standings reflected a tightly packed field:
- University of South Florida – National Champions
- University of Central Florida
- University of Kentucky
- University of Alabama
- University of Tennessee
- University of Oklahoma
- University of Mississippi
- Louisiana State University
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
South Florida’s championship routine stood out for its control under pressure. The team delivered clean basket tosses, stable extended stunts, and synchronized jumps that carried strong amplitude. Their transitions were sharp, and their final pyramid sequence hit with confidence, sealing the top overall score.
Division IA All-Girl: Precision and Strength on Display
The All-Girl division highlighted technical excellence and visual symmetry. Athletes combined elite tumbling with advanced stunt sequences, all performed without male bases, demanding exceptional strength and timing.
The top ten finished as follows:
- University of Alabama – National Champions
- University of South Florida
- Florida State University
- San Diego State University
- University of Delaware
- University of Mississippi
- University of Oklahoma
- Purdue University
- Western Kentucky University
- Indiana University
Alabama captured the title with a routine that balanced difficulty and polish. Their stunts showed consistent height and stability, and their tumbling passes landed with minimal deductions. The team’s energy remained high from the opening motion sequence through the final pose, earning them the highest composite score in the division.
Division IA Small Coed: Speed, Creativity, and Risk
Small Coed divisions are known for fast-paced choreography and innovative partner work. The 2026 final featured thirteen teams, each pushing the limits of what can be performed in a compact routine.
Final placements:
- University of Memphis – National Champions
- Purdue University
- University of Minnesota
- University of Southern Mississippi
- Bowling Green State University
- Western Kentucky University
- Mississippi State University
- James Madison University
- San Diego State University
- Penn State University
- Appalachian State University
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Troy University
Memphis rose to the top with a routine that combined high-risk tosses, fluid transitions, and clean landings. Their pacing allowed the difficulty to build naturally, and the closing sequence delivered one of the strongest crowd reactions of the entire event.
Game Day Divisions: Tradition Meets Competition
Game Day categories emphasize authentic school spirit, band integration, and fan-focused performance. Rather than focusing solely on technical difficulty, these divisions reward teams for recreating the energy of a packed stadium.
In Division IA Game Day Live Cheer, the top finishers were:
- Grand Canyon University – National Champions
- Southwest Mississippi Community College – Runner-up
Other Game Day divisions featured championship performances from schools such as South Florida, Tennessee, and Minnesota, each recognized for their ability to translate sideline presence into a competitive format. Chant clarity, fight song execution, and crowd leadership played major roles in final scores.
Dance Championships: Artistry and Athleticism
Dance teams competed in Pom, Jazz, and Hip Hop, with routines judged on synchronization, musicality, technique, and visual impact.
Division IA Pom
Final results:
- University of Minnesota – National Champions
- Texas Tech University
- Ohio State University
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Tennessee
- Penn State University
- Rutgers University
- University of Wisconsin
- University of Iowa
- University of Kentucky
Minnesota’s pom routine featured crisp arm placement, precise formations, and seamless transitions that maintained clarity even at high tempo. The team’s timing and spacing contributed to a clean visual picture throughout the floor.
Jazz and Hip Hop Divisions
Jazz and Hip Hop finals delivered some of the most expressive performances of the weekend. Strong musical interpretation, controlled isolations, and dynamic floor patterns defined the top routines. Programs such as Weber State University and Grand Canyon University emerged with championship placements, reflecting the growing depth of talent in collegiate dance.
Programs with Multiple Highlights
Several universities left the championship with more than one top-tier result, underlining the breadth of their spirit programs.
South Florida
- Division IA Traditional Cheer: National Champions
- Division IA All-Girl: Second Place
The program demonstrated strength across both coed and all-girl formats, a rare level of versatility at the national level.
Alabama
- Division IA All-Girl: National Champions
Consistent execution and depth of roster continue to define Alabama’s presence in collegiate cheer.
Memphis
- Division IA Small Coed: National Champions
A landmark achievement that positions the program among the nation’s elite.
Minnesota
- Division IA Pom: National Champions
The dance team’s continued success reflects long-term stability and technical refinement.
Technical Trends Seen in 2026
Judging panels noted several patterns across divisions:
Increased Difficulty
More teams attempted advanced pyramids, release moves, and multi-pass tumbling sequences, raising the overall technical standard.
Cleaner Execution
Finalists showed tighter timing and fewer visible errors, suggesting a shift toward consistency over sheer risk.
Stronger Choreographic Identity
Programs emphasized unique musical selections and thematic structure, helping routines stand out visually and emotionally.
Balanced Scoring
Results across many divisions were separated by narrow margins, indicating how competitive the field has become at the national level.
Impact on the Collegiate Spirit Landscape
National titles influence recruiting, funding, and program visibility. A strong finish can elevate a school’s profile, attract prospective athletes, and reinforce institutional support for spirit programs.
The uca college nationals 2026 results not only crowned champions but also highlighted the depth of talent across the country. From large public universities to rising programs building their first national reputations, the event reflected a sport that continues to grow in both popularity and technical sophistication.
As teams return to campus with trophies, banners, and renewed motivation, preparations for the next season will begin almost immediately. For athletes and coaches, the memory of hitting—or missing—on the national stage becomes the foundation for future training and ambition.
