The uca college nationals 2026 results are now official, closing another electrifying chapter in collegiate cheer and dance history. Held in Orlando, Florida, the 2026 championship brought together the nation’s top college spirit programs for three days of elite competition, dramatic finishes, and title-defining routines. From powerhouse universities defending their legacy to rising programs breaking through on the national stage, this year’s event delivered intensity, precision, and unforgettable moments across every division.
With thousands of athletes competing and millions of fans following, the UCA College Nationals once again proved why it stands as the most prestigious event in collegiate cheerleading and dance. Here is a complete, verified breakdown of what happened, who won, and how the competition unfolded.
A Championship Weekend in Orlando
The 2026 UCA College Nationals took place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, welcoming teams from across the United States. The competition featured multiple divisions, including:
- Division IA Traditional Cheer
- Division IA All-Girl
- Division IA Small Coed
- Game Day Live and Game Day Traditional
- Pom, Jazz, and Hip Hop Dance Divisions
Teams advanced through preliminary rounds and semifinals before reaching the finals, where routines were judged on execution, difficulty, synchronization, creativity, and overall performance quality.
Division IA Traditional Cheer Results
The Division IA Traditional Cheer category is widely considered the crown jewel of the event. In 2026, the final rankings reflected a tightly contested battle among some of the strongest programs in the country.
Final Standings:
- 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 delivered a high-energy, technically clean routine that earned the top overall score and secured the national title. Their performance stood out for its sharp timing, powerful stunts, and consistent execution across all segments.
Division IA All-Girl Champions
The All-Girl division showcased elite tumbling, synchronized motion, and complex stunt sequences. The 2026 title went to a program with a long tradition of excellence.
Final Standings:
- 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’s routine combined strength, precision, and visual impact, earning them the highest score in the division and another national banner for their program.
Division IA Small Coed Results
Small Coed teams brought dynamic partner stunts, speed, and creativity to the mat. The 2026 finals featured one of the most competitive fields in recent years.
Final Standings:
- 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 captured the top spot with a routine that balanced difficulty and execution, securing the Small Coed national title with a confident, crowd-energizing performance.
Game Day Division Highlights
Game Day divisions celebrate the spirit, traditions, and crowd engagement of college athletics. Teams are judged on band chants, fight songs, sideline presence, and overall school pride.
Division IA Game Day Live Cheer:
- Grand Canyon University – National Champions
- Southwest Mississippi Community College – Runner-up
Additional Game Day categories saw championship performances from programs known for their football and basketball atmosphere, with schools such as South Florida, Tennessee, and Minnesota earning top honors in their respective divisions.
Dance Division Champions
Dance teams competed in Pom, Jazz, and Hip Hop, displaying precision, musicality, and choreography at the highest collegiate level.
Division IA Pom
- 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 continued its dominance in Pom with a routine marked by sharp lines, clean transitions, and exceptional synchronization.
Hip Hop and Jazz Divisions
Hip Hop and Jazz finals featured explosive energy, creative musical interpretation, and powerful formations. Programs such as Weber State University and Grand Canyon University stood out in these categories, earning championship placements and podium finishes through polished, high-impact routines.
Programs That Defined the 2026 Event
Several schools left Orlando with multiple top finishes, highlighting the depth and consistency of their spirit programs.
University of South Florida
- Division IA Traditional Cheer: National Champions
- Division IA All-Girl: Runner-up
Their results confirmed their status as one of the most balanced and competitive cheer programs in the nation.
University of Alabama
- Division IA All-Girl: National Champions
Alabama’s continued success reflects long-term program development and elite performance standards.
University of Memphis
- Division IA Small Coed: National Champions
A breakthrough year that placed Memphis at the top of the national conversation.
University of Minnesota
- Division IA Pom: National Champions
Minnesota maintained its reputation as a powerhouse in collegiate dance.
Performance Trends and Competitive Insights
The 2026 championships highlighted several clear trends:
Higher Difficulty Levels
Teams incorporated more complex stunt sequences, faster transitions, and advanced tumbling, pushing scoring potential higher across all divisions.
Cleaner Execution
Judges rewarded routines with minimal deductions, emphasizing sharp timing and stable landings.
Creative Choreography
Both cheer and dance programs showcased innovative formations and musical interpretation, making routines visually distinctive and engaging.
Depth of Talent Nationwide
Finals included universities from every region of the country, underscoring the national reach and competitive balance of collegiate spirit programs.
Why the UCA College Nationals Matter
The UCA College Nationals serve as the ultimate stage for collegiate cheer and dance. A national title not only brings prestige but also impacts recruiting, school spirit visibility, and program legacy.
For athletes, these results represent months of preparation, conditioning, and teamwork. For fans, the competition delivers some of the most exciting performances in the sport each year.
The uca college nationals 2026 results reflect a season defined by excellence, resilience, and unforgettable routines that will be remembered across campuses nationwide.
Which team’s performance impressed you the most this year? Share your thoughts and stay connected for more collegiate cheer and dance updates.