College cheerleading offers athletes opportunities to compete for national championships, represent major athletic programs and continue their education while participating in the sport they love.
But choosing where to cheer in college involves more than championship rings.
The best college cheerleading programs offer a combination of competitive success, game-day experiences, academic opportunities, coaching, financial support and a strong team culture.
For 2026, Cheer Daily revisits its Top Colleges to Cheer rankings with an updated look at 75 programs across the United States, from major Division I universities to nationally competitive smaller schools and community colleges.
The rankings reflect the evolving landscape of collegiate cheerleading, including the results of the 2026 UCA and NCA College National Championships.
How We Ranked the Top Colleges to Cheer
Cheer Daily evaluated programs using five principal factors:
Competitive Success: Recent national championship results, historical performance and consistency in highly competitive divisions. Particular consideration was given to the 2026 UCA and NCA College National Championships.
Game-Day Experience: Opportunities to represent the university at football, basketball and other athletic events, including the atmosphere, visibility and traditions surrounding college sports.
Academics: The breadth of academic programs and educational opportunities available to students.
Scholarships and Financial Support: Documented scholarship opportunities, tuition assistance and other forms of program support. Because benefits vary and many schools do not publish cheer-specific awards, scholarship amounts were not assumed.
Program Opportunities: Coaching, competitive divisions, training resources, athlete development and the overall experience of participating in a collegiate spirit program.
The rankings represent Cheer Daily's editorial assessment rather than a standardized numerical scoring system. Schools compete in different divisions and organizations, and competitive results are not directly comparable across every category.
The Top 25 Colleges to Cheer in 2026
1. Texas Tech University — Lubbock, Texas
Texas Tech takes the top position in Cheer Daily's 2026 rankings following an exceptional season at NCA College Nationals.
The Red Raiders captured the Advanced Large Coed Division IA and Advanced Small Coed Division IA national championships, demonstrating the program's depth across multiple competitive divisions.
Texas Tech also offers one of college athletics' recognizable game-day experiences, with cheerleaders representing the university at football, basketball and other events. The university's spirit program lists leadership scholarship opportunities, out-of-state tuition support and additional benefits for qualifying team members.
For athletes seeking high-level competition alongside major college athletics, Texas Tech presents a compelling combination.
2. University of South Florida — Tampa, Florida
South Florida has established itself as a dominant force in collegiate cheerleading.
The Bulls won the 2026 UCA Division IA Coed championship and the Division IA All Girl Game Day championship. The program also earned runner-up finishes in multiple divisions, continuing an impressive championship run.
USF's success in traditional cheerleading and game-day competition places it among the country's most versatile collegiate programs.
3. University of Alabama — Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Alabama combines a championship-caliber cheerleading program with one of college football's most recognizable game-day environments.
The Crimson Tide won the 2026 UCA Division IA All Girl national championship, adding another title to its program history after winning the Coed championship in 2025.
With major SEC athletic events, extensive university traditions and national-level competition, Alabama remains one of the country's premier destinations for collegiate cheerleaders.
4. University of Louisville — Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville remains one of the most successful programs in collegiate cheerleading history.
In 2026, the Cardinals captured their 12th consecutive NCA Advanced All Girl Division IA national championship, bringing the program's All Girl total to 22 titles. Louisville also finished second in Advanced Large Coed Division IA.
Few programs can match Louisville's sustained competitive success across decades of collegiate cheerleading.
5. Weber State University — Ogden, Utah
Weber State has built one of the sport's most impressive competitive dynasties.
The Wildcats won both Large Coed and Small Coed Grand National Championships at the 2026 NCA College Nationals, marking the third consecutive year the program accomplished that double.
Weber State also won the Coed Partner Stunt national title, reinforcing its reputation for exceptional stunting and technical execution.
For athletes whose primary focus is elite-level competition, Weber State belongs near the top of any college search.
6. University of Kentucky — Lexington, Kentucky
Kentucky remains one of collegiate cheerleading's most historically significant programs.
The Wildcats have won a record 24 UCA Division IA Coed national championships and finished third in the division in 2026. Kentucky also won the 2026 University World Cup Cheerleading Premier Large Coed title.
Beyond competition, athletes participate in the traditions surrounding Kentucky basketball and SEC athletics.
7. University of Tennessee — Knoxville, Tennessee
Few experiences in college cheerleading compare with leading Tennessee fans at Neyland Stadium.
The Volunteers added another competitive achievement in 2026, winning the UCA Division IA Coed Game Day championship.
Tennessee's combination of SEC athletics, championship-level game-day performance and university traditions makes it a leading destination for athletes who want a major sideline experience.
8. University of Central Florida — Orlando, Florida
UCF has become a consistent contender at the highest levels of college cheerleading.
The Knights finished second in UCA Division IA Coed competition in 2026 and third in the Division IA Coed Game Day category.
With competitive success, major college athletics and a location in Central Florida, UCF remains among the country's strongest all-around college cheerleading programs.
9. Oklahoma State University — Stillwater, Oklahoma
Oklahoma State has a longstanding reputation for competitive cheerleading and school spirit.
The Cowboys finished third in NCA Advanced Large Coed Division IA in 2026, competing against the sport's leading programs.
Oklahoma State also offers the traditions and atmosphere of Big 12 athletics, providing athletes with opportunities to perform at major university events.
10. University of Memphis — Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis continues to demonstrate why it belongs among the country's leading collegiate cheerleading programs.
The Tigers won the 2026 UCA Small Coed Division IA national championship.
With a history of success in multiple competitive divisions and strong support for basketball and football, Memphis offers opportunities for athletes interested in both competition and university spirit.
11. Brigham Young University — Provo, Utah
BYU earned its second consecutive NCA Game Day Division IA national championship in 2026.
The Cougars also finished third in Advanced Small Coed Division IA, demonstrating the program's abilities beyond game-day performance.
BYU's established athletic traditions and competitive results make it an increasingly important name in college cheerleading.
12. Louisiana State University — Baton Rouge, Louisiana
LSU offers one of college cheerleading's most recognizable sideline experiences.
Cheering inside Tiger Stadium and representing the Tigers in SEC athletics provides exposure to major sporting events throughout the year.
LSU also remains competitive at UCA College Nationals, including a fourth-place finish in the 2026 Division IA Coed Game Day competition.
13. The Ohio State University — Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State is synonymous with major college athletics and established game-day traditions.
Cheerleaders represent the Buckeyes at football, basketball and campus events, while the university's mascot, Brutus Buckeye, won the 2026 UCA Division IA Mascot national championship.
Ohio State also has a competitive cheer club, giving students another avenue to participate in the sport.
14. University of Oklahoma — Norman, Oklahoma
Oklahoma combines nationally recognized athletics with established All Girl and Coed cheerleading opportunities.
The Sooners compete at UCA College Nationals and represent one of the SEC's most recognizable athletic brands.
For athletes seeking competitive opportunities and a major football atmosphere, Oklahoma remains a strong choice.
15. University of West Georgia — Carrollton, Georgia
West Georgia delivered one of the standout performances of the 2026 college cheerleading season.
The Wolves won both the UCA Division I Coed and Division I All Girl national championships, reinforcing the program's reputation for competitive excellence.
West Georgia continues to demonstrate that a program does not need the largest football stadium to compete at an elite national level.
16. University of New Hampshire — Durham, New Hampshire
New Hampshire earned national attention with an outstanding performance at the 2026 NCA College Nationals.
The Wildcats won the Advanced All Girl Division I championship and captured the overall All Girl Grand National Championship.
The program's continued success places New Hampshire among the country's leading All Girl collegiate cheerleading destinations.
17. Kennesaw State University — Kennesaw, Georgia
Kennesaw State emerged as one of the strongest challengers at the 2026 NCA College Nationals.
The Owls finished second in both Advanced Division IA Coed and Advanced Division IA All Girl, demonstrating impressive depth at the national level.
With two championship runner-up finishes, Kennesaw State has established itself as a program to watch.
18. Clemson University — Clemson, South Carolina
Clemson offers a combination of major college athletics and strong competitive cheerleading.
The Tigers finished third in NCA Advanced All Girl Division IA in 2026.
Cheering at Memorial Stadium and representing Clemson in ACC athletics provide additional appeal for athletes seeking a high-profile game-day experience.
19. Florida State University — Tallahassee, Florida
Florida State remains a leading destination for athletes seeking both competitive cheerleading and major college athletics.
The Seminoles finished third in UCA Division IA All Girl in 2026, competing against nationally recognized programs.
Florida State's established football traditions and competitive opportunities continue to make the program attractive to prospective collegiate cheerleaders.
20. California Baptist University — Riverside, California
California Baptist has developed a strong competitive reputation in collegiate cheerleading.
The Lancers won the 2026 NCA Intermediate All Girl Division I championship and also captured the 2026 Division I STUNT national championship.
Its success across traditional cheerleading and STUNT reflects the range of opportunities available to athletes interested in competitive performance.
21. University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minnesota combines a significant place in cheerleading history with continued national-level performance.
The Golden Gophers won the 2026 UCA Small Coed Division IA Game Day championship.
Minnesota's connection to the origins of organized cheerleading and its Big Ten athletic environment contribute to its position among the country's leading college cheer programs.
22. Morehead State University — Morehead, Kentucky
Morehead State is proof that collegiate cheerleading excellence extends well beyond the largest universities.
The Eagles have accumulated an extensive history of national championship success. In 2026, Morehead State won the UCA Small Coed Division I Game Day championship and the Girls Four Group Stunt title.
For athletes focused on competitive traditions and technical development, Morehead State remains an outstanding option.
23. Trinity Valley Community College — Athens, Texas
Trinity Valley remains one of the most successful junior college cheerleading programs in the country.
The Cardinals won both Advanced Large Coed and Advanced Small Coed Junior College national championships at the 2026 NCA College Nationals.
The program provides an opportunity for athletes to compete at a high level while pursuing a two-year college education.
24. Navarro College — Corsicana, Texas
Navarro College has one of the most recognizable names in junior college cheerleading.
The Bulldogs added another championship to their history by winning the 2026 NCA Advanced All Girl Junior College national title.
For athletes interested in intensive competitive cheerleading at a two-year college, Navarro remains an important program to consider.
25. Georgia Southern University — Statesboro, Georgia
Georgia Southern earned its ninth national championship in 2026, winning NCA Intermediate All Girl Division IA.
