College cheerleading offers athletes the opportunity 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, scholarships, athlete development and strong team traditions.
For 2026, Cheer Daily ranks the top college cheerleading programs across the United States, recognizing national championship powerhouses, major university spirit programs, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), NAIA institutions and community colleges.
From the sidelines of major college football stadiums to the national championship stage in Daytona Beach and Orlando, these programs represent some of the most compelling opportunities in collegiate cheerleading.
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 competitive divisions, with particular consideration given to the 2026 UCA and NCA College National Championships.
Game-Day Experience: Opportunities to represent the institution at football, basketball and other athletic events, including the atmosphere and traditions surrounding college sports.
Academics: Degree programs, educational opportunities and pathways available to student-athletes.
Scholarships and Financial Support: Available cheerleading scholarships, tuition assistance, grants and other student-athlete benefits, where publicly documented.
Program Opportunities: Coaching, athletic development, competitive divisions, training resources and opportunities to continue participating at an elite level.
The rankings reflect Cheer Daily's independent editorial assessment. Schools compete across different divisions and championship organizations, and results are not directly comparable in every category.
Junior colleges, NAIA institutions and NCAA universities were evaluated with consideration for the different opportunities available to their student-athletes. A school's size or athletic conference does not automatically determine its ranking.
The Top 25 Colleges to Cheer in 2026
1. Texas Tech University — Lubbock, Texas
The Red Raiders captured the Advanced Large Coed Division IA and Advanced Small Coed Division IA national championships at the 2026 NCA College Nationals, 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.
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 depth in both traditional cheerleading and game-day competition. Combined with established Big 12 athletic traditions, BYU continues to strengthen its reputation in collegiate cheerleading.
12. Trinity Valley Community College — Athens, Texas
Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) has established itself as one of the most accomplished programs in collegiate cheerleading history. The Cardinals captured both the Advanced Large Coed and Advanced Small Coed Junior College national championships at the 2026 NCA College Nationals, continuing decades of competitive success. Beyond national titles, TVCC has developed athletes who have advanced to major university programs and represented Team USA on the international stage. With competitive scholarships, additional financial assistance and bachelor's degree pathways, Trinity Valley offers a championship-caliber experience and educational opportunities that extend beyond traditional associate degrees.
13. Louisiana State University — Baton Rouge, Louisiana
LSU offers one of college cheerleading's most recognizable sideline experiences, representing the Tigers at major SEC athletic events and inside Tiger Stadium. The program also remains competitive at UCA College Nationals, including a fourth-place finish in the 2026 Division IA Coed Game Day competition. LSU's combination of university traditions, competitive opportunities and national athletic visibility makes it a standout destination.
14. Navarro College — Corsicana, Texas
Navarro College remains one of the most accomplished and influential programs in collegiate cheerleading. With decades of national championship success, the Bulldogs captured the 2026 NCA Advanced All Girl Junior College and Game Day Open national titles while finishing second in Advanced Large Coed Junior College. Navarro has helped develop generations of elite athletes who have continued their careers at major universities and on the international stage. The program combines high-level training, competitive scholarships, tuition benefits and academic opportunities, making Navarro one of the country's premier destinations for collegiate cheerleaders.
15. The Ohio State University — Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State combines established Big Ten athletic traditions with one of college football's most recognizable game-day environments. Cheerleaders represent the Buckeyes at football, basketball and other campus events, while Brutus Buckeye won the 2026 UCA Division IA Mascot National Championship. The university also offers opportunities through competitive club cheerleading.
16. 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 while representing one of the SEC's most recognizable athletic programs. The university's football traditions, academic opportunities and competitive spirit program make Oklahoma a strong option for prospective collegiate cheerleaders.
17. University of West Georgia — Carrollton, Georgia
West Georgia delivered one of the standout performances of the 2026 collegiate cheerleading season, winning both the UCA Division I Coed and Division I All Girl national championships. The Wolves have built an extensive history of national success and continue to demonstrate that elite collegiate cheerleading extends beyond the largest universities and athletic conferences.
18. Lindenwood University — St. Charles, Missouri
Lindenwood University is one of collegiate cheerleading's most accomplished programs, with 16 NCA national championships and a decade of consecutive championship-winning seasons through 2025. In its 2026 Division I debut, the Lions earned two national runner-up finishes, demonstrating the program's ability to compete among the nation's top teams. Under longtime coach Carrie Nichols, Lindenwood has developed a nationally recognized program with opportunities across multiple competitive divisions.
19. University of New Hampshire — Durham, New Hampshire
New Hampshire delivered an impressive performance at the 2026 NCA College Nationals, winning the Advanced All Girl Division I championship and capturing the overall All Girl Grand National Championship. The Wildcats' competitive success and established university spirit program make New Hampshire a leading destination for All Girl collegiate cheerleaders.
20. Stephen F. Austin State University — Nacogdoches, Texas
Stephen F. Austin is one of collegiate cheerleading's most accomplished programs, with 17 national team championships. In 2026, the Lumberjacks captured the NCA Intermediate Large Coed Division I national title and added two USA Collegiate Championships in Intermediate Large Coed and Advanced Small Coed. With decades of competitive success and opportunities across multiple divisions, SFA continues to be a powerhouse in college cheerleading.
21. Kennesaw State University — Kennesaw, Georgia
Kennesaw State emerged as one of the strongest challengers at the 2026 NCA College Nationals. The Owls earned runner-up finishes in both Advanced Coed Division IA and Advanced All Girl Division IA, demonstrating the program's depth across multiple teams. With major college athletics and a rapidly developing competitive reputation, Kennesaw State continues to make its mark.
22. Clemson University — Clemson, South Carolina
Clemson offers a combination of major college athletics and competitive cheerleading, including a third-place finish in NCA Advanced All Girl Division IA in 2026. Cheerleaders represent the Tigers at ACC athletic events and participate in the university's established football traditions, including the game-day atmosphere at Memorial Stadium.
23. Westcliff University — Irvine, California
Westcliff University has rapidly emerged as a national powerhouse in collegiate cheerleading, winning NCA national championships in 2023, 2025 and 2026. Under head coach Eric Anderson, the Warriors captured back-to-back Advanced Large Coed Open titles in 2025 and 2026 while continuing their success at the USA Collegiate Championships. Westcliff also finished third in the 2026 NCA Large Coed Grand Championship, behind Weber State and Texas Tech. With a growing championship tradition and a strong focus on high-level competition, Westcliff has established itself among the nation's leading collegiate cheerleading programs.
24. 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 while continuing to represent the university at major athletic events. Florida State's football traditions and competitive opportunities provide a well-rounded collegiate spirit experience.
25. Xavier University of Louisiana — New Orleans, Louisiana
Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA), a historically Black university in New Orleans, has emerged as an NAIA cheerleading powerhouse, winning the NAIA Competitive Cheer National Championship in 2022 and 2026. With additional national runner-up finishes in 2024 and 2025, Xavier has demonstrated sustained competitive excellence while helping expand opportunities and visibility for HBCU cheerleading.
Top Colleges to Cheer: Nos. 26–50
26. California Baptist University — Riverside, California
California Baptist University won the 2026 NCA Intermediate All Girl Division I national championship and the 2026 Division I STUNT national championship. With established competitive success and multiple athletic pathways, the Lancers continue to be a leading collegiate cheerleading program.
27. 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 while offering opportunities to represent the university in Big Ten athletics.
28. Morehead State University — Morehead, Kentucky
Morehead State has one of the most extensive national championship histories in collegiate cheerleading. In 2026, the Eagles won the UCA Small Coed Division I Game Day championship and the Girls Four Group Stunt title, continuing their tradition of technical excellence.
29. Georgia Southern University — Statesboro, Georgia
Georgia Southern captured its ninth national championship in 2026, winning NCA Intermediate All Girl Division IA. The Eagles combine a strong competitive history with Sun Belt athletics and established university spirit traditions.
30. Pennsylvania State University — University Park, Pennsylvania
Penn State offers one of the most recognizable game-day environments in college athletics. Cheerleaders represent the Nittany Lions at major Big Ten sporting events, including football at Beaver Stadium, while participating in a longstanding collegiate spirit program.
31. Dallas Baptist University — Dallas, Texas
Dallas Baptist University has established itself as a competitive powerhouse with nine NCA national championships. The Patriots won five consecutive Intermediate All Girl Division II titles from 2021–2025 and three consecutive Game Day Division II championships from 2024–2026. Under head coach Callie Taylor, DBU made its Advanced All Girl Division II debut in 2026, earning a third-place finish and continuing its championship tradition.
32. University of Mississippi — Oxford, Mississippi
Ole Miss combines SEC football traditions, competitive All Girl and Coed cheerleading and a distinctive college-town atmosphere. The Rebels finished sixth in UCA Division IA All Girl in 2026 while continuing to represent the university at major athletic events.
33. University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, Michigan
Michigan offers collegiate cheerleading opportunities alongside one of the country's most recognizable athletic programs. Representing the Wolverines at Michigan Stadium and major Big Ten sporting events makes the university a standout destination for athletes who prioritize game-day experiences.
34. San Diego State University — San Diego, California
San Diego State finished fourth in UCA Division IA All Girl in 2026, demonstrating the program's continued competitive strength. The Aztecs combine national competition, university athletics and academic opportunities in Southern California.
