Get On The Radar

What's Happening in College Flag Football? 

Women’s college flag football is rapidly expanding, with varsity programs now established across the NAIA, NJCAA, and a growing number of NCAA institutions. Varsity teams benefit from institutional funding, scholarships, and formal competition, while club teams—often student-run—operate with fewer resources but offer more flexibility. The NAIA led the charge by launching varsity women’s flag football in 2020 and hosting championships since 2021, and the NJCAA has followed suit with grant-supported varsity programs. This surge is fueled by robust high school participation—over 42,000 girls played in sanctioned programs during the 2023-24 school year—and strong backing from the NFL, which has partnered with schools and provided funding to help launch new teams.

Momentum continues to build as the NCAA moves toward recognizing women’s flag football as an Emerging Sport for Women, a step that could pave the way for championship status once 40 varsity programs are established. The sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics has further accelerated interest, attracting more athletes and colleges each year. Currently, at least 65 NCAA schools sponsor flag football at the club or varsity level, with more expected to join by 2026. This growth is creating new scholarship opportunities and competitive pathways for female athletes, helping to redefine the collegiate sports landscape and offering young women a new and accessible avenue to pursue their athletic and academic goals.

What You Need to Know...

Our Podcast takes a deep dive into the meteoric rise of college flag football while highlighting the expanding opportunities for high school girls.

Varsity College Flag Football Programs in 2025

NAIA Flag Football Programs

• Keiser University (FL)
• St. Thomas University (FL)
• Florida Memorial University (FL)
• Warner University (FL)
• Webber International University (FL)
• Life University (GA)
• Thomas University (GA)
• Reinhardt University (GA)
• Point University (GA)
• Bethel College (KS)
• Kansas Wesleyan University (KS)
• Ottawa University (KS)
• University of Saint Mary (KS)
• La Sierra University (CA)
• Simpson University (CA)
• Cottey College (MO)
• Midland University (NE)
• Campbellsville University (KY)
• Milligan College (TN)
• Graceland University (IA)
• William Woods University (MO)
• Arizona Christian University (AZ)

NCAA Flag Football Programs

Atlantic East Conference

• Neumann University (PA)
• Marymount University (VA)
• Centenary University (NJ)
• Emmaculata University (PA)

Empire 8 Conference

• SUNY Brockport (NY)
• Elmira College (NY)
• Hartwick College (NY)
• SUNY Geneseo (NY)
• Russell Sage College (NY)

Minnesota Collegiate 

• Augustana University (SD)
• Concordia College Moorhead (MN)
• Gustavus Adolphus College (MN)
• Bethel University (MN)
• University of Northwestern, St. Paul (MN)
• University of Wisconsin, Stout (WI)

Independents

• Hendrix College (AR)
• Benedictine (IL)