MEMPHIS, Tenn., Jan. 23, 2026 — – a division of Varsity Brands and a global leader in cheerleading, dance team and band apparel, camps, competitions, and yearbook – proudly announces that the University of Memphis, University of Alabama, and University of South Florida cheerleading teams, along with The Ohio State University, University of Minnesota, and University of Nevada – Las Vegas dance teams, were among the first-place winners at the 2026 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships. The premier event, organized by the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) and Universal Dance Association (UDA), was held from January 16-18, 2026, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex within The Walt Disney World® Resort.
Last week, collegiate cheer and dance teams journeyed from across the United States to vie for a national title at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The competition showcased over one thousand performances by nearly 250 teams representing 44 U.S. states and five other nations. Cheerleading teams are evaluated based on stunting, tumbling, crowd-leading ability, and overall performance, whereas dance teams are judged on choreography, technique, execution, and overall effect. The College Game Day Live division provides complete spirit programs—including cheer squads, dance teams, and bands—an opportunity to replicate their sideline performances and traditions. The event also broke audience records, with both the in-person attendance and the Varsity TV viewership increasing by 10 percent from the previous year. Together with over 49 million video views on social media platforms, more fans than ever before could track their favorite teams and narratives.
“Each year, we witness some of the most extraordinary athletes display their talents at this competition, and we are honored to be part of their journey,” stated Bill Seely, President of Varsity Spirit. “The dedication, discipline, and passion shown by every team were outstanding, and the audience delivered the energy and excitement this event merited throughout the weekend. Congratulations to all the athletes on their accomplishments and to our 2026 championship teams. Your pursuit of excellence continues to motivate and uplift the spirit of cheer and dance.”
Division Champions Included:
Small Coed Division IA: University of Memphis
Division IA All Girl: University of Alabama
Division IA Coed Cheer: University of South Florida
Division I Coed Cheer: University of West Georgia
Division I All Girl: University of West Georgia
Small Coed Division I: Grand Canyon University
Open Coed Cheer: Jones College
Open All Girl: Northwest Community College
Open Small Coed Cheer: Grand Canyon University
Division IA All Girl – Game Day – Cheer: University of South Florida
Division IA Game Day – Cheer Only: University of Tennessee
Open Coed Game Day – Cheer: Northwest Community College
Division IA Small Coed Game Day: University of Minnesota
Small Coed Division I Game Day – Cheer: Morehead State University
Open All Girl Game Day – Cheer: Pearl River Community College
Division IA – Hip Hop: University of Nevada–Las Vegas
Division IA – Jazz: Ohio State University
Division IA – Pom: University of Minnesota
Division I – Hip Hop: Weber State University
Division I – Jazz: Grand Canyon University
Division I – Pom: Cal State University Fullerton
Open – Hip Hop: Northwest Community College
Open – Jazz: Minnesota State University, Mankato
Open – Pom: Minnesota State University, Mankato
Division IA – Game Day (Dance): University of Nevada–Las Vegas
Division I – Game Day (Dance): Southeastern Louisiana University
Open – Game Day (Dance): Endicott College
Division IA Spirit Program Game Day (Cheer and Dance): Ohio State University
Open Spirit Program Game Day (Cheer and Dance): Long Island University
Division IA – Game Day LIVE (Dance and Band): Wake Forest University
Open Spirit Program Game Day LIVE: Grand Canyon University
Division IA Mascot: Ohio State University
Open Mascot: Grand Canyon University
Coed Partner Stunt: Weber State University
Girls 4 Group Stunt: Morehead State University
Varsity Spirit live-streamed both championships on , a site offering exclusive live coverage and video archives of Varsity Spirit cheer and dance events. Recordings of the performances are accessible for fans who could not be there in person, and complete results are posted on The championships are scheduled to broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPNU starting in spring 2026. Viewers should consult their local listings for specific air times.
Media Contacts
Kelly Greene,
About Varsity Spirit
Based in Memphis, Varsity Spirit is the catalyst behind cheerleading’s evolution into the high-energy, athletic pursuit it is today and serves as the world’s top resource for all spirit-related activities, including cheerleading, dance team, performing arts, and yearbook. A division of Varsity Brands, Varsity Spirit leads in uniform innovation and provides educational camps, clinics, and competitions, reaching over a million athletes annually. With a focus on safety, entertainment, and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit’s team has been committed to celebrating spirit through its brands since 1974. For further details on Varsity Spirit or Varsity Brands, visit varsity.com or varsitybrands.com.
About Varsity Brands
Varsity Brands is the leading platform for team and club sports, delivering a full spectrum of services and solutions for sports, cheer, dance, band, and yearbook. As an integrated services provider, Varsity Brands assists athletic programs and schools with uniforms and equipment, training and education, competitions, and more. The Varsity Brands family, encompassing BSN SPORTS and Varsity Spirit, advocates for youth participation and wellness. Discover how Varsity Brands is enabling athletes and fostering community at VarsityBrands.com.
SOURCE Varsity Spirit