The Game-Changing Rise of Women’s Flag Football: Your Ticket to College

From Gym Class to Game Day: A Movement Takes Off

Remember when flag football was just something you played in PE class? Those days are long gone. What started as a pioneering effort by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in 2021 has exploded into a nationwide phenomenon that’s changing the landscape of women’s sports forever.

Here’s what makes this moment so special: The NCAA recommended adding flag football to its Emerging Sports for Women program in February 2025, putting it on the fast track to becoming a full championship sport. And the timing couldn’t be better—flag football was recently added to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, giving the sport global legitimacy and star power.

The numbers tell an incredible story. By 2025, approximately 65 schools now sponsor flag football at either the club or varsity level across NCAA institutions, and experts project that by 2028, over 100 colleges could have varsity programs with around 2,000 scholarship opportunities available for female athletes.

Why Everyone’s Jumping on the Flag Football Train

So what’s driving this explosive growth? The answer is simple: it’s a win-win-win situation.

For colleges, women’s flag football checks every box. It’s affordable to start compared to sports requiring expensive equipment. It helps schools meet Title IX requirements for gender equity in athletics. And with the NFL investing millions to support program development, schools have financial backing to make it happen.

For athletes like you, the opportunities are unprecedented. You’re not fighting for a spot in an established program with decades of tradition—you’re building that tradition. You’re the pioneers who future players will look up to. Plus, the scholarship money is real and growing.

And for the sport itself? Flag football is accessible, inclusive, and exciting to watch. Over 20 million people play flag football in more than 100 countries across every continent, with women and girls driving some of the fastest growth.

Show Me the Money: Understanding Flag Football Scholarships

Let’s talk about what everyone really wants to know—the scholarships. Here’s the reality: Most flag football programs use athletic equivalency scholarships, with NAIA programs typically having around $15,000 total per team to distribute among players.

Now, before you get discouraged, here’s the good news: very few athletes get “full ride” scholarships in any sport. What smart student-athletes do is stack multiple sources of funding. You might receive a partial athletic scholarship, combine it with academic merit aid, add in need-based grants, and suddenly you’ve got most—or even all—of your education covered.

NJCAA programs often receive grants ranging from $10,000 to $150,000 to fund program start-ups, and they pass those benefits on to athletes through scholarships, tuition waivers, book stipends, and fee coverage.

The international community is getting in on the action too. The NFL and RCX Sports Foundation offer the International Women’s Flag Football Scholarship Program, providing four regional scholarships annually for athletes from Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Asia to attend U.S. colleges with varsity flag football programs.

Your Dream School Might Already Have a Team: Complete Program List

Ready for the exciting part? Here’s where you can actually play and potentially earn scholarship money. The landscape is divided into three main categories: NAIA, NCAA, and NJCAA programs.

NAIA Programs (The Trailblazers)

The NAIA officially recognized women’s flag football in the 2020-21 season and currently has varsity programs at numerous institutions. These schools were the first to believe in the sport, and many offer athletic scholarships:

Florida Programs:

Keiser University (Five-time national championship contender)
St. Thomas University
Warner University
Florida Memorial University
Webber International University

Kansas Programs:

Ottawa University (Five-time national champion!)
Kansas Wesleyan University
Baker University
Southwestern College
University of Saint Mary
Bethel College

Other NAIA Programs:

Thomas University (Georgia)
Midland University (Nebraska)
Cottey College (Missouri)
Milligan University (Tennessee)
Reinhardt University (Georgia)
Point University (Georgia)
Campbellsville University (Kentucky)
Life University (Georgia)
Graceland University (Iowa)
Arizona Christian University (Arizona)
Hope International University (California)
La Sierra University (California)
Simpson University (California)
Ottawa University Arizona (Arizona)
William Woods University (Missouri)

NCAA Programs (The New Wave)

The NCAA is rapidly expanding, with programs at Division I, II, and III levels.

NCAA Division I (Launching 2026-2027): Several Division I schools are adding flag football programs by 2027, including UT Arlington, Mount St. Mary’s, Mercyhurst, Long Island University, Alabama State, and Cal Poly.

NCAA Division III Atlantic East Conference (Spring 2025 – First NCAA Conference!): The Atlantic East Conference became the first NCAA conference to officially sponsor flag football in the spring 2025 season:

Marymount University (2025 Conference Champion!)
Eastern University
Chestnut Hill College
Holy Family University

Conference Carolinas (Division II – Starting Spring 2026): Conference Carolinas announced the addition of flag football as a conference-sponsored sport starting in the 2025-26 academic year:

Ferrum College
Chowan University
King University
Lees-McRae College
Mount Olive University
Emmanuel College
Erskine College
Wingate University
Mars Hill University
Barton College

Empire 8 Conference (Division III – 2025-26): The Empire 8 Conference is adding flag football in 2025-26:

SUNY Brockport
Elmira College
Hartwick College
SUNY Geneseo
Russell Sage College

Minnesota Vikings Partnership (Spring 2025): The Minnesota Vikings have partnered with six NCAA institutions to launch a collegiate women’s flag football league, with inaugural competitions starting in April 2025:

University of Northwestern – St. Paul
University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)
Hamline University
Macalester College
St. Catherine University
University of Wisconsin-Stout

NJCAA Programs (The Community College Path)

The NJCAA began sponsoring flag football in 2023, with NFL and RCX grants supporting early adopters. Junior colleges are an excellent starting point, with many offering scholarships before you transfer to a four-year program.

Currently Active:

Bryant & Stratton College (Wisconsin)
Fort Scott Community College (Kansas)
Pratt Community College (Kansas)
Florida Gateway College (Florida)
Nassau Community College (New York)
Hocking College (Ohio)
College of DuPage (Illinois)
Howard Community College (Maryland)

Recently Funded to Launch (2025-2027): Seven schools recently received grants to launch programs between 2025-27:

Camden County College (New Jersey)
Jackson State Community College (Tennessee)
Harcum College (Pennsylvania)
Triton College (Illinois)
Roxbury Community College (Massachusetts)

Additional Programs and Club Teams

Many colleges also have club-level programs that may transition to varsity status soon. These include schools like:

Alabama State University
Concordia University Texas
Texas Wesleyan University
Columbus State University
Barry University
University of Tampa
Multiple CIAA institutions

How to Get Your Piece of the Pie

Now that you know where the opportunities are, how do you actually land a scholarship? Here’s your game plan:

1. Do Your Research Use resources like CollegiateFlagFootball.com and NCAA.org to find programs. Understand that many schools use athletic equivalency scholarships combined with academic or need-based awards to build complete financial packages.

2. Build Your Recruiting Package You’ll need:

A highlight video showcasing your skills
Academic transcripts (grades matter!)
Athletic resume
Personal statement or essay

3. Contact Coaches Directly Don’t wait for them to find you. Reach out via email or social media. Ask specific questions about scholarship opportunities, both athletic and academic.

4. Cast a Wide Net Apply to NAIA, NJCAA, and NCAA programs. Consider schools at different levels. A smaller school where you’ll play immediately might be better than sitting on the bench at a big-name program.

5. Complete Required Forms Fill out your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), institutional financial aid forms, and any athletic department requirements.

6. Show Your Passion Coaches want athletes who are genuinely committed to the sport and their education. Let your enthusiasm shine through in every interaction.

The International Opportunity

If you’re an international athlete, you can apply for the International Women’s Flag Football Scholarship Program by being admitted to a U.S. college with varsity flag football and submitting a 500-word essay describing the impact flag football has had on you. You’ll also need SAT/ACT scores, transcripts, and recommendations.

Some participating schools include St. Thomas University (Florida), Ottawa University (Kansas), and Keiser University (Florida). This is your chance to combine world-class education with competitive athletics on an international stage.

Real Talk: What to Expect

Let’s be honest about a few things. Full-ride scholarships are rare in flag football right now. Most financial aid packages include combinations of tuition waivers, book stipends, fees, and sometimes a small living stipend.

But here’s the beautiful part: you’re getting in on the ground floor of something special. The first athletes in any sport often have advantages—more playing time, closer relationships with coaches, and the chance to literally shape the program’s culture and traditions.

Ottawa University has won five consecutive national championships in NAIA women’s flag football, showing that dynasties are already being built. Will you be part of the next powerhouse program?

The Stars of Tomorrow: Top High School Talent Making Waves

If you want to see where this sport is heading, just look at the incredible talent emerging from high school programs across the country. The class of 2026 and beyond is loaded with athletes who are already making college commitments and turning heads.

Standout Programs Producing Elite Talent

Florida – The Flag Football Factory

Florida remains the epicenter of high school girls flag football, with over 360 schools and nearly 10,000 participants. The Sunshine State has been playing organized flag football longer than anyone, and it shows in the talent they’re producing.

Some of the state’s top programs include:

Alonso High School (Tampa) – The Ravens won the 2025 Class 4A state championship and are consistently ranked among the nation’s best teams. They’ve become a pipeline to collegiate programs.
Robinson High School (Tampa) – Perennial powerhouse that finished as state runner-up in 2025. The Knights have produced numerous college recruits and maintain one of the strongest programs in the country.
Lennard High School (Ruskin) – Under coach Travis Combs, the Longhorns are a consistent state championship contender with a roster full of college prospects.
Choctawhatchee High School (Fort Walton Beach) – Quarterback Diaris Morales, who threw for over 1,395 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025 as a sophomore, is already attracting attention from college programs. She’ll be a junior in 2026 and is expected to be one of the most recruited players in her class.
Miami Edison High School – The Red Raiders’ quarterback Rakyia Louis put up astronomical numbers in 2025, throwing for 2,482 yards and 43 touchdowns with only four interceptions. College scouts are watching closely.
Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School (Miami) – This program produced multiple all-state players in 2025, including freshman standouts Maliyah Newton (QB) and Tionna Waters who are already being tracked by college coaches despite having years of high school eligibility remaining.

Arizona – The Rising Western Power

Arizona has quickly become a hotbed for flag football talent since sanctioning the sport in 2023.

Hamilton High School (Chandler) – The Huskies won the 6A state championship in 2024 and have become the premier program in Arizona. Hamilton quarterback Catarina Maccagnano made the 6A semifinals in 2023 and initially committed to Warner University (Florida) before transferring to Arizona Christian University when they added flag football in 2025. Her story represents the growing trend of keeping Arizona talent in-state now that local colleges are offering programs.
Samaya Taylor-Jenkins, a Hamilton senior and wide receiver, earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic Flag Football Team and was Maccagnano’s top target during their championship run. She’s a pioneer of the sport in Arizona and represents the caliber of athlete the state is producing.

Georgia – SEC Country Gets In The Game

Georgia reported nearly 5,000 participants in 2024 and plays their state championship games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta alongside the boys’ tackle football championships, giving the sport major visibility.

McEachern High School (Powder Springs) – Finished 2024 as one of the top teams nationally and consistently produces Division I-caliber athletes.

California – West Coast Excellence

California has embraced flag football with multiple divisions and strong competition.

Orange Lutheran High School – Won the inaugural Southern Section Division 1 championship in 2024 with a 20-18 victory over Newport Harbor, finishing undefeated and earning recognition as the top fall season team in the nation.
Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana) – Known for their powerhouse tackle football program, Mater Dei’s flag football team is equally impressive and attracting collegiate attention.

Nevada – Small State, Big Impact

Nevada has been offering girls flag football championships since 2017 and has over 1,600 participants competing across three divisions. The state consistently produces college-ready talent despite its smaller population.

Alabama – Southern Hospitality Meets Competitive Fire

Alabama held its first state championship in December 2024 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, and the sport is exploding in the state.

Central High School (Phenix City) – Emerged as one of the top programs in the inaugural season and is building a reputation for developing college-ready players.

The Recruiting Landscape for 2026

While women’s flag football recruiting is still in its infancy compared to established sports, college coaches are becoming more aggressive in identifying and recruiting top high school talent. Here’s what’s happening:

Showcases and Exposure Events

The NAIA hosted a Girls Flag Football High School Showcase at Mercedes-Benz Stadium where more than 130 high school players participated, resulting in 39 collegiate offers being extended on-site. These showcase events are becoming critical for athletes in the 2026 class to gain exposure.

The NFL Flag Championships in Canton, Ohio, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame also serve as a major recruiting event where college coaches evaluate talent from across the country and internationally.

Early Commitments

Unlike traditional sports where recruiting timelines are well-established, flag football recruiting is happening in real-time as programs launch. Athletes in the 2026 class are finding themselves in the unique position of being recruited by programs that didn’t exist when they started high school.

Many top players are already committed or being heavily recruited:

Athletes from Florida powerhouse programs are fielding offers from NAIA schools across the country
Arizona players now have in-state options at Arizona Christian, Ottawa University Arizona, and Benedictine Mesa
Georgia talent is being recruited by emerging Southeast programs

Position-Specific Recruiting

Quarterbacks with strong arms and field vision are highly sought after, as are dynamic wide receivers and defensive backs who can read plays. The seven-on-seven format emphasizes speed, agility, and football IQ over size, opening opportunities for athletes who might not have considered tackle football.

Multi-Sport Athletes Making the Switch

Many of the top flag football recruits, like Catarina Maccagnano who came from softball, are multi-sport athletes who discovered flag football later. College coaches are actively recruiting athletes from soccer, basketball, and track who show the speed and athleticism to excel in flag football.

The International Pipeline

The International Women’s Flag Football Scholarship Program has already identified global talent, with athletes like Tatiana Dos Santos from Panama (now at Ottawa University) and Shanya Murape from Canada (at Kansas Wesleyan University) paving the way for international players to compete in U.S. colleges.

Looking Ahead: The Future Is Bright

The trajectory of women’s flag football is clear—it’s going nowhere but up. With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, NCAA recognition happening now, and the NFL’s continued investment, this sport is positioned for explosive growth.

Projections suggest that by 2028, over 100 colleges could have varsity flag football programs with around 2,000 scholarship opportunities for female athletes. That’s 2,000 chances to play the sport you love while earning your degree.

Every major conference is watching, evaluating, and many are preparing to add flag football. The schools joining now will be established powerhouses by the time the sport reaches full NCAA championship status. And the athletes joining today? You’ll be the legends who built something from the ground up.

Your Move

So, what are you waiting for? If you’ve been dreaming of playing competitive football in college, the door is wide open right now. Grab your cleats, start working on your highlight reel, and reach out to coaches at the schools on this list.

This isn’t just about flag football—it’s about being part of a movement that’s changing women’s sports forever. It’s about opportunity, equality, and proving that women’s football isn’t the future—it’s right now.

The field is waiting. Will you take it?