Apr 14, 2026 Nearly 480 teams and over 21,000 people gathered in Daytona for the 30th year of the iconic event MEMPHIS, TN (April 14, 2026) – Varsity Spirit – the global leader in cheerleading, dance team and band apparel, camps and competitions, and a division of Varsity Brands – is pleased to announce that the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship, produced by the National Cheerleaders Association and National Dance Alliance, took place on April 8-12 for the 30th year in Daytona Beach, Florida and crowned new champions for 2026. Last week, college cheerleading and dance teams traveled from across the U.S. to compete beside the ocean at the historic Daytona Beach Bandshell in hopes of winning a national title. More than 11,000 participants from nearly 480 college teams across the country competed for the National Champion title. Cheerleading teams are judged on their stunting and tumbling skills, crowd-leading ability, and overall performance, while the dance teams are judged on choreography, technique, execution, and overall effect. One of the most exciting evolutions of the championship has been the continued growth of the College Game Day divisions, which allow cheer and dance teams to compete alongside their school’s band. Since its debut in 2017, this division has become a fan favorite and is a powerful showcase of collegiate pride and school spirit. “For the last 30 years, the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship has been one of the defining moments in the careers of so many college athletes across the country,” said Bill Seely, President of Varsity Spirit. “Year after year, teams come together in Daytona to showcase their talent, passion and school pride while representing their universities. We are proud to be able to celebrate the hard work, resilience and community that make cheer and dance such incredible sports.” Select Division Champions Included: Adv. Large Coed DIA: Texas Tech University Adv. Small Coed DIA: Texas Tech University Adv. All-Girl DIA: University of Louisville Game Day DIA: Brigham Young University Jazz DIA: Houston State University Hip Hop DIA: Brigham Young University Pom DIA: West Virginia University Advanced All-Girl DI: University of New Hampshire Adv. Large Coed DI: Texas Tech University Adv. Small Coed DI: Weber State University Game Day DI: Bryant University Jazz DI: Stephen F Austin State University Hip Hop DI: Elon University Pom DI: Elon University Adv. All-Girl DII: Oklahoma Baptist University Adv. Small Coed DII: McKendree University Game Day DII: Dallas Baptist University Jazz DII: Valdosta State University Hip Hop DII: Valdosta State University Pom DII: Northwest Missouri State University Adv. All-Girl DIII: Alma College Adv. Small Coed DIII: Elmira College Jazz DIII: Central College Alma College Hip Hop DIII: Alma College Pom DIII: Central College Adv. Large Coed Junior College: Trinity Valley Community College Adv. Small Coed Junior College: Trinity Valley Community College Adv. All Girl Junior College: Navarro College Jazz Junior College: McLennan Community College Hip Hop Junior College: Odessa College Pom Junior College: McLennan Community College Mascot: Georgia Tech Partner Stunt: Weber State University Group Stunt: University of Alabama Large Coed Grand Champion: Weber State University Small Coed Grand Champion: Weber State University All Girl Grand Champion: Oklahoma Baptist University Hip Hop Grand Champion: Brigham Young University Jazz Grand Champion: Sam Houston State University Pom Grand Champion: West Virgina University More information on the NCA & NDA College Nationals is available at Varsity.com. For a full list of results, visit Varsity TV. Varsity Spirit livestreamed the championship on Varsity TV, a website dedicated to exclusive live coverage and video libraries of Varsity Spirit cheer and dance competitions.
