The 2026 College STUNT season opens with a record 600 games across five divisions, featuring 76 participating programs nationwide, as the sport approaches a defining administrative milestone: the NCAA Convention vote on full championship status, scheduled for January.
STUNT, an all-female NCAA emerging sport governed by USA Cheer, now meets all requirements for inclusion as an NCAA Championship sport. If approved, the first official NCAA STUNT Championship would be held in Spring 2027.
The current season includes competition from 12 newly launched collegiate programs and significant movement across divisions. Notably, Cal Poly transitions from Club to NCAA Division I. Programs such as Hope International, Davenport University, and George Fox University return as division leaders following title-winning performances in 2025.
“With more teams, more games, and more pathways than ever before, the 2026 season represents a landmark chapter for STUNT,” said Lauri Harris, Executive Director of USA Cheer & STUNT. “As we approach the vote for NCAA Championship status, the strength of our programs and the growth of our athlete pipeline make it clear: STUNT is a championship-ready sport, and the future is incredibly bright.”
Five Divisions, National Growth
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NCAA Division I continues its expansion with Cal Poly joining the field. California Baptist and the University of Kentucky are among the top returning programs.
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Division II welcomes several new teams, with defending champion Davenport University seeking a repeat performance.
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Division III builds on geographic growth with Transylvania and Albright College entering the competitive landscape.
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NAIA returns standout teams including Hope International and Missouri Baptist.
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Club remains a key developmental tier, with defending champion Oklahoma State continuing to lead.
New teams entering in 2026 span 10 states and four divisions. The full list includes:
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Division I: McNeese State University (Club)
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Division II: Ferris State, Lewis, Fresno Pacific, Hawaii Pacific, Northwest Nazarene
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Division III: Kalamazoo (Club), Maryville, Transylvania, Albright
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NAIA: Park University, Aquinas College
NCAA Implications
STUNT has been designated as an NCAA Emerging Sport since 2016. Championship status requires meeting program thresholds and demonstrating growth, sustainability, and institutional support. As of 2025, STUNT meets these criteria.
The pending January vote will determine whether STUNT becomes the newest fully sanctioned NCAA women’s championship sport. If passed, it will join a select group of sports elevated from emerging status based on growth and compliance with NCAA governance structures.
The implications extend beyond scheduling and recognition. Championship status enables postseason qualification, enhanced scholarship support, and more visibility within athletic departments.
Pipeline Development
Growth at the collegiate level follows rapid expansion in high school and youth participation. Multiple state high school associations have sanctioned STUNT in recent years, reinforcing a stable feeder system for college programs.
“This spring marks one of the most exciting seasons STUNT has ever seen,” said Jessica Stiles, President of the College STUNT Coaches Association and Head Coach at Oklahoma Baptist University. “The athleticism, depth, and competitive energy across all five divisions continue to rise every year. The momentum behind STUNT is extraordinary, and our athletes and coaches are more motivated than ever.”
Combined with a consistent ruleset, roster depth, and a non-subjective scoring model, STUNT continues to offer institutions a scalable option for gender equity and Title IX compliance.
Stay informed as STUNT moves toward NCAA status—follow Stunt Daily on all platforms.
