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Class of 2026 athletes shape flag football's collegiate future

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 25, 2026, 10:20 PM

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

Class of 2026 athletes shape flag football's collegiate future

Summary

The class of 2026 enters the evolving of college flag football, which is gaining traction after the NCAA recommended national championships starting in 2028. Recent growth includes the establishment of the first Power 4 flag program at the University of Nebraska and an increase in NAIA teams from 15 to over 60 in five years. Graduating seniors like Gabby Werr and Dominique Thomas reflect on the impact of these changes on their college plans. While opportunities are surfacing, some athletes face challenges in finding desired programs. Werr notes the potential for big changes in the sport as more colleges may add flag football programs.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•NCAA plans national championships for flag football in 2028.
•Power 4 programs, including Nebraska, set to commence in 2028.
•NAIA women's flag football teams have grown from 15 to over 60.
•Athletes like Gabby Werr navigate limited options in choosing colleges.
•Class of 2026 embraces new opportunities in a developing sport.

Latest Updates

10:20 PMYahoo Sports — Flag football's next frontier? Class of 2026 athletes highlight the answer — and challenges

What they're saying

"
The class of 2026 is on the front end of flag football’s college foray, facing new opportunities and a landscape that's still figuring itself out.
— Yahoo Sports

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