Big Ten athletic director hints at possible inclusion of women’s flag football.

Women’s Flag Football: A Growing Trend in NCAA

Women’s flag football might soon make a significant impact on the NCAA landscape.

Several Division I schools, including Mount St. Mary and Alabama, have launched varsity teams. Additionally, Division II and III institutions are beginning to explore the idea of a full season. Notably, last month, the Division III Atlantic East became the first NCAA league to complete a full season of women’s flag football, culminating in a conference championship.

The NFL supports this sport, which is set to feature in the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Amid this backdrop, the NCAA is advocating for its inclusion in women’s sports programs.

In the Power 4 of Division I, at least one athletic director is seriously contemplating the varsity level addition of women’s flag football.

Recently, Nebraska hosted an exhibition flag football game as part of the new Husker Game, a substitute for traditional spring football matches. An experienced Midland team won decisively, 60-0, on April 26, despite Nebraska’s talented quarterback Dylan Raiola getting some playtime.

While the score was quite one-sided, Nebraska Athletic Director Trev Alberts was particularly enthusiastic about the game.

In a recent conversation with the Huskers Radio Network, Alberts hinted that a Varsity Women’s Flag Football Program could be on the horizon for Nebraska.

“Flag football is strongly supported by the NFL. Many states have already approved it at the high school level. From a Title IX standpoint, this could be another women’s sport in Nebraska. It’s essential for women’s flag football to stand on its own,” Albert noted. “This is definitely something we should focus on.”

Currently, about 65 schools have flag football teams at either the varsity or club level according to the NCAA. However, to achieve championship status, at least 40 NCAA programs must introduce women’s flag football as a varsity sport within the next decade, with an emphasis on maintaining player participation and game frequency.

As it stands, there are multiple Division I schools planning to sponsor women’s flag football at the varsity level next year, although none from the ACC, SEC, Big Ten, or Big 12 have announced plans yet.