UCA College Nationals 2026 results: Alabama crowned DIA all-girl champs, Memphis wins small coed

Alabama dominated the final day of the 2026 UCA College Nationals. The University of Alabama claimed the Division IA All-Girl national championship on January 18, 2026. Meanwhile, the University of Memphis captured the Small Coed DIA title with an impressive score of 89.3. These stunning victories wrapped up three days of elite college cheerleading competition at Walt Disney World in Orlando.

Alabama Returns to the Mountaintop with Zero Deductions

Alabama’s All-Girl cheer team delivered a flawless performance when it mattered most. The Crimson Tide maintained their position from day one semifinals, importing that momentum straight through to Sunday night finals. Judges awarded the team zero deductions on their routine, a stunning display of technical precision and athletic excellence. Head coach and team leaders had emphasized consistency throughout the weekend, and their squad executed perfectly under pressure.

This victory marks Alabama’s comeback to the national podium after a two-year absence from the All-Girl title. The team earned their fourth national championship in program history, cementing their status as a perennial powerhouse in college cheerleading. Fans erupted when results were announced, celebrating the Crimson Tide’s return to glory in one of the most competitive divisions at the championships.

Memphis Roars with Dominant Performance in Small Coed

The University of Memphis delivered one of the weekend’s most impressive routines in the Small Coed Division IA Finals. The Tigers executed a flawless performance that earned them the top score of 89.3 points, securing the national championship banner. Thirteen teams competed in finals, but Memphis’s combination of technical skill, synchronization, and creativity proved unbeatable on Sunday night.

Memphis’s victory demonstrates the strength of the program’s consistent development and athlete training. The team showed high-flying stunts, sharp choreography, and incredible energy throughout their routine. Purdue University placed second and the University of Minnesota claimed third, but Memphis’s margin of victory reflected their dominance on the mat.

Championship Results and Top Finishers

Division	National Champions
All-Girl Division IA	University of Alabama
Small Coed Division IA	University of Memphis
Division IA Cheer	University of South Florida
Small Coed Runner-Up	Purdue University (2nd)
All-Girl Runner-Up	University of South Florida (2nd)

The Small Coed Division IA top 10 finishers showcased exceptional talent from across the nation. After Memphis in first, Purdue and Minnesota delivered strong performances in a highly competitive field. The remaining finalists included Southern Mississippi, Bowling Green, Western Kentucky, Mississippi State, James Madison, San Diego State, and Penn State, all demonstrating the incredible depth of college cheerleading talent.

“After a long two days of competition, the three-time national champions, the University of Alabama, take the national title after two years, bringing it back to Tuscaloosa.”

According to FloCheer Sports, describing the Crimson Tide’s return to championship glory

Three Days of Elite Championship Action in Orlando

The 2026 UCA College Nationals ran from January 16-18 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex inside Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Athletes competed across multiple divisions, including Division I, Division IA, and Open categories. Teams traveled from across the United States and beyond to compete for national titles in this most prestigious college cheerleading championship in the country.

Over three full days, the stadium hosted hundreds of routines featuring thousands of elite athletes. The entire event was live streamed on Varsity TV and the FloSports app, allowing fans nationwide to witness the triumphs and hear the roar of the crowd when champions were crowned. Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville residents traveled to support their universities in historic performances.

Why Did These Teams Stand Out from the Rest?

Alabama’s perfection came from execution, not just choreography. Their flawless routine with zero deductions demonstrated technical mastery that judges reward at the highest levels of competition. The team brought precision timing, crisp stunting, and emotional connection to their performance. Memphis, similarly, combined athleticism with artistry, earning their 89.3 championship score through consistent execution of advanced skills.

Both programs have built training cultures that emphasize mental preparation alongside physical conditioning. Coaches work year-round preparing athletes for the January championship pressure. Success at nationals requires months of rehearsal, strength training, and psychological readiness. These universities invested significantly in their programs, and results proved that dedication pays off on the grandest stage in college cheerleading.

Sources

• FloCheer: Complete coverage of 2026 UCA College Nationals championship results and team performances
• Varsity TV: Official broadcaster of UCA/UDA College National Championship events with full replays on demand
• Universal Cheerleaders Association: Governing body providing official competition schedules and final standings