Women’s Flag Football Gains Varsity Status at Cal Poly, Bolstering NCAA Growth

Collegiate Interest Surges as Olympic Debut Approaches

Cal Poly is set to launch a women’s flag football program, becoming the sixth NCAA Division I institution to embrace the rapidly expanding sport. This move signals a significant endorsement of flag football’s burgeoning presence in collegiate athletics.

Cal Poly Joins Elite Ranks

In a recent announcement, Cal Poly athletic director Don Oberhelman revealed the university’s intention to establish women’s flag football as a varsity sport, potentially by the 2027 academic year. The Big West Conference member follows the lead of Alabama State, Long Island, Mercyhurst, Mount St. Mary’s, and UT Arlington in this collegiate wave.

NCAA Momentum Builds

Flag football received a major boost in February when the NCAA recommended its inclusion in the Emerging Sports for Women program. Official recognition at the 2026 NCAA convention could pave the way for future championships, although a dedicated NCAA Tournament may still be several years away.

The sport’s momentum is undeniable, especially with its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This Olympic visibility appears to be directly correlating with increased collegiate interest.

Conference Conversations Accelerate

Troy Dannen, Nebraska’s athletic director, recently urged observers to watch women’s flag football closely, following an exhibition event at the Husker Games. Similarly, ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips indicated the conference is actively monitoring the sport’s development, having already held initial discussions.

“The combination of flag football’s Olympic recognition and its expanding popularity among youth and high school players has elevated its importance as one of NCAA President Charlie Baker’s top priorities for the Association.”

—Felicia Martin, NCAA Senior Vice President

In an email obtained through an open records request, Felicia Martin highlighted the sport’s alignment with NCAA President Charlie Baker’s strategic goals, referencing its Olympic status and youth engagement. The communication also provided data and resources on the sport’s growth.

Cal Poly’s Strategic Vision

Don Oberhelman expressed his hope that an early investment in women’s flag football will allow Cal Poly to cultivate a successful legacy, drawing parallels to the university’s thriving beach volleyball program. That sport, which also emerged from the NCAA’s Emerging Sports for Women initiative, has achieved championship status and consistent national success for the Mustangs.

Alongside flag football, Cal Poly is also elevating its STUNT program from club status to a full varsity sport.

“Both of these additions are part of the university’s long-term planning to increase opportunities for female student-athletes. This is particularly important as Cal Poly’s female student population has increased over the last 12 years from 42 percent of enrollment to 51 percent.”

—Don Oberhelman, Cal Poly Athletic Director

These strategic additions are designed to expand opportunities for female athletes, aligning with Cal Poly’s increasing female student enrollment, which has risen to 51 percent.

Broader Collegiate Landscape

While only a few Division I schools have introduced women’s flag football, the sport is already well-established at Division II and Division III levels.

Last season, the Division III America East conference successfully completed a full varsity schedule, culminating in a championship event—a first for an NCAA league. The CIAA, a Division II conference composed of HBCUs, aims to have flag football as a varsity sport by the 2026-27 academic year, according to Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker.