Nebraska Becomes First Power Four School to Add Women’s Flag Football as Varsity Sport
In a groundbreaking move that underscores both tradition and forward-thinking, Nebraska is officially adding women’s flag football to its varsity sports lineup-becoming the first Power Four program to do so.
The announcement comes on the heels of the NCAA’s formal recognition of women’s flag football as a sanctioned sport, a major milestone for the game’s growth. For Nebraska, this isn’t just about adding another sport-it’s about continuing a legacy of leadership in women’s athletics while embracing one of the fastest-growing games in the country.
With the addition, the Huskers now boast 25 intercollegiate athletic programs-15 women’s teams and 10 men’s. And while that number is impressive on its own, it’s the timing and intent behind this move that truly stands out.
“This is a banner day for Nebraska Athletics and for women’s sports,” said Athletic Director Troy Dannen. “In a time of uncertainty and change in college athletics, creating new participation opportunities continues Nebraska’s rich history of elevating women’s athletics.”
Dannen’s words aren’t just lip service. Nebraska has long been a trailblazer in women's sports, and this latest move reinforces that reputation.
The program is set to kick off its inaugural competitive season in spring 2028, with games scheduled from January through May. That timeline also lines up with another major moment for the sport-its inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The synergy there isn’t lost on anyone paying attention.
The university plans to hire a head coach by this summer and begin recruiting a roster of approximately 15 players ahead of the fall 2026 semester. That gives the program a full runway to build something sustainable and competitive from the ground up.
And while this is Nebraska’s first new varsity sport since beach volleyball was introduced back in 2013, the groundwork for flag football has been steadily laid. The Huskers hosted a girls’ flag football camp in 2024 and followed that up with a women’s flag football exhibition during the 2025 Husker Games. Those events weren’t just promotional-they were testaments to the growing local and regional interest in the sport.
Flag football’s rise has been rapid, especially among young athletes. From youth leagues to high school fields, the game has exploded in popularity thanks to its accessibility, fast pace, and the growing visibility of women in football. Nebraska’s decision to go all-in on the sport at the collegiate level sends a clear message: the future of football includes women, and it’s happening now.
This move won’t just impact the athletes who suit up in 2028-it sets a precedent. As the first Power Four school to make this leap, Nebraska is likely to inspire others to follow. And with the Olympic spotlight on the horizon, the timing couldn’t be better.
For Nebraska, it’s another bold step in a long history of pushing boundaries in collegiate athletics. For women’s flag football, it’s a major win-and a sign that the sport’s moment has truly arrived.