Women’s flag football is rapidly expanding from small club teams to sanctioned varsity sports on college campuses across the U.S.—with a boost from the NFL and growing Olympic interest. At Augustana University in South Dakota, what started as a simple flyer for a club team has drawn over 20 players and sparked school spirit. Fueled by the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics and support from NFL teams like the Minnesota Vikings, more than 100 colleges now offer flag football, with varsity programs on the rise.
States like Minnesota are seeing high school participation skyrocket, while new college leagues are giving first-time athletes a chance to compete and belong. For many, like freshman quarterback Brooklyn Sturm, joining the team reignited a sense of purpose and community. With modified rules, a lower barrier to entry, and strong institutional support, women’s flag football is carving out a lasting place in college athletics—and it’s only just getting started.